The $1.3 billion Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) Improvement Program is the largest construction project in the City of San Jose’s history. Completed in September 2010, SJC’s Terminal B is the first brand new passenger terminal west of the Mississippi to be awarded LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Aggressive and Accelerated Schedule

In 2007, the City embarked on an aggressive program to upgrade its international airport to meet the air travel needs of Silicon Valley residents and businesses. Its design-build approach, the first for the City, called for an accelerated construction schedule. Nine projects were implemented simultaneously, requiring appropriate personnel to meet technical needs, as well as peaks in staffing requirements.

Saving Costs and Meeting Deadlines

As part of the Hensel-Phelps design-build team, Kleinfelder provided geotechnical and environmental services to address soil and foundation challenges for the project’s roads and structures. Using personnel from across the country, Kleinfelder reduced the cost of the terminal’s foundation system by approximately $250,000; provided recommendations for soil improvements; and met the accelerated three-month schedule to install nearly 3,000 piles for the parking garage and overpasses, despite design changes and a rainy winter season.

Project Results

Klenfelder’s depth of expertise and innovative solutions helped keep the airport improvement program on schedule while significantly reducing costs. Kleinfelder provided seamless geotechnical, environmental and construction support services for this design/build program. The program’s success has prompted the City to adopt the design/build process for all future capital improvement projects.

Project Details

Location:
San Jose, California

Owner:
City of San Jose