Kleinfelder provided structural, bridge, and geotechnical engineering services for the $2.5 billion Automated People Mover (APM) project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The 2.25-mile-long APM is part of the LAWA Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) and transports passengers between six stations, including parking, Metro transit, parking, and the rental car facility.

Leadership

The APM project at LAX was a design, build, finance, operate, maintain (DBFOM) alternative delivery contract method of a Public Private Partnership (P3). Serving as the vertical structures discipline manager, Kleinfelder led the structural design of four integrated stations including APM bridge components, loading platforms, access concourse, stairs, elevators, escalators, and adjoining pedestrian bridges. Kleinfelder’s team provided geotechnical engineering and structural engineering services, also providing added-value alternatives during the bid phase of the project, maintaining the overall construction budget.

Performance-Based Approach

The final design solutions were completed using non-linear time history analysis and with parallel designs to satisfy both AASHTO and CBC design criteria using a performance-based design approach with review and approval through a Seismic Peer Review Panel. Through blending portions of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety building and bridge codes, Kleinfelder was able to meet the challenge of providing a highly complex structure with a performance-based design approach.

Geotechnical, Environmental, and Structural Services

Kleinfelder provided geotechnical and environmental services for the LAX Terminal Cores and APM project. Geotechnical explorations, laboratory testing, engineering analyses, and reports for various components of the APM including elevated guideway, multi-level stations, pedestrian walkway bridges, and utilities were also provided. Structures were designed to satisfy the APM operating system requirements in addition to structural requirements.

Kleinfelder coordinated with City and Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety agency building officials on acceptability and criteria for unique transit structures, including coordination with a Seismic Peer Review Panel.

Project Results

The Automated People Mover project was awarded a 2023 Trailblazer Project of the Year award by the Los Angeles Sustainability Coalition (LASC).

Project Details

Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Owner:
Los Angeles World Airports