Hot on the heels of several other notable airline industry projects, Miami-based Lemartec, a Varco Pruden Builder, announced the completion of two pre-engineered hybrid steel airport hangars at Opa-Locka Executive Airport, Opa-Locka, Fla., a former military training airport gaining popularity as a full-service station for private jets.
Opened in January 2014 by Orion Jet Center, Opa-Locka, the airport is minutes from downtown, South Beach, Bal Harbour and Fort Lauderdale. It is one of the largest independent fixed base operators (FBOs) in the U.S. and the private airport of choice for business aviation in Miami.
After a long development drought, construction activity at the 87-year-old Opa-Locka Executive Airport began picking up six years ago, creating fresh facilities fit for the region’s jet-set crowd. The number of private jets based there has shot up to 147 from 90 five years ago and from 53 a decade ago. Now more than half of the aircraft based there are jets, up from about one-third in 2009 and one-sixth in 2004.
Summary
This latest project in Lemartec’s collection features several of Memphis, Tenn.-based Varco Pruden Buildings‘ products. On both hangars, Varco Pruden’s Continuous Beam framing system was used to support a transversal transfer frame located at the ridge. Three-plate tapered rafters and columns were also included in the construction of the hangars. Lean-to frames and a monorail crane support beam offer support from column to column on the structures. And an S-shape runway beam is supported off of the lean-to column in each hangar. For the roofing component, Varco Pruden’s HWR (High Wind Roof) system was used and for the wall component, Varco Pruden’s Panel Rib product was used-both in a Cool Cotton White finish.
Designed by Orlando, Fla.-based SchenkelShultz Architecture, the two 46,967-square-foot hangar structures each include more than 2,470 feet of 4-foot parapet wall. Each hangar features a 7-foot deep, 28-ton jack-frame to reinforce the metal building structure. Additionally, the hangars both include a total of 480 feet of an interior multi-gutter system with through-wall scuppers at the metal building parapet.
Challenge
The construction of the project presented several unique challenges. Chief among them was the extremely windy Florida climate. The threat of hurricanes is very real for Florida during the six-month-long Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 until Nov. 30. The dangers of a storm include torrential rains and intensely strong high winds.
Solution
Weathertight and structurally sound roofs are essential in high-wind and hurricane-prone regions such as Florida. One way Florida has responded to hurricane winds is by enacting stricter building codes.
To meet these stringent requirements, Varco Pruden’s HWR product was installed. Varco Pruden offers metal roofs that meet code regulations, including Miami-Dade County and Florida Building Code approvals. With stronger clip connection and superior seam technology, Varco Pruden’s high-performance metal roofing panels have a high resistance to hurricane-force wind damage.
Results
The enhanced wind-resistant HWR system and advanced hybrid framing system furnished by Varco Pruden helped make this project successful. “We overcame all of the challenges with the help of VP Buildings,” says Felipe Aguiar, director of marketing for Lemartec.
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Lauren Price is the public relations coordinator for Memphis, Tenn.-based Varco Pruden Buildings, a division of BlueScope Buildings North America Inc. To learn more, visit www.vp.com.