Challenge
- Massive, transportation sector, new construction project with tight schedule
- Precast plank, structural floor system
- Concrete plank not flat or level with 1/8”-1” deviations
- Finish flooring quarry tile and commercial carpet with long runs
Construction Manager: Dick Corporation
Architect: Tasso Katselas Associates
Installer: Seman Floor Leveling Systems
Owner: Allegheny County Airport Authority
Products
- ARDEX K 15® Premium Self-Leveling Underlayment (> 25 truckloads)
- Levelcraft Pumping System
Situation
In response to increasing demand for air travel and U.S. Air’s selection of Pittsburgh International as a primary hub, the airport underwent an ambitious $1B rebuilding and expansion commencing in 1987. Despite an unscheduled increase in the scope of work during construction from 1.2 to 2.1 million square feet, the facility opened on schedule in October 1992. The airport design separated land and air activity into two separate terminals, connected by an underground people mover.
Solution
As the project moved to the interior finish phase, Dick Corporation determined that extensive floor preparation would be required to smooth and level the precast floor planks. Over one million square feet of concrete substrates had to be prepared, all linked to a fast-track schedule and multiple trades to work around. To handle the challenges, time and labor savings as well as a proven, quality and high performing underlayment were imperative.
The ARDEX Self-Leveling Solution of K 15 and Levelcraft pumping system, installed by the technically proficient and highly experienced Seman Floor Leveling System, delivered flat and smooth surfaces that were ready to receive construction traffic and finish floors within 24 hours. Thirty years after the installation and hundreds of millions of passengers later, this flooring system continues to perform like brand new.
