Committed to finish the construction of Clark International Airport’s new terminal building by June 2020, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) today announced that the world-class materials to be used for the modern roof structure is already en route to the Philippines.
A BCDA delegation, together with representatives of Megawide-GMR, which won the bid to build the terminal, recently conducted a Factory Acceptance Test in Vienna, Austria, and Italy to inspect the glued laminated timber or glulam, and aluminum roofing to be used for the new Clark International Airport terminal.
Rubner Holzbau, a timber engineering expert firm based in Austria, has started to ship the glulam trusses or the wood portion of the roof, the wavy design of which is inspired by the Zambales mountain range.
“As the next premier gateway to Asia, Clark International Airport should be designed and constructed only by the best in the world,” BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon said.
Rubner’s projects also include the construction of industrial and commercial buildings; shopping centers; educational institutions; facilities for sports, leisure and culture; residential buildings; and hotels.
Megawide-GMR also collaborated with ISCOM SPA for the 47,000-square meter wavy roof surface. Founded in Italy, ISCOM SPA was among the pioneers in the use of aluminum alloys for roofing and cladding. It also provided the roof of the Mactan International Airport in Cebu, and other airports in Italy, France, Turkey, Jamaica, and Egypt. ISCOM SPA’s Riverclack system is also used in aircraft and automotive applications.
“The roof can easily withstand up to Category 5 hurricane given that the Philippines is in a geohazard location. The design also makes the structure sound and stable,” BCDA’s Senior Vice President for Business Development and Operations Engr. Joshua Bingcang pointed out.
ISCOM SPA is also involved in other remarkable projects, such as the KSU Stadium in Saudi Arabia; Technogym Village, and Rimin Expo Center in Italy; and Prologis Marks & Spencer Distribution Center in England.
“The materials sourced by Megawide-GMR from leading firms add elegance to the design of the Clark International Airport,” said Bingcang.
According to BCDA, the materials will start to arrive in the country in two months.
Meanwhile, construction on the site has already moved to superstructure works, said Bingcang. “We have already accomplished 25 percent of the Clark International Airport project as of this date,” he said.
Phase 1 of the Clark International Airport expansion project is expected to be completed by June 2020, with the passenger capacity to be increased by eight million per annum.