The George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is one of the largest airports in the United States and is a major hub for incoming and outgoing international flights. IAH served over 46 million passengers in 2023 and saw record-breaking numbers this past summer. Because IAH is such a busy airport with international flights increasing yearly, the Houston Airport System saw a need for the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) Renovation and Expansion project.
IAH FIS Airport Project Overview
The project began in 2020 and the main portion is scheduled to be completed in Q1 of 2025. The construction area included 168,000 SF of renovated space and 391,742 SF of newly constructed space. Myrex Industries is proud to have been chosen as the steel fabricator for the project and to have provided 6,050 tons of steel. This included fabricating and installing an oculus-shaped natural lighting feature and the large canopy for the 11-lane stacked roadway. Our team worked closely with the general contractor, Hensel Phelps, to make this project a success.
FIS Oculus Open Lighting Feature
The oculus natural lighting feature is the centerpiece of the terminal E expansion. The lighting installation is both a modern artistic focal point while simultaneously adding functionality to the building by filling the space with natural light. The lighting feature is 37.7 feet by 83.7 feet and includes a 200-foot digital display around the internal perimeter of the oculus. Steel was the building material of choice for the design element because of its strength and durability. The oculus is a large open space with a roof above and window panes built into the sides. To achieve this design, the material needed to be able to support the weight of the roof without center columns.
Roadway Canopy and Custom Trusses
The roadway portion of the project is intended to create more lanes for travelers and allow traffic to flow more easily at IAH. The new roadway is protected by a large canopy that is approximately 50,000 SF and supported by eight custom steel trusses. Each steel truss weighs around 90 tons and is approximately 209 feet long. These trusses not only provide strength and support to the canopy but were designed to look like leaves and add to the overall visual appeal and aesthetics of the project.
This project not only benefits IAH and allows the airport to become more competitive for international travel, but also adds value to the tourism industry for all of Houston. The upgraded, expanded facility and modern infrastructure will help streamline travel for visitors.
Check out other projects our team has worked on here. To learn more about steel fabrication and our services, contact us through our website here.
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