Brisbane Domestic Terminal Walkway
Project Details
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Completion Date: June 2012
Size: 4000sqm
Fabric: PVC Serge Ferrari 1202T2
Client: Brisbane Airport Corporation
Commissioned by the Brisbane Airport Corporation as part of a larger project to improve all pedestrian and vehicular traffic flowing through the airport, a new raised walkway was built at the Brisbane Airport Domestic Terminal. The Brisbane Domestic Terminal walkway required a large custom-designed shade structure to protect passengers as they entered and exited the airport
The Brief
As one of the county’s business airports, one of the key elements of the Brisbane Domestic Terminal upgrade project was a new pedestrian access bridge linking the terminal to ground transport options, such as taxi ranks, bus stops, the Airport Link train station and 2 new multi-story carparks.
The Brisbane Domestic Terminal Walkway was designed to include a tensioned membrane roof structure to provide weather protection for pedestrians travelling between the terminal building and the new multi-level carpark and train platforms. The lightweight fabric creates a light, open-air and spacious passageway for commuters.
The Concept
A few major design challenges were faced with the design of the membrane. As an ingress and egress route to the airport and carparking structure, fire regulations called for easy ventilation of smoke and toxic fumes. The design challenge of the steel to membrane connection details we proposed to the architect allows smoke and fumes to vent, while minimising rainwater access during Brisbane’s frequent summer storms.
The new access bridge needed to be opened prior to the demolition of the existing link bridge between the train platform and terminal building. This presented a major installation challenge for MakMax Australia because the existing bridge intersected the new bridge along the southern side. The membrane roof panels needed to be installed in a temporary state for the duration of the demolition works to the existing bridge and subsequent final construction works to the new bridge.
The Materials
MakMax Australia collaborated and coordinated with engineering and architectural consultants in intensive design development to ensure that the membrane and steel structure would interface properly.
The Brisbane Domestic Terminal Walkway bridge was covered with 4000sqm of TiO2 (Titanium dioxide) coated PVC fabric. Chosen for its superior self-cleaning coating which eliminates dirt build up over time.
The Result
Built in our home city and only minutes from MakMax Australia HQ, the Brisbane Domestic Terminal Walkway is always a source of great pride whenever our staff travel domestically.
MakMax Australia was recognised for their work on the Brisbane Domestic Terminal Walkway and received a Special Commendation (Tension Structures greater than 500sqm) at the STA Australian Textile Industry Awards 2012.
