Consulting Engineering
Spanning 275,000 SF with a towering 140-foot roof, San Francisco International Airport’s (SFO) Superbay Hangar is one of only four hangars in the United States capable of accommodating four Boeing 747 aircraft. The hangar’s two bays are currently occupied by American Airlines and United Airlines. CMTA, operating as OCI Associates, designed the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems for the complex multi-phase replacement of the hangar’s fire suppression system.
Considering the hangar’s structural characteristics, the local seismic activity, and necessary code-required upgrades, the team designed a comprehensive replacement system featuring 5,000 sprinkler heads and a state-of-the-art foam fire suppression system with 48 foam generators, specifically engineered to combat potential fuel fires.
Given the hangar’s critical role in aviation operations, it was imperative that the facility remain functional during the system replacement. With the existing fire suppression system inoperable, the hangar was under a fire watch throughout the construction process. To ensure uninterrupted service for tenants during construction, CMTA developed and effectively implemented a detailed construction phasing plan. This strategic approach allowed the hangar’s occupants to maintain their operations throughout the renovation process while expediting the restoration of the fire suppression system.
