DFW Terminal D, International Parking Garage

DFW International Airport has added 8100 spaces with this garage expansion, with eight levels of parking, each identified with a unique Texas wildflower. Hot-dip galvanized steel played a critical role in the efficiency of the design and construction of this project. The large volume of steel proved to be no problem, and galvanizing provided a cost-effective, low-maintenance, aesthetically appealing facility that will last for decades.

DFW is the third largest airport in the world, offering more than 2000 flights a day and serving 57 million passengers a year.

The architect and fabricator have had good previous experiences using hot-dip galvanized steel. They originally were considering stainless steel for the project, but discovered that galvanizing was a much more cost-effective solution. The goal was to use galvanizing to artistically accent the adjacent International Terminal D, and the sleek, modern, industrial matte gray finish of the zinc coating was a perfect complement to the projects aesthetic goals.

Also, the corrosive environment of the airport needed a tough, durable coating for its steel elements to protect from rust. Airport handrails and stairs are roughly abused, with people banging bags and service elements causing nicks and abrasions. The durable zinc coating has a DPN hardness of 2500 psi, meaning it will stand strong against these invitations to corrosion. Even when the surface is breached, the cathodic protection developed during the galvanizing process will protect any corrosion from spreading like wildfire.

Galvanizing played a key role in the project meeting its tight, challenging deadlines. As the process is climate controlled, there are no delays due to weather or climate. Careful galvanizing avoided any distortion, providing excellent uniformity. 110 tons of stairs, mesh fencing, and embeds were galvanized for this project, in addition to over 3 miles of handrailing.

DFW is the third largest airport in the world, offering more than 2000 flights a day and serving 57 million passengers a year. Terminal D is the newest and most modern and efficient terminal in the airport, and is located on a main thoroughfare viewed by all passengers and commuters. Galvanized steel proved to be a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for corrosion protection that will keep this transportation hub looking and performing at its best for generations.