Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Relocatable Parking Deck

Kiwi Newton proudly won the Design-Build RFP (RFP-23-23797: Design Build Services for Relocatable Parking Deck) for an Airport Relocatable Parking Structure, located at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.

This demountable parking structure, a specialized variation of the Kiwi CarPark System (previously named the AmeriCar System), was designed to address the immediate parking needs of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority while providing the flexibility for future relocation or repurposing.

The project entails constructing a three-story parking facility with a 192,885-square-foot footprint and a total gross floor area (GFA) of 578,650 square feet. It includes a ground level and two suspended levels, providing 1,491 parking stalls and 7 motorcycle stalls on the suspended levels, for a total capacity of 2,518 stalls. Designed for functionality and user convenience, the facility incorporates seven bays, two stair towers, and two elevators to ensure efficient access and egress.

As part of the project, Kiwi Newton is committed to supporting the local economy by actively engaging with Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs). This commitment includes prioritizing SLBEs in subcontracting opportunities and fostering partnerships that contribute to the economic vitality of the region, aligning with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s goals for community impact

Key Features

The structure’s panel-and-beam modular design uses galvanized steel and Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) precast elements, which are assembled with bolted connections, allowing for disassembly and relocation.

Two ramps positioned on the west side of the structure ensure efficient vehicle circulation and quick access to parking levels, reducing congestion and improving user convenience. The structure also features bus shelter areas, integrating with the airport’s shuttle services.

Infrastructure has been included to support a network of strategically placed security cameras which integrate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, enhancing the safety and monitoring of the facility.

A snow management strategy has been integrated into the design of the structure where snow can be cleared from the top level, into dump trucks at grade. This effective strategy allows the snow to be brought to designated areas on the airport property, while keeping parking spaces open for use.

Challenges and Solutions

The Airport Relocatable Parking Structure project involved complex technical and logistical challenges, each requiring innovative and precise solutions:

• Existing Utilities and Infrastructure: The site presented significant challenges due to the presence of critical utilities. An existing gas line without a tracer wire required careful removal and replacement to ensure safe operation. Additionally, the project required the installation of a new 12,000-foot fibre optic line to maintain and enhance the airport’s infrastructure. The foundations of the structure were to designed to bridge over top of utilities where possible to minimize the impact to the existing infrastructure and saving on project cost.
• Soil and Foundation: Geotechnical studies highlighted challenging soil conditions with limited bearing capacity. Kiwi Newton utilized the Kiwi CarPark System, which is lighter than precast double-tee or cast-in-place construction mentions. This reduces the overall structural load, enabling the use of shallow strip footings, rather than deep foundations which other construction methods would require.
• Phased Construction: To minimize disruptions to existing parking operations, the project was divided into phases. The first phase involved constructing half of the parking structure, allowing it to be occupied and fully functional before progressing to the next phase. This approach ensured that sufficient parking capacity remained available throughout the project duration.
• Crane Permitting: Working within the FAA-controlled airspace required stringent planning and compliance. Kiwi Newton secured the necessary FAA Form 7460 permits to ensure safe crane operations during construction. This meticulous approach addressed both operational safety and regulatory requirements.

By addressing these challenges with targeted strategies and innovative solutions, Kiwi Newton ensured the successful progression of this complex and high-profile project.

Project Impact

The demountable parking structure significantly enhances the airport’s operational capacity by addressing immediate parking demand while offering long-term flexibility. Its design enables relocation or reuse at other sites, ensuring maximum utility and cost efficiency over its lifecycle. By employing modular construction techniques, Kiwi Newton minimized on-site assembly time and reduced disruptions to airport operations.

The two-ramp system streamlines traffic flow within the parking facility, improving the user experience for airport visitors. Covered bus shelter areas and integrated shuttle options enhance accessibility, while the inclusion of advanced security measures ensures a safe environment for users.

This project demonstrates Kiwi Newton’s ability to deliver adaptable, high-quality infrastructure solutions under complex conditions.