Project Overview
BKBM provided structural engineering services for a state-of-the-art aircraft hangar and adjoining two-story office/service shop complex at the Indianapolis International Airport campus. The project delivers high-performance infrastructure for Comlux Aviation’s fleet and operations.
Project Highlights
- Aircraft Hangar:
- 66,000-square-foot hangar footprint with an approximate 250’ x 250’ clear span—free of interior columns—to accommodate large commercial aircraft including the Boeing 757-200, 737-700, and Airbus A319.
- Super long-span bar joists (spaced at 8’ on center) supported by 50-foot-tall precast wall panels enable the impressive open expanse.
- Hangar floor consists of a 12-inch-thick reinforced slab on grade, designed for heavy aircraft loads and operational durability.
- Office/Service Shop Complex:
- 68,000-square-foot, two-story complex adjoining the hangar.
- First level offers shop and maintenance spaces; the second level houses offices and conference facilities.
- Structural system utilizes:
- Slab on grade at the first level
- Composite steel beams and concrete slab at the second level
- Steel bar joist roof with perimeter precast concrete wall panels
Engineering Solutions
BKBM engineered clear-span superstructure, robust precast wall systems, and versatile interior layouts to maximize operational flexibility and safety. Structural solutions addressed the demanding loading requirements of wide-body aircraft and multi-function service spaces.
Results & Impact
The Comlux Aviation Hangar and office/service complex deliver a flexible, high-capacity aviation facility, supporting maintenance, operations, and staff needs at a key regional hub. BKBM’s structural engineering expertise enabled cost-effective, efficient construction, future-ready service spaces, and a signature facility for Comlux’s expanding fleet.