PROJECT OVERVIEW

Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) is rolling out a major program to improve service reliability in the region. As part of the construction of a new electrical switching station at Newark International Airport, the entire facility is enclosed by a 24-ft-tall by1500-ft-long precast concrete wall that limits visibility to the general public. The boundary wall was completed in 2017 and provided a secure perimeter around the critical infrastructure while the precast concrete panels blend in with airport facilities.

PRECAST SOLUTION

Security requirements for the precast concrete walls were to resist vehicle impact and obscure visibility to the substation.  In keeping with the original Art Deco theme of the international airport, the precast concrete walls feature a graphic mesh. The 24-foot-tall precast concrete walls varied as the grade changed around the site. The precast cantilever columns serve as support structure to the horizontal wall panels.

Designer

Kiewit, Henkels and McCoy (KH&M Joint Venture)

Engineer

Kiewit, Henkels and McCoy (KH&M Joint Venture)

Contractor

Kiewit, Henkels and McCoy (KH&M Joint Venture)

Owner

PSE&G

Precast Concrete Producer

Architectural Precast Innovations

PCI-Certified Erector

JEMCO Erectors

Key Project Attributes

• Design organized around several factors: site topography, relationship to the office buildings, pedestrian experience, and traffic flow.
• Open stairs on the corners of the parking structure reveal lake views.
• Plan to use metal panels on the exterior was scrapped in favor of using precast concrete
• Producer was engaged by contractor to help meet an aggressive schedule for design and production.

Project/Precast Scope

• 127 precast concrete pieces, solid wall panels (1,978 ft)
• 84 24- by 30-in. columns
• Enclosure is 24-ft-tall by 1500-ft-long precast concrete wall