LAX CUP Replacement

Los Angeles, California

General Contractor: Clark/McCarthy JV
Contract Value: $44.2M
Year Completed: 2014
Scope of Work: Plumbing, HVAC/Process
Services: 3D/BIM, Design
Delivery: Design Build
LEED Silver Certification

Project Description: Completion in the summer 2014, the Central Utility Plant (CUP) Replacement project provides a modern, state-of-the-art, computer-managed utility plant for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). A Design Build project, the new facility will improve the reliability of utility services and help to enhance passenger comfort and experience at LAX.

Clark, in a joint venture agreement, is constructing the new 64,000 square-foot, steel-framed replacement CUP with a 20,000-ton cooling capacity. The team is managing the installation of the associated equipment, such as a stand-by boiler, primary and secondary chilled water pumps, cooling towers, electrical systems and switchgear.

The project also includes:

New maintenance shop and offices;
Above-grade thermal energy storage (TES) tank with capacity for 1.6 million gallons of water and 15,500 ton-hours of cooling;
Replacement of approximately 18 miles of pipe and duct bank;
installation of several miles of new distribution piping;
Upgrade of pump rooms and air handling equipment in 21 different locations.
The existing CUP will service the airport throughout construction.
Upon project completion, the replacement will be brought on-line and the old CUP will be decommissioned and demolished by Clark.
Sustainability

Murray Company provided the detailing and 3D/BIM for the Plumbing, HVAC/Process and on-project systems including water, oil, air, waste, vent, drains, equipment setting and erection.

FUN PROJECT FACTS:

The Chilled Water System running at peak capacity (36 Million gallons/day) could cool 373,500 homes.
The Heating Hot Water system running at peak capacity (4.1 million gallons/day) could provide heating hot water for 16,200 homes.
Power from the Combustion Turbine Generators (CTG) could power the lighting and appliances for 9,100 homes.
Nearly 9 miles of underground distribution piping will be installed throughout the Central Terminal Area.