The Pier D expansion project at Vancouver International Airport is YVR’s largest terminal building expansion since the modernization of the airport in 1996 and is a true representation of the beauty of British Columbia.
The expanded Pier D offers an additional eight wide body gates that accommodate aircraft with wingspans as wide as 260 feet. To create a sense of place, travelers will have access to spaces of nature and relaxation within the terminal’s confines, including a feature atrium space whose roof is supported on ten, 50-foot tall tree structures comprised of glue laminated timber members framing between custom designed cast steel connections and CAST CONNEX Timber End Connectors™ (TECs). Additionally, CAST CONNEX High Strength Connectors™ (HSCs) are employed on the ends of the round HSS braces used in the structure’s seismic force resisting system.
The custom designed castings include 1,100-pound tapering column bases and five-leafed, 500-pound column cap nodes into each of which frame five upper branch glulam members equipped with TECs at either end. All the castings used in the tree timber structures were produced in a cast stainless steel grade and were passivated and lacquered.
Owner: YVR Airport Authority
Architect: Kasian Architecture
Structural Engineer: Bush, Bohlman & Partners LLP
General Contractor: PCL Construction
Steel Fabricator and Erector: Whitemud Ironworks Group
Timber Supplier: FraserWood Industries
2023 © CAST CONNEX