Signature Aviation FBO Reconstruction, Antigua
Challenge
Signature Aviation needed engineering parameters for a new single-storey FBO terminal beside its existing facility, on a live international airport site where investigation works had to proceed without disrupting active aviation operations.
Scope
Three rock coring boreholes (BH1–BH3), laboratory testing of recovered core samples, and an MASW geophysical survey across the proposed footprint.
Methodology
Rotary coring with double- and triple-tube core barrels recovered continuous rock samples for geological logging of lithology, weathering, and fracture characteristics across an interbedded sandstone-limestone sequence. Recovered cores underwent laboratory testing, including unconfined compressive strength and triaxial testing, to quantify rock mass strength and stiffness. In parallel, GID’s 24-channel MASW survey determined the site’s shear-wave velocity profile, from which Vs30 and Seismic Site Class were derived under ASCE 7-16.
Findings
The combined dataset characterized a variable but generally strong rock mass, with geological logging, laboratory strength data, and MASW-derived stiffness cross-validating one another into a single, internally consistent ground model.
Outcome
The integrated findings supported foundation bearing capacity recommendations and seismic design parameters for the new terminal, delivered within the operational constraints of a live airport site.
