The Design of Airport Traffic Control Towers as They Relate to Model Codes

Air traffic has been steadily increasing with the need for additional capacity at the nation's airports. To increase capacity at airports more runways, ramps, hangers and terminals are being added. This additional infrastructure is impacting the existing Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) requiring their replacement with taller and larger towers. These towers are unique structures having one or more floors sitting on top of a small shaft and topped off with an all glass observation platform, commonly referred to as the cab. The writers will discuss the various building codes and how they relate to the design of ATCTs. They will demonstrate the use of alternative design approaches for code compliance, which can substantively improve implementation of ATCTs. Additionally the writer's will make recommendations for updating the building codes.