Hartford Hospital, LIFE STAR Rooftop Heliport

The 20-year-old LIFE STAR helipad was deteriorating and in need of structural repairs and upgrades. The reconstruction of the landing pad and supporting infrastructure included the removal and replacement of the existing concrete, structural upgrades, and a new drainage system. Scaffolding was erected around the perimeter of the flight deck for the full 13 stories for the work on the steel outriggers, brick façade repairs, and installation of new aluminum panels below the outriggers. The eight-foot-wide outriggers surrounding the landing deck were upgraded with stainless steel supports, additional welds, stainless steel hardware, and new safety netting. Additional upgrades consisted of replacing the existing hangar doors and new landing beacons and lights. The project was particularly challenging due to the requirements that all loose equipment and materials had to be removed, and all workers had to evacuate the pad within minutes of notification by the flight crew of outgoing or incoming flights.

Award:
2009 American Council of Engineering Companies Engineering Excellence Award