Climate change: the structural engineers' response

The structural form of aircraft maintenance hangars is evaluated against the requirements of the next generation of larger aircraft. Initially, trends in passenger growth and aircraft size are reviewed and their impact on hangar requirements assessed. Guidance is then given on those issues that must be addressed in the design and planning of new hangars and the possible upgrade of existing stock. Comparisons are also made between the internal flexibility and structural requirements of a clear width, multi-bay hangar with the benefits provided by including internal columns which reduce the scale of the roof structure, simplify construction and minimise the building volume, thus optimising the operating, environmental control and capital costs. Steven J. Luke, BSc (Hons), MSc, CEng, FIStructE, FICE, MISWE, MIHKE Ove Arup & Partners Ltd W. Paul Howson, BEng, PhD, CEng, MIStructE, MICE Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University