Panama City Airport Gate Ramps

This project involved providing structural engineering services for modular walkway units for new passenger boarding ramps at Gates 6 and 7 at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. The scope focused on evaluating the overall lateral stability, wind overturning resistance, and anchorage requirements of modular ramp systems installed on steel-framed support structures of varying heights.

The work included reviewing manufacturer-provided drawings and documentation and developing formal structural calculations in accordance with the Florida Building Code (2017, 6th Edition), accounting for site-specific wind conditions. Analyses addressed multiple configuration variables, including ramps anchored to concrete or asphalt pavements and walkway units with open or enclosed upper side panels utilizing perforated translucent materials. Where ramps were proposed on asphalt pavement, reinforced concrete foundations were designed to provide adequate structural support and anchorage.

The services were limited to global stability and anchorage performance; evaluation of individual ramp components, connections, or steel framing elements was specifically excluded. Signed and sealed calculation packages and foundation drawings were prepared by a Florida-licensed professional engineer to support permitting and installation.