Saiful Bouquet acted as Associate Structural Engineers under MKA for the design of foundation systems for the new San Diego Terminal 1 Replacement Project, as well as for the demolition of the existing Terminal 1 structure and relocation and seismic strengthening of a historic hangar building. The new Terminal 1 structure is founded on an auger cast pile (ACP) system. Saiful Bouquet designed the ACPs to channel seismic shear through deep, liquefiable soil layers into the more competent strata below. The structure included a basement and tunnels below the waterline, which necessitated dewatering and soil modification to allow for construction. Tunnels were suspended from surface-level pile caps and grade beams, resisting both downward gravity loads and potential hydrostatic uplift. The basement slab was designed as a rigid diaphragm to transfer seismic forces to the piles while resisting up to 6 ft of hydrostatic uplift, and designed the first-floor steel framing above. Piles and Foundations were approved as early start permits, enabling fast track construction.
Saiful Bouquet managed the phased demolition and seismic strengthening of Terminal 1, utilizing advanced structural analysis to ensure the building remained operational throughout construction. The firm also led the relocation and preservation of the historic 1930s United Airlines Hangar, implementing an innovative concrete shear wall solution that maintained its original aesthetic and function.
Awards
2026 Prix Versailles | World’s Most Beautiful Airports
2026 AISC IDEAS² | Award for Excellence in Constructability
