Thornton Tomasetti is the prime consultant for a seismic risk assessment of the Memphis International Airport facilities. The airport is located 40 miles from the New Madrid fault zone, which has the greatest earthquake risk east of the Rockies. The risk assessment includes the evaluation of all main buildings and infrastructure owned by the airport, including the terminal and cargo buildings, runways, bridges and jet fuel tanks.

A key focus of the study is the main terminal building, which is a 1960s Roy Harrover design in the New Formalism style, featuring concrete umbrella columns which economically span large areas with Gothic delicacy. The taxiway bridges are also of critical importance, as they provide access to the runways for the airport’s largest tenant, FedEx, which has its national distribution hub at the airport.

The seismic risk assessment is being performed in support of the airport’s current master planning initiative, which is being led by Jacobs Consultancy. The findings and recommendations of the seismic study will be incorporated into the overall master plan for the next 20 years.