Structural Analysis Ordered for Airport

Burbank Airport will conduct a structural analysis of its main terminal to comply with a local seismic safety ordinance, officials said this week.

The airport was given notice by the city of Burbank that it must complete a detailed engineering study by Aug. 1. The analysis is required for all non-reinforced masonry structures built before 1933. The airport’s main terminal opened in 1930.

Airport spokesman Victor Gill said the airport has hired an engineering consultant to assist with the study, which will also outline plans to retrofit the building to seismic standards.

Although the airport was first notified three years ago that it would have to perform a structural analysis, officials declined to do so, calling it an “unnecessary expenditure” for a facility soon to be demolished for a new terminal. However, last month the city told the airport it would have to comply.

Although they have agreed to conduct the analysis, airport officials note that the terminal has been strengthened in past years and that the building suffered no damage in the Northridge earthquake. Officials estimate that retrofitting the building could cost millions of dollars.