The
Aggregate Product, Inc. (API) Gateway Project is the first
permanent conveyor system designed to span the United
States-Mexico Border. Almost a quarter of a mile in length,
the elevated, prefabricated steel truss conveyor transports
aggregate materials (rock, sand, and gravel) from Mexicali,
Mexico over land and the All-American Canal to Calexico,
California for the processing of hot mix asphalt and concrete
for distribution to the Imperial Valley.
The
system includes a rotating, 190-foot cable-stayed swing bridge that
spans the canal. The design system addresses environmental concerns,
reducing consumption associated with traditional truck transport.
Unique challenges encountered during the design and construction
process included a high seismicity site with liquefiable soils,
security concerns given the proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border,
multinational collaboration between U.S. and Mexican agencies, and
coordination between multiple design firms.
LandMark Consultants, Inc. is the geotechnical engineer of the record
for this project proving geotechnical recommendations.
The Project received the
Finalist Project Award in the 2007 Excellence in Structural
Engineering Awards by the National Council of Structural
Engineers Associations (NCSEA), and a Merit Award in the 2008
Engineering Excellence Awards by the Consulting Engineers and
Land Surveyors of California (ACEC-CA).
The
system includes a rotating, 190-foot cable-stayed swing bridge that
spans the canal. The design system addresses environmental concerns,
reducing consumption associated with traditional truck transport.
Unique challenges encountered during the design and construction
process included a high seismicity site with liquefiable soils,
security concerns given the proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border,
multinational collaboration between U.S. and Mexican agencies, and
coordination between multiple design firms.
