Core Insights - The expansion of Xining Caojiabao International Airport significantly enhances its capacity and operational efficiency, addressing previous limitations in passenger and cargo transport [10][11]. Construction Challenges and Innovations - The construction faced extreme environmental conditions, including severe freeze-thaw cycles and temperature variations, leading to innovative engineering solutions [2][3]. - The airport's expansion area exceeds 440,000 square meters, with a fill volume of 25.2 million cubic meters, requiring advanced techniques to ensure stability and safety [3][4]. - The construction team utilized a "special slurry" method for pile foundation stability, addressing complex geological conditions [4]. Technological Integration - The project employed Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and IoT technologies to streamline construction management and optimize project timelines [5]. - The smart management platform developed during the project is expected to aid in future airport maintenance and operations [5]. Environmental and Passenger Experience Enhancements - The new terminal incorporates sustainable design features, such as a 700-square-meter skylight and a rainwater collection system, promoting energy efficiency and green practices [7][8]. - Passenger experience is improved with advanced self-service technologies, including facial recognition for boarding, enhancing efficiency and convenience [8][9]. Economic Impact - The expansion is projected to increase the airport's annual passenger capacity to 21 million and daily flight operations by 300, meeting future transportation demands [10][12]. - The airport's role as a logistics hub is emphasized, with a significant increase in cargo capacity from 40,000 tons to 120,000 tons annually, facilitating the export of local agricultural products [12].

Core Insights - The expansion of Xining Caojiabao International Airport, including the new Terminal 3, is aimed at enhancing passenger experience and boosting economic development in the region [1][10]. Engineering Challenges and Innovations - The construction faced severe challenges due to extreme temperature variations and complex geological conditions, leading to innovative solutions such as controlled water injection and vibration compaction techniques [2][3][4]. - The project involved the installation of approximately 2,300 piles, with depths exceeding 60 meters, utilizing specialized methods to ensure stability and safety [4][5]. Technological Integration - A smart construction management platform was developed, integrating BIM, GIS, and IoT technologies to optimize project management and resource allocation, resulting in significant time and cost savings [5]. Environmental and Service Enhancements - The new terminal emphasizes green development, featuring a large skylight for natural lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient climate control [6][7]. - Passenger convenience has been significantly improved with the introduction of self-service verification gates and facial recognition boarding processes, enhancing the overall travel experience [8][9]. Capacity and Economic Impact - The expansion has increased the airport's annual passenger capacity to 21 million and daily flight operations by an average of 300, addressing previous limitations and supporting future growth [10][11]. - The airport's cargo capacity has also expanded from 40,000 tons to 120,000 tons annually, facilitating the export of local agricultural products and boosting regional economic development [12].