21 Amendment 0001A01 Trip Report.pdf
PDF 4 MB Posted
- Attached to
- Reattach Electrical Conduit, Denver Air Traffic Control Tower (DEN ATCT), 9800 Peña Blvd, Denver, CO
- Solicitation number
- 697DCK-26-R-00391
About this file
This is a Trip Report documenting an on-site evaluation of electrical power infrastructure damage at Denver Air Traffic Control Tower (DEN ATCT) conducted on May 6, 2026.
The report details the collapse of approximately 60 feet of 1.5-inch electrical conduit mounted on Strut-Channel (Uni-Strut) fastening systems within a crawl space beneath the ATCT CAB. The conduit, containing seven individual runs originating from electrical panels ELPT3-1 and CLPT3-CAB, has fallen from the wall and is currently resting on HVAC ductwork at approximately 400 pounds. Two primary failure hypotheses are presented: the original fastening method was inadequate for the cumulative weight of conduit runs that increased over time without corresponding increases in support infrastructure, and/or building movement during the 2019 Bomb Cyclone (80+ mph winds) dislodged the conduit. The collapsed conduit supplies critical and essential power buses to the entire CAB. The investigation team determined that leaving the conduit in its current position was the safest approach pending further evaluation, as immediate removal risked creating personnel deviations and arc flash incidents. Follow-up actions include verifying individual circuit runs from panels to CAB, blocking and bracing any remaining properly-mounted conduit, and reinstalling Strut-Channel supports at 10-foot intervals in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC).
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Text version
TRIP REPORT
Date: 06 May 2026
To: Christopher Bates TSCM
From: Travis Schellpeper TID
Subject: DEN ATCT Power
Infrastructure
1. Scope of Work: Evaluate damage and feasibility of repair conduit which has fallen off the wall inside crawl space in the DEN ATCT Junction level.
2. Dates of Work: 06 May 2026
3. Onsite Personnel: Travis Schellpeper (TID), Dave Moore (SSCM) Patrick Blanchard
(ATSS)
4. Initial Observations: The conduit is in a crawl space inside another crawl space of the junction level underneath the ATCT CAB. Hard to reach, and large equipment or resources will be disorderly and limited in their ability in this area. There are seven conduit runs From: ELPT3-1 and CLPT3-CAB; all are mounted to Strut-Channel
(AKA Uni-Strut).
**Hypothesis 1: It appears the attachment method for the Strut-Channel to the concrete wall has given way under the weight of excessive Conduit. At first glance it seems as
Federal Aviation
Administration though the initial mounting method may have held up under normal conditions.
However, it appears the amount of conduit runs may have increased over the years and the amount of Strut-Channel did not keep up with demand. The entire conduit run is resting on top of an HVAC duct. The ducting is preventing a total collapse, to the floor, of the entire run of conduit.
**Hypothesis 2: The building has been known to sway under high wind conditions. The local specialist surmises the building movement during the 2019 ‘Bomb Cyclone’ where the tower experience winds at 80+ MPH may have dislodged the Conduit.
5. Trip Event Details: The conduit falling off the wall was found by local ATSS’ during an
HVAC duct cleaning and inspection event here at the ATCT. The DIA Crew stationed here at the airport took me into the crawl space to investigate. There is very little ventilation, and zero light. We used Cellphone flashlights and handheld lights to navigate the crawlspace. Entering and exiting the crawlspace requires navigation on hands and knees through an access portal ~30” X 30”.
Once inside, I found 7 individual runs of 1.5” conduit attached to Strut-Channel at sparse intervals throughout the crawlspace. The total collapsed length is roughly around ~60 feet with an approximate weight of ~400Lb and is resting on HVAC ducting sharing the crawl space. Consequently, the decision was made to leave it in place for now, for the safety of the TID/ATSS, and to not create a Personnel Deviation IAW 6000.15 (Code-
89/5), or worse an Arc Flash event.
The local ATSS and I were able to trace out the conduit run. The one end of the run appears to feed directly into the CAB supplying power to local positions From: ELPT3-
1 and CLPT3-CAB. Further testing and evaluation will be required.
6. Summary: Excessive weight of multiple conduit runs has become too much for the original fasteners to bear, causing the collapse of apprx. ~60 feet of conduit inside this crawl space. The entire weight of the collapse is resting on an HVAC duct running through the crawlspace further reducing available space to transit. The entirety of the
CAB is powered (Critical and Essential Buss) is in these runs of conduit.
7. Follow-Up Actions:
• Verify individual circuit runs from panels to CAB.
• Block and brace any conduit still up.
• When reinstalling Strut channel should be 10’ intervals IAW NEC.
8. Pictures:
Conduit Wall Breech 1
At entrance ‘door’
Close placement of Strut-Channel at the beginning.
NOTE: Not Falling off the wall
Around this corner the conduit is completely collapsed onto the ducting
The HVAC ducting keeps the Conduit from falling to the ground
Contact Point 1
Looking Back toward the entrance around the corner to the left and back 30’
Contact Point 2
HVAC Ducting
HVAC Ducting
Contact Point 3
Conduit Wall Breech 2
Wall Breech 2
HVAC Duct Work
Wall Breach 2. (Not shown)
Looking at Wall Breech 2. Conduit laying on the HVAC Duct.
Contact Point 1
Fastener Pic 1 of 3
Fastener Pic 2 of 3
Fastener Pic 3 of 3
Strut-Channel w/fastener attached.
Wall Penetrations from Strut-Channel installation.
Access Door into Crawl Space
Conduit
HVAC DUCT
Vertical into CAB Floor
RED Line indicates Conduit run
2x Pull Boxes
Conduit resting on HVAC duct at this point until Penetration 2
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .