A major goal for the 19-hectare project was to strengthen the existing terrain while preserving the surrounding environment.
Photo courtesy Walbridge
Ford Global Technology & Business Center
Naucalpan, Mexico
Best Project
Submitted by: Walbridge de Mexico
Owner: Ford Motor Co.
Lead Design Firm | Structural Engineer: Gala Design Studio
General Contractor: Walbridge de México
Designed with a sustainable, holistic and inclusive approach, this project—which includes Ford’s corporate office headquarters and the largest Automotive Engineering Center in Mexico—spans 19 hectares of land, much of which is a protected ecological zone. Starting work on a site devoid of roads, electricity and even potable water, the first challenge was the earth movement and stabilization phase to strengthen the existing terrain. This work included construction of the largest gabion wall in Latin America to prevent erosion of the ravines.
“The first stage of earth movement was fundamental and an important activity in our critical path for the project,” says Raul Gonzalez, operations manager for Walbridge de México. “The most important was combining the gabion wall with cement soil to a height of up to 40 meters and retaining large volumes of soil to achieve elevation platforms for buildings.”
The team implemented a Zero Waste/Zero Discharge program—an uncommon practice for the area—with generated waste recycled or composted, and all wastewater treated and reused, thereby avoiding discharge into the municipal sewer system. Contractors used a stormwater drainage system to minimize runoff to the ravines while maintaining natural flow to the local dam. The project also included the protection and reforestation of 4.2 hectares of natural green area.
Crediting Ford for its commitment to the project bringing a positive impact for the local environment, Gonzalez said, “The human element involved in the development of this type of project was undoubtedly key to achieving the objectives. My general feeling is joy and pride in seeing this project successfully carried out.”
Scott Judy is Deputy Editor for Regions, and editor of ENR Southeast, one of Engineering News-Record’s 10 Regional publications. His roughly 27 years as a construction journalist began with an 11-year stint covering Midwest construction projects. In 2000, Judy helped launch the publication now known as ENR Southeast. He often delves into controversial aspects of the construction industry such as bankruptcies and fatal accidents, and wishes he would never have to cover another accident but suspects that he might.
