In collaboration with Elena Flores Fuentes – Administrative and Commercial Assistant, AGF Costa Rica
Building a bridge without shutting down traffic. Expanding an airport terminal in the middle of a fully operational airport. That’s exactly what the AGF Costa Rica team delivered on two recent projects: Savia Bridge and the Aeris Terminal expansion.
Savia bridge: Delivering without disrupting traffic
From July to December 2025, AGF Costa Rica supplied and installed rebar for the Savia Bridge project for Constructora Traesa S.A. The main challenge? Completing the work without closing the existing road. In addition, Pier 1 was located near a river channel, requiring extra precautions and tight coordination.
To optimize installation, our team proposed preassembling the columns so they could be set directly onto the caisson piles. Precise positioning of the vertical bars was essential to ensure proper alignment during assembly. We also suggested detailing adjustments for the cap beams and diaphragm beams (a structural element that acts like a giant L-shaped beam to resist shear and transfer horizontal loads, such as wind and seismic forces, to vertical elements), which helped streamline construction.
In total, 15 to 20 employees and one superintendent closely monitored every phase, from foundation pile placement through installation of the main slab. Thanks to effective communication between our site teams, detailers and the client, the project was completed on schedule, without interrupting traffic and in full compliance with site constraints.
Aeris terminal: Building in a live airport environment
For Constructora Volio & Trejos, AGF Costa Rica is currently contributing to the construction of a new section of the Juan Santamaría International Airport terminal, from April 2025 to March 2026. The project involves working adjacent to an active demolition zone, within tight space limitations and under strict civil aviation requirements.
Our team installed 540 tonnes of rebar for piles, columns, walls and intermediate floor slabs, while coordinating deliveries and installation in a highly restricted environment. The team stood out for the efficient preassembly of 8-metre basement columns and for implementing a disciplined approach to erecting 10-metre-high walls at the second level.
A unique highlight of the project was our participation in installing a sculpture by a national artist. Our team constructed the reinforced base with precision to ensure long-term structural stability.
With 20 to 25 employees on site, the team successfully managed design revisions and shifting priorities related to demolition activities without impacting the overall schedule. The project is currently 90% complete.
Once again, proactive communication among all stakeholders allowed our team to navigate challenges effectively and propose technical solutions that enhanced project execution.
Two projects, one high-performing local team
These two projects highlight the key role of our local unit in Costa Rica. The team leads coordination efforts, works closely with contractors and engineers and delivers complex work.
Thanks to preassembly and the industrialized capabilities of our local shop, the team operates more efficiently than traditional on-site cutting and bending methods commonly used in Costa Rica, accelerating timelines while maintaining high quality standards.