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The majority of multi-storey car parks in the UK are constructed of reinforced concrete and have been designed to normal building standards. However, car park structures are subjected to more severe environments than buildings generally and many have been subject to low standards of maintenance and repair. As a result many have suffered from early deterioration, structural defects and safety shortcomings, requiring closures for costly repairs and/or rehabilitation.
This guide – prepared by the ICE’s National Steering Committee for the Inspection of Multi-storey Car Parks – have been specifically written to address the important implications of the past performance of car park structures and provides recommendations for good practice for car park owners and operators and their engineering advisers.
Split into two parts and illustrated in colour throughout, this guide presents practical recommendations that translate into everyday good practice. Part 1 is aimed at the owners and operators of car park structures and details the recommended principles and approaches to good management. In particular, the development and implementation of a Life-care Plan for each car park structure is recommended. Part 2 of the guide is aimed at the professional engineering adviser and offers more detailed, technical information on the Life-care process for a car park structure, i.e. inspection, appraisal, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and replacement. The guide also includes four appendices, which contain reference material on design, construction and performance; defects, cracking and deterioration, testing and monitoring; and safety risk and structural appraisal.
This guide will help both owners and operators of multi-storey car parks and their professional advisers to provide, through implementation of Life-care Plans, safe car park structures and cost-effective inspection and maintenance with minimum disruption.
