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parks
Despite their seeming simplicity, the design of a car park on multiple levels whether above ground or below
involves the consideration of a number of significant requirements. These range from efficient circulation to structural
matters, crime prevention and health & safety aspects. The various subject areas are discussed in more detail below.
Flat deck
Split level
Sloping deck (or ramped floor)
External ramps
Internal ramps
End or centre ramps, or a combination
vehicle lifts
Having established these basic parameters, the primary generator of the layout of a car park is the size and
constraints of the vehicles that will use it. Whilst in the main this will typically be cars (and to some extent motor
cycles), larger vehicles such as fire appliances or ambulances will also need to be considered. Geometrical
requirements include turning circles, swept paths and ramp gradients.
Notable requirements under the Building Regulations include fire resistance and means of escape (Part B),
accessibility (Part K and Part M) and guardings (Part K). Common vehicle space standards and dimensions can be
found in the New Metric Handbook, in addition to Local Authority highway design guides and the Institution of
Structural Engineers publication, Design recommendations for multi-storey and underground car parks.
Usage matters that affect the design include payment methods (pay machines on parking decks or in stair lobbies, or
pay-by-phone) and grace periods allowed after payment, prior to vehicle exit (if pay-on-exit is selected).
Owners and operators obligations under the Health & Safety at Work Act, as amended by S I N o.
Defensible boundaries multi storey car parks can use perimeter walls and structure. But barriers need
consideration.
Anti-climb measures may also be needed for high suicide risk locations such as hospitals.
Lighting
Management Practice
An access control system is. Important, especially for underground (e.g. private residential) car parks.
Specify inward-opening automatic gates or roller grilles/shutters (certified to LPS 1175 SR2 or WCL 2 BR2),
to avoid creating a recess), but check against means of escape requirements.
Rough surfaces to ramps can deter skateboarding.
One-way circulatory traffic, clear direction arrows, speed restrictors.
Clearly define pedestrian routes.
Anchor points for motorcycles and bicycles.
Site any payment machines in the busiest areas.
Vehicular Access
Ideally the entry and exit should be close together, but separate to one another.
Consider height restrictors (but capable of over-ride for emergency or maintenance vehicles).
Pedestrian Access
Signage
Design-in passive surveillance features (refer to Secured by Design for principles and ideas). Minimise
public areas.
Comply with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Landscaping
Specify plants with low natural growth rates (1m maximum pruned size).
Plan a maintenance regime
Spiky bushes are useful deterrents on boundaries.
Operator Requirements
Engineering Structure
Multi storey car parks are essentially elementary building structures, albeit with certain specific performance criteria
that must be met. The overall structural form will be heavily influenced by the design geometry adopted. Underground
car parks will, to a large extent, be determined by the structure above (for example a multi storey building or a public
garden).
The structural frame can be either reinforced concrete (precast units or cast in-situ), steel or a composite structure
(steel beams and columns, supporting concrete floor slabs). Ribbed or coffered slabs are often used. Lightweightaggregate concrete can reduce overall loadings significantly, and has better fire performance but smaller
span:depth ratios and additional shear reinforcement are needed.
Concrete must be designed to be durable against chemical corrosion attack. Non-slip finishes in particular to ramps
are also prudent, to prevent skidding. Heated structures are also possible, although their effectiveness can be
questionable.
Vehicular loading of buildings is covered in Section 6 of BS EN 1991-1-1. Parapet loading (impact resistance) for car
parks is covered in Annex B of the same Eurocode. Wind loads and vibration also need to be taken into account.
Structural resistance to explosions (over and above fire resistance) should also be considered. Underground car
parks will need extensive retaining wall design, incorporating tanking and land drainage.
Consideration should be given to the provision of electrical charging points for hybrid or electric cars. Underfloor
heating is sometimes used, in particular on vehicle ramps to prevent skidding, although its effectiveness can be
questionable.
Links/references