Concrete Cast-in-place Conventionally Reinforced Parking Garage

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Durability of Parking Garage Structures Note 1 March 1994

The purpose of this best practice series on the Design, Construction, Maintenance and Repair of Parking Garages is to inform Property Managers, Project Managers and Project Leaders on the essential requirements in obtaining a durable parking garage structure. The objective of this note is to summarize the main points which relate to Concrete Cast-in-place conventionally reinforced parking structures which are the most common structural system.

General
Premature deterioration of parking structures became apparent in the mid 1970's. The main cause of this deterioration is the increased use of chloride based de-icing chemicals used to melt snow and ice on our roadways. The salts carried into garages on cars migrates through pores and cracks in the concrete resulting in the corrosion of reinforcing steel.
Durable parking structures can be built provided proper planning and attention to design details, quality controlled construction and a comprehensive maintenance program is followed.