scope:

INTRODUCTION

All parking structures require regular maintenance to provide a satisfactory level of service and meet service-life expectations without premature deterioration, undue repair expense, interrupted service, inconvenience to patrons, or loss of cash flow. Parking structures can develop more distress and deterioration than most types of buildings because of their direct exposure to traffic, weather, deicing chemicals, and snowplows. Poor maintenance increases the likelihood of distress and deterioration and is a potential cause for damage to vehicles and personal injury. A maintenance program includes timely preventive actions to reduce system failure and premature deterioration, which can reduce the need for significant and expensive repairs.

This guide is intended for owners, operators, and consultants for parking structures who seek advice on developing and implementing a maintenance program. This guide emphasizes the maintenance of structural components to reduce risks associated with structural deterioration. The types and frequency of maintenance required for a structure are directly related to the durability features incorporated into the structure during design and construction. Deterioration problems associated with parking structures are discussed in Chapter 3. Operational maintenance, housekeeping, and aesthetic maintenance are discussed in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 provides a checklist for maintenance tasks and recommended frequencies. Appendices A and B contain information about snowplowing and deicing procedures. Appendix C also contains a worksheet for making a visual inspection. Different types of structural systems can develop different types of deterioration-related problems. ACI 362.1R contains discussion of durability considerations for parking structures. An understanding of these issues will prove helpful in developing an appropriate maintenance program. Refer also to Sound Maintenance Extends Life Spans of Parking Facilities, by Bhuyan.