There are many considerations to take into account when developers and architects plan and prepare a multi-level parking structure in Australia. A few of these include structural capacity, spatial efficiency, internal traffic circulation, as well as seamless integration into the surrounding landscape.
Despite this, it’s essential to point out that the most critical aspect that determines the overall safety, success, and longevity of any parking structure is the quality of the foundation. The most effective way to determine what type of foundation you need to construct begins with the soil test Melbourne experts perform in accordance with regulations. This post explores the reasons why every parking garage developer begins with a soil assessment.
Modern Parking Structures have Unique Mechanical Demands
Parking structures may not be as intricate as many other modern skyscrapers, commercial buildings, or residential buildings. However, it’s important to keep in mind that they pose unique structural challenges that differentiate them from other buildings.
Hundreds of vehicles (of varying weights) enter, park, and exit throughout the day meaning that the structure will be subject to immense and continuously shifting live loads. This ongoing dynamic easily creates cyclical stresses on the overall structural framework and its foundations.
In addition to this, parking structures also feature significant structural spans to optimise manoeuvring space and minimize structural columns. This means that your parking garage needs to be standing on a stable foundation to prevent collapse.
Understanding the Importance of a Stable Parking Structure
Whether you’re planning to build a parking structure on the highly reactive clays of Adelaide and western Melbourne or the shifting coastal sands of Queensland, it’s crucial to understand that soil profiles can be highly diverse and severely weathered. This means that complex structures such as parking garages can be at risk of collapse if they’re not built on the most stable foundation possible. Here are the main reasons why soil testing is essential.
1. Soil Tests Help to Understand Australia’s Volatile Soil Profiles
Australia is well-known for having highly reactive soils, which include expansive clays. These soil types experience various volume changes every time they encounter moisture in the surrounding environment.
During drier periods, soils can shrink and crack and swell during heavy or prolonged downpours. While this may seem normal, this can exert massive pressure up into the foundation of your parking garage. Soil tests are done to determine how much swelling pressure to expect. Compensation is then made for this in the final foundation preparations.
Here it’s essential to point out that if a parking structure is built on highly reactive clay without the necessary foundation adjustments, the shifting grounds can cause differential settlement, which leads to cracking and eventual sinking, especially with the intense weight associated with a parking structure.
2. Soil Analysis is Mandatory and Regulated by Law
If you’re not convinced that a soil test is necessary, you’ll soon discover that obtaining the necessary building permits is dependent on specific soil test results. In addition to this, soil testing is mandatory for all new structures as outlined in Australian Standards AS3600 for the construction of concrete structures.
In addition to ensuring that your builders and engineers receive the necessary permits and council approvals, soil tests also serve as a vital risk mitigation for developers, builders, and engineers. The results of these reports will help your team assess and choose the most effective building techniques and materials to create the most stable and durable foundation.
There’s also a legal aspect to consider. In the unfortunate event of an issue with the build, such as a structural defect, sinking, or collapse, the soil test result can form an integral part of the legal and insurance defence. This report serves as proof that regulated engineering practices and due diligence were adhered to during the initial planning and building phase.
3. Helps to Assess Groundwater and Environmental Factors
Soil testing is done to determine how much weight the intended soil can hold. However, this isn’t the only reason to assess the area under and around the intended build. Keep in mind that multi-level parking structures in Australia usually involve subterranean or semi-subterranean basements, which can intercept the local water table.
Having your foundation close to, or directly on top of, the water table can make the structure susceptible to absorption. In these instances, engineers may resort to reinforcing the foundations and footings. This often involves adding waterproofing membranes, utilising sulfate-resistant cement mixes, or even opting for cathodic protection. This will go a long way toward guaranteeing that the structure achieves its intended life span, which is usually listed as 50-100 years.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying that a strategically placed parking structure is a significant investment. Not only will this type of structure support local communities, but it will also support transport networks for decades. With this in mind, developers need to ensure that the structure is built safely and in accordance with local regulations. You’ll also have peace of mind that the next Australian storm won’t negatively affect your parking garage!