Print this page Parking Structures
D. Matthew Stuart, P.E., S.E.,
F.ASCE, SECB
Course Outline
The primary purpose of this course is to gain an understanding of all of the primary components and variables that must be considered when designing a parking garage facility. Concepts associated with planning, design, building codes, security, structure, durability and maintenance are discussed.
A. Introduction.
B. Planning.
C. Design:
1. Level of Service.
2. Circulation.
3. Ramps.
4. One and Two-Way Traffic.
D. Building Codes:
1. Life Safety
Issues.
2. Open and Enclosed Garage.
3. Use and Occupancies.
4. Fire Separation Considerations.
5. Means of Egress.
6. MEP.
7. Vehicular and Pedestrian Barriers.
8. Accessible Design.
E. Security.
F. Structure.
G. Durability and
Maintenance.
This course includes
a multiple choice quiz at the end,
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the difference between and design implications of open and enclosed parking garages;
- Understand the different factors and ranges of expectations associated with the level of service provided in a parking garage;
- Understand the differences between, and benefits and deficiencies of two-way and one-way traffic and perpendicular and angled parking spaces;
- Have an understanding of the different types of vehicular ramps and associated circulation patterns;
- Be able to develop an understanding for life safety, use and occupancy, fire separation and means of egress issues as they relate parking garages and the building codes;
- Develop an understanding of the different MEP systems associated with a parking garage;
- Be able to understand the issues associated with vehicular and pedestrian barriers required in a parking garage;
- Develop an appreciation for the security issues that must be addressed as a part of the design of a parking garage; and
- Understand the
variables that can impact the structural design, durability and maintenance
of a parking garage.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for structural engineers, architects and parking consultants.
Benefit to Attendees
This course will enable a design professional to develop an appreciation and understanding of the many components that must be evaluated and accounted for as a part of the design process for the development of a parking garage facility.
Course
Introduction
There are many
elements that must be considered when designing a parking garage. Some of these
elements are directly affected by the requirements of the building codes and
include life safety, use and occupancy, fire separation and means of egress
issues. Other elements involve the circulation of vehicles, the level of service
anticipated by the users and the determination of the number of spaces required
for any given facility. The proper consideration of MEP, structural and security
systems must also factor into the design of a parking garage. All of these elements
must be considered together to enable the proper development and design of a
parking garage.
Course Content
In this lesson, you are required to download and study the following course content in PDF format:
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.
Course Summary
The proper design
of a parking garage is dependent on a number of different factors. Some of the
factors are directly related to the requirements of the building codes. Other
factors include traffic as well as pedestrian circulation. The incorporation
of the appropriate security systems for the site specific requirements of a
parking garage are also critical to the proper design and use of a parking garage.
Proper attention to the incorporation of adequate MEP systems and affordable
and durable structural components are also of equal importance to the proper
design of a parking garage. All of these many elements, which directly affect
the proper use and operation of a parking garage, must be taken into consideration
during the design of any parking facility.
Related Links
For additional information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
Parking Today:
http://www.parkingtoday.com/
Watry Design:
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
