Parking Garage Structural Inspection | NYS
HSE is one of the leading experts in parking structure evaluation and design in New York. Parking garages can present unique challenges which require a thorough understanding of materials methods and design codes. We specialize in the evaluation of existing parking structures that have experienced distress and deterioration during their service life. Properly repairing a parking structure can generally be more cost effective than replacement. Our evaluations weigh both alternatives to assist owners in making the best choice.
RECENT UPDATE – October 2018
Notice of Adoption – Condition Assessments of Parking Garages
(19NYCRR Parts 1202, 1203, 1204)
EFFECTIVE August 29, 2018
New York State has now adopted the law that requires Owners and Operators of parking garages to have a “Condition Assessment” performed by a NYS licensed Professional Engineer for a period of every three years. A copy of the written assessment must be filed with the local Code Enforcement Authority. This includes all parking structures with elevated parking levels, but it excludes one and two family residences and any structure with a single level of parking that is on grade.
All new parking structures must undergo an initial condition assessment prior to obtaining a certificate of occupancy. All existing parking structures must abide by the following schedule:
Constructed prior to 1/1/1984 – C.A. filed by October 1, 2019
Constructed between 1/1/1984 and 12/31/2002- C.A. filed by October 1, 2020 Constructed after 1/1/2003 – C.A. filed by October 1, 2021
In general, the condition assessment must be a written report prepared by a Professional Engineer who is licensed in the State of New York and who has at least 3 years of experience in performing structural evaluations. It must include a description of any deteriorated conditions that result, or could result in an unsafe structure. Any conditions that should be remedied immediately must be identified. In some of these instances, it may be necessary to restrict portions of the garage or identify the need to do further testing. Furthermore, the report must identify future corrective actions and timeframes where the work can be completed. The risks associated with not addressing the deterioration must also be identified.
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Those familiar with some inspection techniques know that finding concrete that has spalled and delaminated is a sure sign of corrosion and distress. The “chain-drag” method to locate delaminated concrete has been used in the past and is still used today. However, there are newer methods, such as GPR (ground penetrating radar) that can provide more detailed information. HSE has used this method with great success.
HSE performed both the evaluation services and the preparation of repair documents for the Genesee Crossroads Garage in Rochester, New York. The garage was originally constructed in 1966, and consists of 4 levels with a capacity of 611 cars. The structure consisted of normal reinforced concrete slab. Previous repairs, including some cathodic protection had been ineffective. HSE prepared drawings to repair all of the deteriorated concrete and apply a membrane surface coating to protect the repairs. The project was completed in 2011.
One of our most notable design projects is the Highland Hospital Parking Garage in Rochester, New York. The project consisted of a 117,000 square foot, three-story parking structure and accommodates 320 parking spaces. The parking structure is constructed on normal spread footings and utilizes cast-in-place concrete retaining walls and concrete columns to support the elevated parking decks. The parking decks are cast-in-place, post-tensioned concrete slabs. The total construction cost of that project was approximately $6
