A Quick Guide to Parking Structure Construction Types

When choosing the best parking garage construction method for your structure, it’s important to determine a variety of factors including design, timeline, environment, and other parking garage specifications. Continue reading this guide to discover the benefits of different parking structure construction types. 

How to Reinforce Parking Garage Structures

Before we dive into the different parking structure construction types, it’s important to understand the different techniques used to improve concrete by increasing its tensile strength and helping avoid unnecessary or costly repairs.

Reinforced concrete is made up of two materials: concrete and reinforcing steel bars and mesh (rebar). When this steel reinforcing is embedded in the concrete, the two work together to resist applied forces. Conventionally reinforced concrete can also be pre-stressed if it undergoes pre-tensioning or post-tensioning.

Post-Tensioned Parking Garages

Most commonly used for cast-in-place parking garage structures, un-bonded post-tensioning involves concrete being cast around high-strength cables encased in plastic sheathing, which are stressed after the concrete hardens. After the concrete reaches a specified compressive strength, the steel rebar strands are stretched with hydraulic jacks and permanently anchored at each end.

Pretensioned Parking Garages

Often used for precast parking garage structures, this process involves high steel cables tensioned before the concrete is poured. During this process, the pre-tensioned steel rebar strands are stretched across a framework between two end-anchoring points. Once the concrete reaches a specified compressive strength, the strands are released.

3 Parking Garage Structure Types 

Concrete is widely known for being one of the best parking garage materials because of its lasting durability. With the proper preventative and predictive maintenance, concrete structures can last for years before deteriorating.

However, what people may not realize is that there are many types of concrete parking garage structures that vary based on construction methods and processes.

Precast Parking Garage Structures

Precast concrete is formed offsite using reusable molds, making this parking structure construction type fast and efficient. Precast parking garage structures incorporate high-performance materials making them very durable and weather-resistant and they can incorporate architectural designs into the structure’s exterior.

Cast-in-Place Parking Garage Structures

Allowing for more design flexibility and customization, this parking structure construction type involves concrete being poured on-site. Cast-in-place parking garage structures are durable, and require fewer joints and mechanical connections compared to precast structures.

Hybrid Parking Garage Structures

Hybrid parking garages are made with a combination of precast concrete and structural steel framing. The precast concrete components produced offsite are typically used for the driving and walking surfaces of the garage while the structural steel provides the framing.

Learning about different parking structure construction types not only helps you determine the best materials and methods to use at the start of your project, but it also has long-term benefits. Understanding the makeup of your garage provides you with the information you need to maintain its health and extend its lifecycle.

Need help navigating repairs for your parking structure? Contact one of our specialists to see what we can do to help today.