A condition assessment of parking structures is a comprehensive evaluation process designed to determine the current state of a parking facility, identify any existing or potential issues, and provide recommendations for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
In Ontario, a province which faces extreme weather conditions and seasonal variations, as well as regulatory standards, which tend to be stricter, these assessments are particularly vital.
Additionally, according to Professional Engineers Ontario in their Structural Condition Assessments of Existing Buildings and Designated Structures Guideline, parking structures are at particular risk because they are exposed to the elements, de-icing salts, and the dynamic loads of vehicles.
A condition assessment involves a systematic examination of a parking structure to assess its structural integrity, safety, and functionality, conducted by a qualified engineer.
The assessment starts with a detailed visual survey to identify visible signs of wear, damage, or distress, such as cracks, spalling, corrosion, and water infiltration. Non-destructive testing techniques like ground-penetrating radar, ultrasonic testing, and infrared thermography are used to identify non-visible concerns. Samples of concrete, steel, and other materials are taken for laboratory analysis to determine their condition and properties. Load testing is done to evaluate its capacity to withstand operational stresses.
The assessor will also review historical data, including original design documents and previous maintenance records for a clear picture of the structure's history and any past issues.
Finally, a comprehensive report is developed, detailing the findings, including problems, recommendations, and maintenance plans.
A condition assessment helps ensure the safety and structural integrity of the parking facility. Parking structures, especially underground and multi-storey ones, are subject to significant stresses, including vehicle loads, environmental conditions, and chemical exposures, all of which cause deterioration. Identifying and addressing issues proactively helps prevent failures that could endanger lives and property.
In Ontario, parking structures must comply with various building codes and standards, such as the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Regular condition assessments help ensure that the structure meets these regulatory requirements, avoiding potential legal liabilities and fines.
With early identification of concerns, parking lot owners can complete preventive maintenance and early repairs, which is more cost-effective than allowing small problems to escalate into major issues requiring extensive and expensive repairs.
While any qualified engineer has the required expertise to complete a condition assessment, a reputable, experienced engineering firm can conduct a more comprehensive and accurate condition assessment, with more accurate Projections and more helpful recommendations. A good engineering company provides a more thorough report with actionable information for better decision making.
Established, reputable engineering companies use current technologies and techniques for condition assessment, for a more precise diagnosis of structural issues, resulting in more effective recommendations. A better firm will meet or exceed industry standards in testing.
A detailed condition assessment provides valuable data that can be integrated into an asset management plan. This allows parking structure owners to prioritize maintenance activities, allocate resources effectively, and plan for future capital expenditures.
Having a more thorough, understandable overview of the condition of the parking structure enables better planning of maintenance and repair activities. This minimizes downtime and disruptions, so the facility is functional and usable more.
Regular condition assessments help identify potential risks before they become serious problems, lowering the risks of structural failures, accidents, and liability claims.
Through better parking facility maintenance, the environmental impacts of major reconstruction or demolition can be avoided, as the lifespan of the parking structure is extended, so new construction materials and carbon footprint-causing work is avoided.
The frequency of condition assessments should be adjusted based on factors such as the age of the structure, environmental conditions, usage patterns, and regulatory requirements. However, every three to five years is suitable for most parking structures.
Older structures typically require more frequent assessments because of added wear and tear. Parking structures that are more exposed to harsh environmental conditions face added damage and wear, so may also need more frequent evaluations. Canada’s typically severe weather conditions, freeze-thaw cycles, and use of de-icers, add to wear on these structures for higher risks. Additionally, parking areas that experience high traffic should be assessed more frequently.
If a previous assessment identified significant issues or recommended frequent monitoring, the frequency of assessments should be adjusted accordingly.
Be sure to confirm any municipal or provincial requirements for condition assessments that affect a parking structure.
A condition assessment of parking structures is critical for ensuring their safety, structural integrity, and longevity. For over 30 years, ABSI has been known for providing highly detailed reports, accurate predictions, and valuable recommendations as part of our country-wide condition assessments.
Planning and prevention are fundamental tenets for us, so we can help clients avoid unforeseen complications and system breakdowns through strategic planning to enable proactive maintenance and budgeting. Our condition assessments reduce uncertainty, acting as foundations for effective capital expenditure plans. We always aim to exceed our clients' expectations through adding tangible value.
Naji Hassan, a renowned professional in Building Science and Engineering, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his field. Educated at Beirut Arab University and Harvard Business School Online, Hassan has honed his expertise in structural and municipal engineering, building science, and business management. As the President of Accent Building Sciences and an experienced Senior Project Manager, he has made significant strides in building envelope engineering, building condition assessments, and energy retrofit programs. His commitment to innovation and excellence is evident in his approach to large-scale project management and his active participation in industry organizations. Hassan is not only a leader in his field but also a prolific writer and thought leader. He regularly shares his insights and experiences through articles on LinkedIn, which can be found at LinkedIn Articles. Additionally, he maintains a blog where he delves deeper into various aspects of building science, accessible at Accent Building Sciences Blog. Outside of his professional pursuits, Hassan enjoys travel, golf, languages, gardening, and music, reflecting his diverse interests and well-rounded character. Naji Hassan's journey in building science and engineering is not just a career but a testament to his lifelong dedication to learning, teaching, and inspiring others in his field.
