Basic Construction of the CANADACAR System The CANADACAR System is a prefabricated, engineered and constructed freestanding parking garage structure that utilizes superior technology combining pre-cast concrete onto cambered steel beams and fastened to perimeter column steel works generating free span module parking bays. The CANADACAR steel structure, including assemblies such as guardrails, mesh systems and fasteners are all hot dipped galvanized for superior weather protection. Columns, beams and precast plates are spread according to the car space width chosen by the client under the allowable standards and building codes. Architects, designers and clients enjoy the wider flexibility and range of building aesthetics, inner space, with a bright clear and clean concrete deck system paralleled with galvanized or colour painted steel works, with the ability to incorporate a host of attractive options for facades. Glass, authentic brick works, galvanized mesh or painted mesh systems, and facades of many sorts are all possible with the CANADACAR parking structure system. The CANADACAR modular system provides flexible, economic and highly durable construction solutions. CANADACAR Module Format The basic grid of the CANADACAR System consists of an 18m module. The size of the module is determined by the space required for parking on either side of the egress way. The length of a single parking space is often between 5.50m and 6.00m with a clearance height of 2.20m or more. The floor-to-floor clearance is therefore 2.80m or more. The egress way is also generally designed to be between 6.00m and 7.00m wide. The actual parking space may vary from 2.50m to 2.80m in width as chosen. All of these module dimensions are dependent on the needs of the client to which the CANADACAR System is easily accommodative. If a parking structure is required for the short term whereby the Owner or developer may have the need to use the site for additional commercial reasons the CANADACAR can be moved! It can be made to be mobile! NPS can produce the CANADACAR is such a way that the precast decks can be cut, structural steel unbolted and moved to another site to be re-built. This makes the CANADACAR truly adaptable and unique as no other system can accomplish this feat. The CANADACAR System is versatile in design as a flat-level structure or as a split-level. Most often, designs are chosen as split-level to conform to the natural grades of the site and to assist in saving land space. With the split-level design, ramps connecting the two halves of the structure rise 1.4m for each ramp to the next half-level. The floors are even which allows parkers, and patrons with moderate mobility challenges, to park, and walk safely on any level.
Typical Split Level The CANADACAR Structure The steel columns on the perimeter of each of the parking levels span vertically over the entire length of the parking structure. Cambered steel beams in 18m lengths support the concrete deck systems. Stability and stiffness of the structure is given by the diagonal placement of steel struts between the columns and beams. The size configuration of a single concrete deck plate can vary at 9.00m in length and between 2.50 and 2.70 in width. Bolting of steel and grouting of the concrete deck plates locks the system in place. Only the areas of the grouted joints are topped with a four-layer specialty coating. This is the only topping required of the entire concrete deck system representing only 7% of the floor area therefore saving 93% of the maintenance cost going forward compared to a conventional parking garage. This minimal coating and the grouted gaps also act as markings for each of the parking spaces.
On-site, the cambered steel beams are supported by temporary jack stands or shores to allow for the precast decks to be placed and then grouted. After grouting, these shores are released, and removed, and the nelson steel stud connectors on the beam along with the rebar collar and the precast plate work in combined operation and biaxial compression on the top of the precast is the result. This unique and advanced engineering provides for a lighter weight structure while removing the tendency for any cracking of the precast. The Concrete Deck System High performance concrete (HPC) is used to prefabricate the precast elements. The mix-design and advanced processes used produces a high quality and durable precast which surpasses the CSA S413 Standard and exceeds the conventional requirements of 40 years. The CANADACAR precast deck system has been certified by TROW Carruthers and Wallace, which has concluded that the CANADACAR with no waterproofing membrane other than at the joint areas, is equivalent to or better in respect to CSA-S413-2007. Each HPC precast panel is 9.00m long and joined together produce the typical 18.00m module. The HPC precast panel is 105mm thick which is half the conventional thickness of any other precast system with superior compressive strength exceeding 70MPa in 28 days. These combined and unique characteristics meet or exceed the performance and green objectives of programs such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) with substantial savings in materials, energy and costs directly. The CANADACAR precast floor panel has a patterned raised surface for slip resistance.
The CANADACAR Layout and Parking Configurations The design flexibility of the deck module (18m) allows for wider or narrower configurations, including rectangular, square or angled shapes. Each floor can therefore be designed differently to meet various space or traffic requirements. An egress way having a width of 6.00m between each parking space can accommodate angles and traffic intersections by providing differing deck plate widths such as 2 grid elements for one way traffic or 3 grid elements for two way traffic. In this manner, the inner radius of the curves (at least 5.00m) become practicable for design use. The traffic flow design inside of a parking facility is dependent upon factors such as the entrance/exit requirements, ramp approaches, and the need for safe pedestrian / traffic passageways. An optimal design of a parking facility accommodates the shortest routes for all traffic without conflict or hazard. In tandem, the traffic flow design must consider whether the parking structure will be accommodating one-way or two-way traffic and/or the use of a full one-story or split-level system. The CANADACAR System can be erected as a freestanding structure, or be directly attached, or abutted to an existing building. Sites with differing elevations are often accommodated by split-level and half-storey ramp designs. Typical Split-Level Designs Typical Full Storey Designs
The CANADACAR System has infinite design capabilities. In this example of a typical floor layout for a large parking structure with multiple floors, the CANADACAR by virtue of a one-way traffic system, with generous drive aisle and ramp space, is easily navigable and parker friendly. The distance between ramps in the upward circuit is further apart to allow the driver greater opportunity to visually identify vacant stalls at each level. The downward circuit is tighter, to provide a quicker method of exit out of the garage. The ramps in this case span 6.00m offering a sidewalk at 1.20m in width. The number and the configuration of ramps, including entrances and exits, is dependent on site size, the number of parking levels, frequency of facility usage and whether there are other building attachments or usage, i.e. a connecting public transportation system. Ramps can be configured for full storied or split-level facilities. The maximum slope of any ramp is 15%. Rounded shaped prefabricated concrete ramp elements provide for a smooth and comfortable driving experience
For especially high volume traffic and for parking facilities with high capacity parking, the circular shaped ramps are an alternative to the regular full or split-level ramps. Safe, secure and easily accessible stairs, elevators and walkways are important to parkers. For these reasons Parking Structures Ltd., recommends that clients consider glass facades for main staircases, elevators and pedestrian bridges. The CANADACAR System also uniquely offers prefabricated precast or fiberglass composite bridge decks which can facilitate protection from the elements and eliminate the need for elevators. Additional CANADACAR Design Elements The CANADACAR System conforms to OBC 3.2.2.83, Storage Garages, for an Occupancy F, Division 3 for an Open Air Garage, non combustible construction materials up to 22m high. With perimeter openings greater than 25% throughout, sprinklers and mechanical ventilation are not required. This is due to the natural ventilation allowed by the open or partially open façade designs of the CANADACAR parking structure. Several prime design elements of CANADACAR s concrete deck system produces near zero or minimal standing water conditions as it incorporates a slope of one to two percent with a collection system usually designed at the perimeter; a knurled patterned surface which inherently reduces surface slippage and less contact with wetted areas; and each CANADACAR building incorporates a carefully designed drainage system for every third parking space. The patterned surface also allows for quicker drying times of the concrete deck system as does the open concept of the building structure.
As a turn key product and one source provider, Parking Structures Ltd., assists and co-ordinates with architects, planners, engineers, building owners and operators over items such as the installation of traffic lights, cash boxes, barriers and control systems. No detail is too small for an efficient and safe operation. The flexibility given to these professionals is limitless with the CANADACAR System. CANADACAR Summary Reduced footprint for equivalent parking count. Maximum durability and sustainability. Industrially fabricated with high precision and quality. Reduced overall building height in comparison, which often allows for an additional floor of parking where height restrictions exist. Increased functionality and safety features. Attractive appearance. Glazed stairwells for maximum visibility and natural lighting. Reduced cost. Reduced construction time. 93% less maintenance cost going forward. GREEN and LEED compliant. Contact us: 41 Massey Road Guelph ON N1H 7M6 T 519 822 5281 F 519 822 6159 email: marketing@kiwi-newton.com www.kiwinewton.com