Maintenance of Precast Prestressed Concrete Parking Structures

Article from the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

All parking structures, regardless of type of construction, require maintenance. Ordinary housekeeping, such as sweeping, changing light bulbs and oiling fans, is only a small part of the maintenance required. Precast concrete parking structures require minimum but specific periodic maintenance and care. This brochure has been prepared to serve as a maintenance guide to owners and operators of precast, prestressed concrete parking structures. It is recommended that the design engineer present a maintenance procedures manual to the parking structure owner and operator prior to occupancy.

Maintenance which is required due to public use, weathering, and traffic wear is divided into three categories:

• Housekeeping

• Preventive Maintenance

• Repairs

Housekeeping is usually performed by the parking structure operator and includes:

• Sweeping and trash pickup

• Window cleaning

• Elevator maintenance and cleaning

• Parking space restriping

• Lighting fixture cleaning and relamping

• Lavatory, office, and waiting area janitorial services

• Graffiti removal

• Cleaning, repair, and maintenance of signs

• Parking equipment and revenue control system maintenance

• Security systems check

These duties fall to the parking structure operator because he generally has a primary interest in maximizing operating revenues and keeping operating expenses within budget while providing safe and convenient parking to attract the user.