Plans and Estimates – Parking Garage Rehabilitation

An effective rehabilitation project is based on a logical sequence of steps.

• Inspect.
• Assess.
• Identify deficiencies.
• Determine priorities.
• Design the repairs.
• Prepare plans and specifications.
• Obtain and analyze bids.
• Monitor the work.
• Verify corrective measures.

This continuity allows the owner to maintain an overall view of the project, from the initial diagnosis through to completion of the work.

Groupe SCP assists property owners, property managers and project owners in preparing plans and specifications for parking garage rehabilitation.

Our services may involve slabs, concrete, reinforcement, beams, columns, joints, membranes, water infiltration, drainage and the various components required to ensure the durability of the structure.

Our objective is to transform identified deficiencies into clearly defined, technically documented work adapted to the actual condition of the parking structure.

Because between identifying that a parking structure is deteriorating and undertaking the work, one essential step remains precisely defining how it should be repaired

An inspection establishes the condition of the parking structure.

Plans and specifications define how to intervene. This distinction is fundamental.

Identifying an area of delaminated concrete does not yet specify the extent of demolition, required preparation, reinforcement treatment, repair material or finishing method.

Identifying water infiltration does not automatically determine its source, the components to be corrected, the membranes to be repaired or the waterproofing details to be modified.

The preparation of parking garage rehabilitation plans and specifications therefore makes it possible to move from diagnosis to a structured intervention strategy.

Requirements can vary considerably from one parking structure to another.

One structure may require only a few localized repairs.

Another may present several deficiencies requiring more extensive rehabilitation.

Depending on the observed condition, the work may include:

• Concrete slab repairs
• Beam and column repairs
• Treatment of corroded reinforcement
• Crack repairs
• Replacement or repair of joints
• Membrane rehabilitation
• Correction of water infiltration
• Drain work
• Drainage corrections
• Ramp repairs
• Work on certain structural components

A clearly defined scope makes it possible to better manage costs, bids, scheduling and execution of the work.

Plans provide a graphic representation of the proposed interventions and their locations.

Depending on the project, they may include:

• Repair areas
• Scope of work
• Types of intervention
• Concrete repair details
• Joints
• Membranes
• Drains
• Ramps
• Interfaces
• Structural elements
• Specific work sequences

The plans therefore provide a common reference for the owner, professionals and contractors.

They reduce ambiguity and facilitate a better understanding of the project scope.

The specifications complement the plans by defining the technical requirements applicable to the work.

Depending on the nature of the project, they may address:

• Materials
• Repair products
• Surface preparation
• Execution methods
• Reinforcement treatment
• Membranes and waterproofing systems
• Joints
• Application conditions
• Concrete curing
• Protection of the work
• Quality control
• Testing when required
• Required documentation

The specifications therefore define not only what must be repaired, but also the requirements governing how the work must be performed.

Slabs are among the most heavily exposed components of a parking structure.

• Traffic.
• Repeated loads.
• Water.
• De-icing salts.
• Freeze-thaw cycles.
• Temperature variations.

These conditions can progressively contribute to the deterioration of concrete and reinforcement.

Plans and specifications may define the interventions required to correct:

• Delaminated concrete
• Spalled concrete
• Cracking
• Exposed reinforcement
• Corrosion
• Deteriorated areas
• Deficient previous repairs

Proper repair generally requires more than simply applying new material over a deteriorated surface.

Substrate preparation and treatment of the underlying conditions are essential to the performance of the repair.

Reinforcement corrosion is a common issue in reinforced concrete parking structures.

Water and de-icing salts carried in by vehicles can contribute to conditions that promote corrosion.

When reinforcement corrodes, its expansion can cause cracking, delamination and spalling of the concrete.

Technical documents may specify requirements for removing deteriorated concrete, exposing reinforcement, cleaning, treating or replacing it when required, and reconstructing the concrete section.

The objective is to address the deteriorated area as a whole, rather than only its visible manifestation at the surface.

The work does not concern only driving surfaces.

Depending on the condition of the parking structure, interventions may also be required on:

• Beams
• Columns
• Walls
• Ramps
• Slabs
• Supports
• Other concrete elements

Plans and specifications make it possible to define repairs according to the nature and extent of the observed deficiencies.

When structural components are involved, particular attention must be given to the work sequence and any temporary conditions required during the interventions.

Joints are important components of parking structures.

They accommodate certain movements while also contributing to water management between different sections.

When they deteriorate, they can contribute to water infiltration, concrete deterioration or damage to components located on lower levels.

Plans and specifications may define:

• Removal of existing joints
• Surface preparation
• Type of system
• Dimensions
• Materials
• Connections
• Installation conditions
• Treatment of interfaces

The performance of a joint depends heavily on the quality of its preparation and installation.

Water management is an essential component of parking structure durability.

A membrane or waterproofing system can help limit the penetration of water and contaminants into certain components.

Depending on the project, the work may involve:

• Existing membranes
• Localized repairs
• System replacement
• Connections
• Upturns
• Transitions
• Joints
• Interfaces with drains
• Crack treatment

Plans and specifications make it possible to define system continuity and the details required at the various interfaces.

A high-performance membrane remains dependent on its details.

Water often finds weaknesses at connections rather than in the middle of a surface.

Ramps are exposed to particular conditions.

• Slope.
• Traffic.
• Braking.
• Acceleration.
• Water.
• Snow.
• Salts.

They can therefore experience significant wear and require specific interventions.

Plans and specifications may incorporate concrete repairs, crack treatment, membranes, joints, drainage or other corrective measures depending on the observed condition.

The design must also consider the need to maintain a surface suitable for vehicle traffic.

When a parking structure has undergone an inspection or assessment in the context of requirements associated with Law 122, the identified deficiencies and recommendations can serve as the starting point for preparing the rehabilitation project.

The required work can then be translated into plans, details, quantities, technical requirements and tender documents.

This creates a logical continuity between the various services:

Inspection and assessment → identification of deficiencies → plans and specifications → tendering → work → monitoring and quality control.

This approach allows the owner to move from findings to intervention in a structured manner.

Preparing plans and specifications may require additional investigations to better determine the scope of the work.

Depending on the project, these may include:

• Deficiency surveys
• Sounding
• Identification of delaminated areas
• Exploratory openings
• Verification of existing repairs
• Review of previous reports
• Analysis of available plans
• Photographic documentation

Existing structures may conceal conditions that are not immediately visible.

A better understanding of the structure before work begins helps reduce unknowns during construction.

A parking garage often needs to remain partially operational during the work.

It is therefore necessary to consider access, vehicle circulation, available spaces, user safety and the sequence of interventions.

Rehabilitation can be divided into several phases to keep part of the parking garage accessible.

The design can take these constraints into account and establish an intervention strategy that balances rehabilitation work and continued building operations.

In an occupied building, parking garage rehabilitation can have a direct impact on users.

• Tenants.
• Employees.
• Residents.
• Customers.
• Suppliers.

Planning may therefore need to consider:

• Closure of certain areas
• Temporary traffic circulation
• Signage
• Building access
• Work sequencing
• Noise and dust
• Coordination with operations

Proper preparation helps reduce disruptions while maintaining the conditions necessary for the safe execution of the work.