Parking Structure Foundation

Context

Specialized foundation design for a 7-level parking structure in downtown Cali. The structure will house private vehicles and is divided into Module A and Module B. The design includes pedestals, deep grade beams and beam-to-joist shear connections for W10×12 and W12×16 sections.

Role

Structural engineer supporting the design, modeling, production of rebar detailing drawings and calculation reports.

Process

• Analysis of the parking structure loads for the two independent modules A and B, considering vehicular live loads and the dynamic demands of this use
• Design of deep grade beams and pedestals in DC-CAD, sizing each element for the specific reactions of its module
• Development of shear connections for the beam-to-joist joints with W10x12 and W12x16 sections, including full detailing of bolts, welds and stiffeners
• Production of 4 structural drawings with construction details: foundation plans, sections, beam and pedestal reinforcement details, and connection details
• Export of E2K models for each module, supporting traceability of the analysis and independent third-party review

Results

• The independent foundation systems for modules A and B control differential settlement, with clearly defined construction joints between them
• The shear connections for the W10x12 and W12x16 sections were fully designed, with checks for block shear, bearing and bolt capacity
• The 4 structural drawings cover the construction details needed for execution on site
• Automated rebar detailing in DC-CAD ensured consistency across the drawings, eliminating discrepancies in dimensions and labels

Lessons Learned

Parking structures require a different foundation approach from conventional buildings: vehicular loads are live and dynamic, and the finished floor must meet very strict flatness tolerances that constrain the allowable settlements from the foundation design stage onward.