An Attractive Parking Solution for a Luxury Rebrand
Supporting a newly redeveloped casino property for an internationally recognized developer, this all-precast concrete ground +plus 4-level, 1539-stall parking garage provided the complimentary solution the owner was looking for during the first phase of construction for the expansion of this 232-acre site.
Among the achievements of this project include a speedy construction delivery time of 4 months made possible utilizing precast, prestressed pieces and a method of modular delivery and erection. Because these pieces were transported to the construction site and assembled, the overall construction time was significantly reduced compared to traditional cast-in-place concrete. For a busy facility like a casino, minimizing construction time is crucial to avoid disruptions to operations and ensure swift completion for patron use. The faster construction time translates to reduced labor costs and earlier revenue generation from the parking garage. Working with the client who originally envisioned a precast solution, our architecture, engineering, and construction teams successfully designed an elevation scheme that meshed well with the rebranded casino property and set the tone for the upcoming luxury dining and entertainment district.
Precast, Prestressed Concrete: Space Saving
Precast concrete offers a combination of speed, cost-effectiveness, durability, and design flexibility that makes it an ideal solution for constructing a casino parking garage. In this casino parking garage project, building systems were cast into precast elements in both the valet drop-off area and the lobby area to save on construction time and subcontractor efficiency.
Large openings were also required to meet the architectural look and building openness. Utilizing precast, our teams were able to design varying panel thicknesses to achieve the desired architectural look. Many of these wall panels were load bearing and often the adjacent panels were load bearing spandrel elements that needed to be supported by these panels which had large openings, making the engineering even more difficult. Though it was a challenge to engineer, produce, transport, and erect sizable pieces with large openings, the solution was made possible with team collaboration.
Solar Canopy: Value Beyond Design
When determining shading options for the garage, a 20,000-square-foot solar array was proposed by design teams to meet the jurisdictional requirement for shading 20% of the top parking level. While the decision to make an investment in solar may have cost the client more upfront, it also created a fiduciary asset for them with a payback period of less than two years when factoring in the sunk cost of other potential shading options. This solution is an example of how our precast design teams are empowered to provide structured parking designs that maximize a project’s value beyond the construction phase for the entire lifecycle. Additionally, the durability of precast concrete means reduced maintenance requirements and a longer service life, further contributing to sustainability.
Design: Expansion Joints
For a parking garage on a large footprint, the foundation design is critical to evenly distribute the loads and ensure stable support for the structure. Precast concrete components are engineered to meet specific design requirements, ensuring the parking garage can handle heavy loads and the stresses of daily usage. This strength is particularly important for accommodating the high volume of vehicles and the continuous movement in and out of the parking facility typical of a bustling casino. Due to project length dimensions, this garage required an expansion joint to accommodate any movements caused by changes in loading. The challenge lies in designing an expansion joint that not only allows for these movements but also ensures the joint remains watertight, durable, and safe for vehicles and pedestrians. The expansion joint was also integrated into the overall architectural design to not hinder the smooth flow of vehicles and pedestrians, and share loads at the elevator lobby. In addition to the joint, design teams also had to establish a heightened ceiling in level 2 of the garage to accommodate an internal speed ramp.
Precast for Flood Protection
The casino parking garage project represents a significant effort by teams to utilize precast, prestressed concrete to create a secure and resilient parking facility capable of withstanding the challenges posed by South Florida's extreme weather events. The parking garage is strategically located in close proximity to the coastline, making it susceptible to flooding during storm events and hurricanes. Storm surges, driven by strong winds and low atmospheric pressure, can cause water levels to rise significantly, posing a significant risk to structures situated in coastal areas.
Given the unique geographical challenges of South Florida, the design of the parking garage had to incorporate several flood-resistant features to ensure the safety of users and safeguard against property damage. One of the primary design considerations was the use of precast walls for the ground-level rooms, which offer enhanced flood protection and
structural stability compared to traditional construction methods. By designing precast walls to withstand flood waters exceeding 5 feet, the project aims to protect against the impact of these extreme weather events. |