AU2013207597B2 - A modular temporary car park assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a modular temporary car park assembly comprising a plurality of decking sections and a plurality of columns, the columns being arranged at respective corners of the decking sections, characterised in that each of the decking sections comprises at least one pre-cambered box girder. rA.

Description

TITLE “A MODULAR TEMPORARY CAR PARK ASSEMBLY” [0001] The present invention relates to a modular temporary car park assembly.

[0002] As development in urban situations increases, providing space for parking cars becomes increasingly difficult.

[0003] The problem arises in a wide variety of circumstances including railway stations, air ports, universities, industrial areas, shopping centers, hospitals, multistory residential development and the like. In these instances cost effective multi-story parking will provide a solution.

[0004] Significant social issues arise when major construction works are undertaken in built-up areas and introduce a large medium term construction workforce that completely disrupts the traffic status quo due to the large influx of construction workforce cars that require parking space. In these circumstances a cost effective temporary multi-story car park will provide a solution.

[0005] In the past a number of different solutions have been provided to accommodate cars and provide parking spaces using temporary structures. Generally, these prior solutions have required a large number of columns to support the structure, these columns make manoeuvring cars or other vehicles through or onto the structure extremely difficult and make the structure spatially inefficient.

[0006] Additionally, a common feature of prior solutions is the requirement for vertical diagonal bracing to resist horizontal loads. Vertical diagonal bracing adds complexity to the structure, creates additional obstacles to parking and adds to inefficiency of use of floor area.

[0007] Additionally, prior solutions, although intended to be temporary, are somewhat difficult and slow to assemble and disassemble and, in some instances, are known to be excessively heavy, which further makes transporting and erecting such structures extremely difficult.

[0008] A common feature of prior solutions has been the use of standard I-beams for the main horizontal supporting elements. Structures that use I-beams generally have flat decking resulting in poor drainage and formation of puddles that create an occupational safety hazard and are highly detrimental to the steel structure.

[0009] The present invention attempts to ameliorate at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of prior solutions.

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided A modular temporary car park assembly comprising a plurality of decking sections and a plurality of columns, the columns being arranged at respective comers of the decking sections, characterised in that each of the decking sections comprises at least one precambered box girder.

[0011] Preferably, each of the columns is boltably connected to a footing or foundation.

[0012] Preferably, the length of each column is chosen allow a plurality of layers of decking sections to be assembled where required, therein allowing a multi-level car park assembly.

[0013] Preferably, each of the decking sections has a plurality of coupling member for attaching to adjacent decking sections.

[0014] Preferably, the top deck surface of each decking section is treated with an anti-slip coating.

[0015] Even more preferably, the anti-slip treatment is effective for both vehicles and pedestrians.

[0016] Preferably, the ramps used to allow access to raised sections of the assembly are decking sections arranged in a sloped configuration.

[0017] Preferably, the completed assembly is fitted with guard rails and balustrades for pedestrian and vehicles and stairs for pedestrian access.

[0018] Preferably, each decking section provides two car parking spaces in a configuration fully compliant with the Australian Standards.

[0019] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross section of a decking section in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the decking section of figure 1, with the decking plate removed.

Figure 3 is a top view of the decking section of figure 1, dotted lines showing hidden detail.

Figure 4 is a perspective drawing of a grid of footings arranged in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective drawing showing the columns of the assembly attached to the footings of figure 4.

Figure 6 is a perspective drawing of the assembly of the present invention, wherein a decking section is attached to a column as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a perspective drawing of the assembly in accordance with the present invention in a multi layer arrangement.

[0020] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a modular temporary car park assembly 10, the assembly comprising a plurality of deck sections 12 and a plurality of columns 14.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a cross section of a deck section 12 in accordance with the present invention. Two steel plate portions are each formed to a “U” shape 16 and which, when welded to the underside of the decking plate 18 form a twin box girder arrangement that is the decking section 12.

[0022] The decking section 12 further comprises a plurality of cross members 20 that run transverse to the box girder, wherein each cross member 20 terminates in end plates 21. Cross members 20 are mounted to allow engagement with cross members 20 of adjacent decking sections 12. Preferably, decking sections 12 are boltably connected through a plurality of apertures afforded the end plates 21 of cross members 20, therein achieving structural connection between adjacent decking sections 12.

[0023] Located at each longitudinal end of the decking section 12 are end members 22. The end members 22 are arranged to connect decking section 12 to columns 14 and to fully seal the void created by the box girders 16, therein preventing ingress of moisture etc.

[0024] In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention the decking section 12 is formed in a pre-cambered arrangement to improve drainage from the decking plate 20.

[0025] As can be seen in Figure 4, footings 24 are arranged in a grid pattern, the spacing of the footings 24 in the grid is determined by the actual dimensions of the decking sections 12, such that each column is located at each corner of the decking section 12.

[0026] Figure 5, shows the assembly after columns 14 have been attached to the footings 24. The length of the columns 14 is determined by the intended height of the assembly, with the column preferably being a single piece. If the total height of the car park assembly 10 exceeds the practical length of a single column, additional column sections can be attached together to reach the required height.

[0027] Once the columns 14 are attached to the footings 24, decking sections 12 are lifted into position between the columns 14. Each decking section 12 is then attached to the columns 14 such that the weight of the decking section 12 is supported by the columns 14. Regardless of the configuration of the decking section 12, the method of attachment is similar for each one of the plurality of decking sections 12 used. In this manner the decking sections 12 are attached to the columns 14 in an easy manner, which does not require workers to consider different attachment methods.

[0028] Preferably, the decking sections 12 are arranged to engage with the columns 14 by having the end members 22 of one decking section being boltably connected to the column 14. In situations where two decking sections are to be arranged to be mounted in a side by side relationship, the end members of the adjacent decking sections 12 are boltably connected to each other through the column 14.

[0029] Additionally, adjacent decking sections may be boltably connected through the inter-engagement of cross members 20.

[0030] A completed car park assembly is shown in figure 7, the car park assembly 10 comprises a plurality of levels, each level comprising a plurality of decking section 12 mounted between a plurality of columns 14. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, ramps (not shown) between floors are created by mounting a series of shorter decking sections in a sloping configuration.

[0031] As required ramp materials may be added to the unfixed end of the decking section 12 to enable easier or smoother access for vehicles. The ramp material may take the form of metal steel plates which are fixed in position, Alternatively, a composite material such as concrete or a plastics material may be used dependent upon the requirements of the given situation.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a modular temporary car park assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention. The method begins with holes being dug in the area where the modular temporary car park assembly is to be placed. The holes are arranged in a grid pattern in accordance with the size and shape of the decking sections 12 used in the assembly.

[0033] Each of the holes is then filled with concrete to form a footing 24, which is allowed to harden to the required strength. Once the concrete has reached the required strength additional mounting holes are bored into the footing 24 to facilitate the insertion of fasteners (not shown). Each of the plurality of columns 14 are positioned relative to the footing 24 and are fixed in place by fasteners.

[0034] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the fasteners may be cast into the footing 24.

[0035] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment the fasteners are a sleeve anchor or a chemical capsule system for fastening the columns 14 to the footings 24. Alternatively, other fasteners suitable for fastening to masonry or the like may be used.

[0036] Decking sections 12 are then positioned through the use of lifting equipment such as a fork lift or crane. The decking sections 12 are lifted into position such that they engage a column 14 at each of their comers. The decking section 12 is then affixed to the columns through the use fasteners. Preferably, the fasteners used to connect decking sections 12 to columns 14 are nuts and bolts.

[0037] Decking sections 12 are then added to the assembly until the required floor area is achieved. As each subsequent decking section 12 is added to the assembly the decking section are connected to the columns 14 as described above and to the adjacent decking section 12 through the use of fasteners (not shown) to connect respective cross members 20 of the decking sections together.

[0038] As required to allow vehicle access to the assembly, decking sections 12 are added to form slopes and ramps as necessary, wherein one end of the decking section 12 is attached to the assembly 10 and the other unfixed end is in contact with the ground or lower lever of the assembly 10. In this manner vehicles and pedestrians are provided with a means of changing levels of the assembly. Stairs are added to provide alternate safe access for pedestrians.

[0039] The assembly 10 is completed by providing safety features and coverings. Safety features include but are not limited to signs and line marking to direct traffic, lighting, emergency exits signs and guard rails and balustrades to prevent dangerous egress from the assembly 10.

[0040] The provision of a roof and wall cladding may be added to improve functionality.

[0041] In use, the modular temporary car park assembly 10 of the present invention is installed in a location to provide additional parking bays on a temporary (short to medium term) basis. The car park assembly 10 is installed in accordance with the method of the present invention.

[0042] Footings 24 are prepared by digging holes in a grid pattern in accordance with the dimensions of the decking sections 12 such that columns 14 attached to footings 24 will be correctly spaced to receive the docking sections. Footings 24 are created using concrete and due to the loadings being experienced do not need to be structurally reinforced.

[0043 ] Once the footings 24 are completed, columns 14 are attached to the footings 24 by fasteners, therein allowing the columns 14 to be self standing.

[0044] Decking sections 12 are lifted and positioned such that they are attachable to each of the columns 14 arrayed at each comer of the decking section 12. As adjacent decking sections are bought into abutting arrangement additional fasteners are used to interconnect adjacent decking sections in a side by side arrangement.

[0045] If additional layers of the modular temporary car park are required, decking sections 12 are lifted into position and attached to columns 14 in a similar manner to the first layer installed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the columns 14 are preferably of a length such that a single column 14 is able to support multiple layers of decking sections. However, it should be considered within the scope of the present invention for columns 14 to comprise a plurality of lengths joined together to make a single column 14.

[0046] To allow vehicular access to the assembly 10, decking sections 12 are arranged to j oin to the structure at one end thereof. The opposing unsecured end is used as the basis of a ramp to allow vehicles to change between levels of the assembly. As such additional ramping materials may be placed abutting the unsecured end to further allow smooth access for a vehicle engaging the ramp.

[0047] Safety railing and other features such as shade structures are then attached to the assembly 10 to ensure that users are able to use the resulting assembly safely. Safety railings are provided to prevent egress from the structure in a dangerous manner for both vehicles and pedestrians.

[0048] It is common for temporary car parks to be installed in the same location as existing car parking facilities to provide additional parking where required. The assembly 10 of the present invention has a number of benefits over prior solutions in that a lot of the preparation work can be completed whilst the exisiting car park facility is still in use.

[0049] It is common for car parks in public areas to have periods of time where the car park is relatively empty, at these times the inventors have determined that it is possible to install the footings 24 for the assembly 10 whilst the car park is still in use. In this manner the assembly 10 of the present invention can be completed with the minimum of disruption to normal services within car park facility.

[0050] Once the footings 24 are in place, the columns 14 may be installed; again this can be achieved with the minimum of disruption to the normal services of the car park facility as installation can occur during non peak times. Further, the layout of the columns 14 is designed to not impinge on the normal operation of the car park facility once installed, therefore it is possible to install the columns without disruption to the existing facilities operation.

[0051] Whereas, in the present invention, with decking sections coupled to columns, the structure achieves stability against horizontal loads through two-way portal action without the need for vertical diagonal bracing.

[0052] Indeed, the strategic placement of columns and absence of vertical diagonal cross bracing creates entire parking floors effectively clear of obstacles.

[0053] The present invention, whilst providing temporary car parking solutions, is a robust and durable structure that can be relocated and reused many times over and may be used as a permanent solution.

[0054] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

1. A modular temporary car park assembly comprising a plurality of decking sections and a plurality of columns, the columns being arranged at respective corners of the decking sections, characterised in that each of the decking sections comprises at least one pre-cambered box girder, wherein the stability of the assembly is achieved with orthogonal portal action between the columns and the at least one pre-cambered box girder.

2. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the decking sections further comprise a plurality of cross members.

3. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with claim 2, characterised in that each of the respective cross members terminates at an end plate.

4. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the decking section comprises an end member.

5. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with claim 4, characterised in that the end member substantially seals the box girder thereby preventing the ingress of moisture.

6. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each of the columns is boltably connected to a footing or foundation.

7. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the length of each column is arranged to allow a plurality of levels of decking sections to be assembled where required, therein allowing a single or multi-level car park assembly.

8. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with claim 7, characterised in that ramps are provided to allow vehicular access to different levels of the car park assembly.

9. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with claim 8, characterised in that the ramps used to allow access to different levels of the assembly comprise decking sections arranged in a sloped configuration.

10. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each decking section comprises a decking plate treated with an anti-slip treatment.

11. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with claim 10, characterised in that the anti-slip treatment is effective for both vehicles and pedestrians.

12. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the assembly is fitted with guard rails and balustrades for pedestrians and vehicles.

13. A modular temporary car park assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein stairs are provided for pedestrian access.

14. A modular temporary car park assembly, in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein each decking section is arranged to provide two car parking spaces in a configuration fully compliant with Australian Standards.