GB2269610A

GB2269610A - Multiple-storey car park

Info

Publication number: GB2269610A
Application number: GB9314768A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Douglas Hill
Original assignee: WHAPPLES CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM
Current assignee: WHAPPLES CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM
Priority date: 1992-07-16
Filing date: 1993-07-16
Publication date: 1994-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2013-07-16
Also published as: GB2269610B; GB9314768D0; GB9215137D0

Abstract

A multiple-storey car park includes vertical circulation modules 20 and 20'. Inter-storey ramps 24 and 24' are disposed adjacent to inclined parking deck portions which include a plurality of parking stalls. The inclinations may be such that pedestrians may circulate around the storeys of the car park without encountering a gradient of greater than about 1 in 20. <IMAGE>

Description

MULTIPLE-STOREY CAR PARK This invention relates to multiple-storey car parks.

Multiple-storey car parks which incorporate vertical circulation routes for traffic within the perimeter wall of the car park building are well-known. In many instances, such car parks are of the so-called split level type as shown diagrammatically in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings. One storey 1 of the split-level car park shown in Figure 1 comprises a lower bin or parking deck 2 and, transversely spaced therefrom, an upper bin or parking deck 4. Each of the parking decks 2, 4 includes two transversely spaced apart rows of car parking stalls 3. The lower parking deck 2 is below the vertical level of the upper parking deck 4 by a distance equal to H/2, where H represents the vertical distance between adjacent storeys of the car park. Transversely extending end ramps 6, 8 which extend between the lower and upper decks are provided at opposite longitudinal ends of the car park.Transversely extending ramp 10 is provided between the end ramps 6, 8, the ramp 10 being adjacent, at its end 12, to a lower level (not shown) of a storey of the car park immediately above the storey 1.

It should be noted that each of ramps 6, 8, 10 rises through a vertical distance of H/2. In general, the gradient of each of the ramps 6, 8, 10 is about 1 in 7.

Multiple-storey car parks of the split-level type are highly efficient in car parking terms, but they create visual obstructions due to the staggering of the lower and upper parking decks 2, 4, and physical obstructions due to the steep gradient of the ramps 6, 8, 10 which tend to be too steep for pedestrian use. This latter problem is often solved by the incorporation of "pedestrian only" ramps, intended to be used by pedestrians wishing to move between the lower and upper parking decks 2, 4 and/or between adjacent storeys of the car park. However, the provision of such ramps may be expensive and often leads to a reduction in the total number of car parking stalls 3 within the car park.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple-storey car park which alleviates at least some of the problems associated with prior known car parks.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multiple-storey car park comprising two vertical circulation means wherein, in one storey of the car park, said vertical circulation means comprise an inclined parking deck portion which extends in a first direction and, adjacent thereto, an inter-storey ramp which extends in a second direction.

Said two vertical circulation means may be defined, at least in part, by a single inclined parking deck portion and a single inter-storey ramp. In this case, said single inclined parking deck portion and said inter-storey ramp are suitably arranged for the passage of vehicles in two opposing directions.

A said inclined parking deck portion is preferably inclined in said first direction. A said parking deck portion preferably includes a vehicle aisle which extends in said first direction. Said vehicle aisle may be arranged for one-way or two-way traffic flow. Means defining vehicle parking stalls are preferably provided adjacent the vehicle aisle. Preferably, a first row of vehicle parking stalls is defined on one side of the vehicle aisle and a second row of vehicle parking stalls is defined on an opposite side of the aisle. Said first and second rows are preferably transversely spaced apart, suitably in said second direction.

Said inter-storey ramp is preferably provided at or towards a first end of a said parking deck portion. At or towards a second end of a said parking deck portion, which end is preferably opposite said first end, there is preferably provided a vehicle accessway. The vehicle accessway preferably extends in said second direction.

The vehicle accessway is preferably inclined in said second direction. Said vehicle accessway may be arranged for one-way or two-way traffic flow.

Preferably, said vertical circulation means includes two separate parking deck portions each being independently as described in any statement herein. Said two parking deck portions preferably extend in said first direction. Said two parking deck portions are preferably spaced from one another in said second direction, suitably with edges of each portion which extend in said first direction juxtaposed. Preferably, each of said two parking deck portions is inclined with substantially the same angle of inclination. Preferably, one of said two parking deck portions is disposed at a lower horizontal level than the other parking deck portion.

When two parking deck portions and a vehicle accessway are provided, said vehicle accessway preferably provides a vehicular path between the two parking deck portions.

Each vertical circulation means preferably comprises a plurality of storeys as described in any statement herein.

Preferably, in the car park, said two vertical circulation means are arranged so that one means is substantially a mirror image of the other. Preferably, a mirror plane between the two modules extends in said second direction.

Preferably, said car park includes, in said one storey, a horizontally disposed parking deck portion.

Said horizontally disposed parking deck portion may be provided between two spaced apart vertical circulation means or may be provided at one end of one vertical circulation means with the other vertical circulation means being provided at an opposite end of the vertical circulation means. Said horizontally disposed parking deck portion is preferably arranged adjacent an end of said vertical circulation means which end extends in said first direction.

Preferably, said parking deck portions and/or said ramps are substantially planar. The gradient of said parking deck portions may suitably be between 1 in 50 and 1 in 10. Preferably the gradient is about 1 in 20.

Preferably, the gradient of said ramps is between 1 in 5 and 1 in 10. Preferably, the gradient of said ramps is about 1 in 7.

Said second direction preferably extends transversely relative to said first direction. Preferably, said first and second directions are substantially perpendicular to one another.

Preferably, the parking deck portions and vehicle ramps are disposed wholly within a perimeter wall of a building which houses said multiple-storey car park.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a part of the known split-level multiple-storey car park described above; Figure 2 is a perspective view of part of a vertical circulation module of a car park according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a component part of a multiple-storey car park including two vertical circulation modules shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a component part of a multiple-storey car park including the two vertical circulation modules of Figure 3 and a flat deck extension; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a component part of another vertical circulation module with a portion of the upper storey cut away, in the interests of clarity; ; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a component part of a multiple-storey car park including two vertical circulation modules shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a component part of a multiple-storey car park including the two vertical circulation modules of Figure 5 with a flat deck extension therebetween; and Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of component parts of a multiple-storey car park including a single vertical circulation module which allow two-way traffic flow.

In each of the figures, the direction of vehicle travel is indicated by arrows.

Referring to Figure 2, the vertical circulation module 20 comprises a storey 22 which include a transversely extending inter-storey ramp 24 which rises between the storey 22 and the storey (not shown) directly above by a height of H/2 where H is the vertical distance between adjacent storeys. H may be equal to, for example, the distance between storey 22 and storey 26, as represented in Figure 2. The inter-storey ramp 24 is disposed adjacent to a parking deck 28. The parking deck 28 comprises a horizontal portion 30 which includes two car parking stalls 32. Adjacent to the horizontal portion 30, the parking deck 28 includes an inclined portion 34 which slopes downwardly from the horizontal portion 30 by a vertical distance of H/4 and includes a further six car parking stalls 32.

The inclined portion 34 of the parking deck 28 is disposed adjacent to an accessway 41. The accessway 41 includes accessway portions 40, 42 (depicted between dashed lines in Figure 2). The accessway portion 40 has a slightly warped shape - it slopes downwardly by a vertical distance of H/12 and at a gradient of about 1 in 20 along its inner edge 37a and it is substantially horizontal along its outer edge 39a.

The accessway portion 42 is disposed adjacent to the accessway portion 40 and it also has a slightly warped shape- it slopes downwardly by a vertical distance of H/12 and at a gradient of about 1 in 20 along its inner edge 37b and it is substantially horizontal along its outer edge 39a. The junction between accessway portions 40, 42 is substantially horizontal. It should be noted that outer edges 39a and 39b of the respective accessway portions, 40, 42 and outer edges 45a and 45b of respective inclined portions 34, 44 define a substantially straight horizontal line.

The inclined portion 44 which includes six car parking stalls 32 slopes downwardly by a vertical distance of H/4 towards a horizontal portion 48 of the parking deck 46. The horizontal portion 48 includes two car parking stalls 32. The horizontal portion 46 is disposed adjacent to an inter-storey ramp 24' of the lower storey 26.

It should be noted that the ramp 24, horizontal portions 30, 48 and inclined portions 34, 44, have substantially planar upwardly facing surfaces and also that the lines of intersection between the surfaces are substantially straight lines.

It should also be noted that the gradient of each inclined portion 34, 44 is about 1 in 20 and that the gradient of inclined portions 40, 42 at any point is no greater than about 1 in 20.

Referring to Figure 3, the component part 50 of the multiple-storey car park comprises a vertical circulation module 20, as described with reference to Figure 2, disposed adjacent to a vertical circulation module 20' which is a mirror image of the module 20; ramps 24 and 24' of the respective modules are juxtaposed.

The component part 50 may provide a minimum dimension car park incorporating both ascending and descending traffic routes. The overall length of the layout is equal to sixteen car parking stall widths. Advantageously, with the arrangement, pedestrians may circulate around the respective storeys without encountering a gradient of greater than about 1 in 20.

The component part 50 may form the basis for multiple-storey car park layouts having a pedestrian access located at one end 52 or 54 of the car park building.

Referring to Figure 4, the component part 60 comprises the component part 50 shown in Figure 3 in combination with a flat deck portion 62.

The flat deck portion 62 includes a first substantially planar and horizontally disposed parking deck 64 which includes twenty-two car parking stalls 32.

Linked to the parking deck 64, via a substantially planar and horizontally disposed accessway 66, there is provided a second substantially planar and horizontally disposed parking deck 68 also having twenty-two car parking stalls 32.

Each parking deck 64, 68 includes two longitudinally extending rows of stalls 32, separated by respective aisles 70.

It will be appreciated that, as with the Figure 3 embodiment, pedestrians may circulate around the respective storeys of the component part 60 without encountering an gradient of greater than about 1 in 20.

Referring to Figure 5, the vertical circulation module 80 is similar to the module 20 shown in Figure 2.

It differs from that module in that the accessway 41 and the inter-storey ramp 24 shown in Figure 2 have effectively been rotated through 1800 to provide the arrangement of Figure 5. Thus, the vertical circulation module 80 of Figure 5 comprises a storey 82 which includes a parking deck 84. The parking deck 84 includes a horizontal portion (identical to horizontal portion 86 of parking deck 84') and an inclined portion 88 which slopes downwardly from the horizontal portion by a vertical distance of H/4. The inclined portion 88 of the parking deck 84 is disposed adjacent to an accessway 90 which includes accessway portions 92, 94. The accessway portions are warped as described in relation to accessway portions 40, 42 of Figure 2. Thus, outwardly facing edge 91 of the module 80 is a substantially straight horizontal line.Accessway portion 94 slopes downwardly towards a portion 96 of a parking deck 98. Portion 96 slopes downwardly, by a vertical distance of H/4, towards a horizontal portion 100. The horizontal portion 100 is disposed adjacent to an inter-storey ramp 102 which slopes downwardly from the horizontal portion 100 by a vertical distance of H/2 and with a gradient of about 1 in 7.

It should be noted that, as with the Figure 2 embodiment, the gradient of each of the inclined portions 88, 96 is about 1 in 20 and the gradient of the inclined portions 92, 94 at any point is no greater than about 1 in 20.

Referring to Figure 6, the component part 120 comprises a first vertical circulation module 80, as described with reference to Figure 5, disposed adjacent a second vertical circulation module 80' which is a mirror image I of module 80; the horizontal edges 91, 91' of accessways 90, 90' of the respective modules are juxtaposed.

The component part 120 may provide a minimum dimension car park incorporating both ascending and descending traffic routes. The overall length of the layout is equal to sixteen car parking stall widths. The component part may form the basis for a multiple-storey car park having a main pedestrian access located along one of the longitudinally extending sides 91 of the building.

It should be appreciated that, with the arrangement, pedestrians can proceed form any parking space on one storey towards the pedestrian access without encountering any gradient steeper than 1 in 20.

Referring to Figure 7, the component part 130 includes a flat deck area 132 disposed between the vertical circulation modules 80, 80' of Figure 6, thereby to provide a car park of increased length compared to the Figure 6 embodiment.

Again, pedestrians are able to proceed from any parking space on one storey towards a pedestrian access without encountering any gradient steeper than 1 in 20.

The accessway portions 40, 42 and 92, 94 have been described as having a warped construction. Alternatively, the accessway portions 40, 42 and 92, 94 may be planar and have a slope of 1 in 20. In this case, the two stalls 32 disposed opposite the respective portions will also suitably be planar and horizontally disposed.

Referring to Figure 8, the component part 140 includes a flat deck area 142 adjacent a vertical circulation module 144. The vertical circulation module 144 is similar to the module 80' of Figures 6 and 7 except that the module 144 is arranged to allow two-way traffic flow; that is, inter-storey ramp 146 of the module is wide enough for traffic to flow in the direction of both arrow 148 and arrow 150. Additionally, aisles 152 and accessways 154 are arranged for two-way traffic flow.

Referring to Figure 9, the component part 160 is similar to the component part 140 of Figure 8 except that vertical circular module 162 is arranged to allow two-way traffic flow, but flat deck area 164 is arranged only to allow single-way traffic flow. The arrangement allows the width of flat deck area 164 to be reduced relative to that of vertical circulation module 162.

It should now be appreciated that each of the aforementioned embodiments may provide a multiple-storey car park which allows relatively easy pedestrian access and is internally aesthetically pleasing, whilst still maximising the numbers of car parking bays.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A multiple-storey car park comprising two vertical circulation means wherein, in one storey of the car park, said vertical circulation means comprise an inclined parking deck portion which extends in a first direction and, adjacent thereto, an inter-storey ramp which extends in a second direction.

2. A car park according to Claim 1, wherein said two vertical circulation means are defined, at least in part, by a single inclined parking deck portion and a single inter-storey ramp.

3. A car park according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein a said inclined parking deck portion is inclined in said first direction.

4. A car park according to any preceding claim, wherein a said parking deck portion includes a vehicle aisle which extends in said first direction.

5. A car park according to Claim 4, wherein means defining vehicle parking stalls are provided adjacent the vehicle aisle.

6. A car park according to Claim 5, wherein a first row of vehicle parking stalls is defined on one side of the vehicle aisle and a second row of vehicle parking stalls is defined on an opposite side of the aisle.

7. A car park according to any preceding claim, wherein said inter-storey ramp is provided at or towards a first end of a said parking deck portion.

8. car park according to any preceding claim, wherein at or towards a second end of a said parking deck portion there is provided a vehicle accessway.

9. A car park according to Claim 8, wherein the vehicle accessway extends in said second direction.

10. A car park according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the vehicle accessway is inclined in said second direction.

11. A car park according to any of Claims 8 to 10, wherein said vehicle accessway is arranged for one-way or two-way traffic flow.

12. A car park according to any preceding claim, wherein each vertical circulation means comprises a plurality of storeys.

13. A car park according to any preceding claim, wherein said two vertical circulation means are arranged so that one means is substantially a mirror image of the other.

14. A car park according to any preceding claim, wherein said car park includes, in one storey, a horizontally disposed parking deck portion.

15. A car park according to any preceding claim, wherein said parking deck portions and/or said ramps are substantially planar.

16. A car park according to any preceding claim, wherein the gradient of said parking deck portions are between 1 in 50 and 1 in 10.

17. A car park according to any preceding claim, wherein the gradient of said inter-storey ramps is between 1 in 5 and 1 in 10.

18. A car park according to any preceding claim, wherein the parking deck portions and inter-storey ramps are disposed wholly within a perimeter wall of a building which houses said multiple-storey car park.

19. A multiple-storey car park substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 to 9 of the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.