The first metal multistorey car park in Aix en Provence

Today, the metal multistorey car park solution is widespread all over Europe, with the exception of France. Several buildings like this can already be seen in Canada, Australia, the United States and Japan. The explanation of this comes from cultural practices that are geared to the use of concrete as well as incomplete regulations.

 
In France, in the absence of a regulatory text in the high occupancy buildings code, we apply the regulations for facilities classified as car parks with less than 250 parking spaces. Parks with a capacity exceeding 250 spaces are subject to declaration or authorization as provided in the law relating to facilities classified for the protection of the environment (ICPE) issued by the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment.

Improved and closer European relations, and the use of new design methods validated by the authorities, have allowed us to broaden and optimize our building solutions.

The first French metal multistorey car park was opened to the customers of the Carrefour supermarket in Aix les Milles in June 2004. Thanks to the work of C.T.I.C.M., ARVAL and Arcelor, full-scale tests were carried out using various fire scenarios that enabled us to receive a favourable recommendation from the competent administration and, thus, build the first metal structure car park without adding any extra fire protection.

By choosing a steel solution for the new car park, Carrefour, thereby, obtained 300 more parking spaces after only 5 months of site work and with a minimum of disturbance for customers while the facilities were being built. Apart from the short time required to build the car park, a steel rather than an all-concrete car park was chosen for economic reasons.

The choice of a galvanized steel framework solved maintenance problems, and the weight of the metal framework, being much lighter than the weight of concrete, made the foundations lighter thus resulting in extra savings. Similarly, a lighter structure that is more spaced out with small diameter round columns, leaves more room for the vehicles to park.

The speed of installation of the pre-drilled Cofraplus 60 steel sheets suppled by ARVAL, and the shallow depth of the composite slabs, are major assets in this steel solution. Contemporary and rational architecture as well as the quality of the atmosphere, make this car park attractive and comfortable. Natural lighting provided by the metal grating used in the façade, makes it easier to read directions to the exits.

The way is clear for all the clients and contractors wanting to build car parks.