Title: SUVs and Parking Structures: Is There a Weight Problem?

Author(s): Mary S. Smith and Anthony P. Chrest

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 24

Issue: 9

Appears on pages(s): 61-71

Keywords:

DOI:

Date: 9/1/2002

Abstract:
In an article in the March 2002 edition of Concrete International (see “Sport Utility Vehicles and the Design of Parking Garages,” page 67), the author stated that wheel loads for all parking garage designs should be increased to 3000 lb (1400 kg). His analysis was focused on very short slab spans (2 to 6 ft [0.6 to 1.8 m]) and, in particular, on non-composite concrete slabs carried by steel bar joists; a system that is rarely used in parking structure design. Moreover, the 3000 lb (1400 kg) loads from four rear wheels were applied to a single joist, without any distribution due to slab and bridging action. In our opinion, the analysis is too conservative. Using the 85th percentile vehicle (by weight), which is a Ford Expedition, fully loaded to GVWR, 50 psf (244 kg/m2) live load remains appropriate for parking facilities.