Construction Services & Inspections

Definition of Parking Structure

For purposes of this required review, a parking structure is defined as a building or a structure or part thereof in which a structural level (other than a slab-on-grade) is used for parking, storing, or maintaining motor vehicles.  A structural level not originally intended to be used for parking , storing, or maintaining motor vehicles, but which is currently being used for such a function, is considered to be a parking structure.

Qualifications of Engineer Performing Review

The required annual report must be prepared by an engineer registered in the State of Minnesota.  The engineer’s primary field of practice must be structural or civil engineering. They must have sufficient design-related experience with the structural system involved and experience with the natural deterioration associated with parking structures exposed to winter environment.

Description of Required Reviews

Type I Structural Review      

A Type I review must include visual observations of all structural components including, but not limited to, the top and bottom side of all structural floors, all supporting beams, columns, walls, helixes, and connections.  The number and type of tests to be performed is to be at the discretion of the reviewing engineer.  Destructive and/or nondestructive tests must be performed if judged to be necessary by the reviewing engineer.

Type II Structural Review

A Type II review must include visual observations as outlined for a Type I review, and nondestructive tests such as chloride ion concentration tests, concrete relative compressive strength tests, half cell testing, pachometer reading, tapping, chain dragging, or other equivalent nondestructive tests.  The number of tests to be performed, and the location of such tests, is to be at the discretion of the reviewing engineer.  Destructive tests must be performed if judged to be necessary by the reviewing engineer.

Time Intervals Between Required Reviews

Structural reviews of parking structures are to be performed at the intervals indicated in the following table during the year in which the parking structure reaches the indicated age.

This three year cycle repeats for ramps of 12, 13 and 14 years old, etc.

If needed to verify the safety of a parking structure, based on the results of any required review, the building official may require additional testing and engineering evaluation.

Engineer’s Report

Engineer’s reports must be submitted to the building official, preferably in pdf form via email to permittingservices@duluthmn.gov.  The engineer’s report must include but is not limited to the following:                                                                                                                    

Introduction

1. Name (if any) and address of the parking structure.
2. Business and/or individual’s name, address, and telephone number for whom the engineering review was performed.
3. Date of review.

Background Information

1. Documentation (description and date) of available construction documents and/or previous repair specifications referred to during performance of review.
2. Documentation (description and date) of previous engineering reviews referred to during performance of review.
3. Description of both the geometry and the structural system of the parking structure, differentiating between original construction and any additions.

Procedures

1. Documentation of field procedures employed during performance of review.
2. Documentation of laboratory procedures (if any) employed during performance of review.

Factual Results

1. Factual statements presenting the results of visual observations.  Statements should include description of observed defects or deterioration such as but not limited to excessive cracking, scaling or spalling, excessively corroded reinforcement or connections, apparent poor performance of joints or joint covers, evidence of previous maintenance or repair, and excessive deformations.
2. Factual statements presenting the results of field/laboratory testing.

Engineer’s Opinion

1. A statement of opinion, based solely on the results of visual observations, field and laboratory testing, and the engineer’s knowledge of available background information, as to the capability of the structure to continue to safely support the imposed loads in accordance with the Minnesota State Building Code.  Such a statement should endeavor to identify the cause of the observed defects or deterioration and explain, insofar as possible, the short and long term impact of the defects or deterioration on the structure.
2. A statement of any recommended repairs pertinent to the capability of the structure to continue to safely support the imposed loads in accordance with Minnesota State Building Code.

If it is judged that a repair program is necessary the permit application must include the engineer’s report locating the work areas and specifying the procedures, materials and quality control for the repairs.  Special inspection will be required in accordance with Minnesota State Building Code.