DRAINAGE FOR MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS

The drainage of covered and multi-storey car parks is a critical element for ensuring the safety and functionality of the space. Water accumulation from vehicles, rainfall, or snowmelt can lead to hazards such as slippery surfaces, structural damage, and corrosion if not properly managed. Efficient drainage systems must be implemented to handle these challenges, while complying with specific regulations and standards.

Drainage Requirements for Covered and Multi-Storey Car Parks

Covered and multi-storey car parks present unique drainage challenges due to their multi-level structures, exposure to the elements (even in partially covered areas), and the high volumes of traffic they accommodate. The design must ensure that water is quickly and efficiently removed from all surfaces to prevent hazards like flooding, skidding, and the deterioration of concrete or steel components.

Regulations and Standards

1. EN 1433 Standard (Europe)
   • This standard applies to linear drainage systems, ensuring that channels meet mechanical load-bearing requirements and offer sufficient hydraulic capacity to manage runoff in high-traffic areas like car parks.
   • Car parks often need drainage channels that can handle load classes up to D400, as they are regularly subjected to car and light truck traffic.
2. Building Codes and Accessibility Standards
   • Local building regulations often dictate the drainage requirements for car parks, including slope design, drainage capacity, and water treatment, particularly for car parks in urban areas.
   • Accessibility standards must also be taken into consideration to ensure the safety of pedestrians, especially in emergency exits, ramps, and pedestrian walkways.
3. Stormwater Management Guidelines
   • Many car parks, particularly multi-storey structures, are required to incorporate sustainable drainage solutions. Regulations often promote the management of runoff through infiltration or connection to city drainage systems without overloading public infrastructure.
4. Water Treatment Requirements
   • Car parks often see contaminants such as oils, fuel residues, and other substances from vehicles, necessitating the filtration and treatment of runoff water before it is discharged into the public drainage system or reused.

Best Practices for Draining Large Sealed Surfaces in Car Parks

1. Efficient Linear Drainage Systems
   • For multi-storey and covered car parks, linear drainage systems are ideal for ensuring rapid water removal from large, sealed surfaces. These systems are especially important on ramps, entry points, and within the parking bays themselves to prevent water from pooling.
2. Load-Bearing Considerations
   • Drainage systems in car parks must meet load-bearing requirements, particularly in areas where cars and light trucks are common. Load class D400 is typical for car parks, ensuring that the drainage systems can withstand constant vehicle pressure without deformation or failure.
3. Water Treatment and Contaminant Management
   • Car parks need systems that can effectively manage contaminants like oil and debris. Drainage channels should incorporate features that help trap these pollutants, preventing them from entering public drainage systems or nearby water sources.
4. Long-Term Durability
   • Due to the exposure to vehicle fluids, salts (from deicing), and general wear, car park drainage systems must be made from materials that offer long-term durability and corrosion resistance.

MEA Drainage Solutions for Covered and Multi-Storey Car Parks

MEA offers several drainage solutions that meet the specific demands of covered and multi-storey car parks, providing efficient water management while maintaining load-bearing capacity, reliability, and economy.

1. MEARIN PG EVO-OS
   • This channel is specially designed for car parks and offers excellent drainage efficiency. Made from SMC (Sheet Molding Compound), it is lightweight yet highly durable, making installation easy and reducing the overall cost. The MEARIN PG EVO-OS system provides excellent chemical resistance, making it ideal for handling contaminants such as oil or deicing salts commonly found in car parks. It is also designed to withstand heavy loads, offering load class ratings up to D400, ensuring long-term reliability in high-traffic areas. The MEARIN PG EVO-OS is designed to be installed in floors covered with resin.
2. MEARIN PG EVO AS
   • Similar to the OS version, the MEARIN PG EVO AS model is tailored for multi-storey car parks, with features that allow for efficient water management on ramps and in driveways. Its robust design ensures high load-bearing performance and resistance to wear over time, particularly in sloped areas where water runoff can be more intense. The lightweight nature of the SMC material used in this channel contributes to easier and faster installation, providing an economic advantage while maintaining excellent drainage performance. The MEARIN PG EVO-AS is fit for floors covered with asphalt.
3. MEARIN PLUS FLAT
   • For areas with restricted installation depths, such as indoor sections of multi-storey car parks or for ramps, MEARIN PLUS FLAT offers a shallow yet highly effective drainage solution. This system is designed to maximize water removal while occupying minimal space, making it suitable for parking areas with low clearance. Despite its low profile, it provides reliable performance and chemical resistance, ensuring durability in the face of vehicle traffic and exposure to oils and chemicals. It is also economically advantageous due to its lightweight design and ease of installation.

Efficiency, Reliability, and Economy of MEA Drainage Solutions

• Drainage Efficiency: The design of MEARIN PG EVO-OS, PG EVO-AS, and MEARIN PLUS FLAT channels ensures rapid and efficient removal of water from large, sealed surfaces, preventing pooling and minimizing the risk of slipping or water damage. The linear design allows for continuous water collection, even in high-traffic areas.
• Reliability: Made from SMC, a high-strength material with excellent chemical resistance, these channels are designed to withstand long-term exposure to vehicle fluids, salt, and other contaminants. Their high load-bearing capacities (up to D400) make them suitable for multi-storey and covered car parks where constant vehicle traffic is expected.
• Economic Advantage: The lightweight nature of the SMC material in these drainage channels reduces installation costs and time. Additionally, their long lifespan and low maintenance requirements provide further economic benefits, making them a cost-effective solution for car park drainage.