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Re: Building a car-parking platformFrom: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Decks
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 04 May 2002
Time: 02:22 PM
CommentsYou would like to build a raised platform at the rear of your lot, abutting an alley. The platform, measuing 12' wide by 19' deep would be capable of supporting the weight of a parked car and/or many people and miscellaneous household items. First, before embarking on such a project we urge you to contact you local city building department to understand whether local zoning or building codes permit you to build such a structure. As to the best way to do this, we have a few comments on your proposed approach. First, any foundation that you propose (such as cement block walls) must be properly engineered to prevent setllement. This means you need a true footing embedded into the soil according to building codes. This footing should have rebar horizontally, as well as vertically to support the concrete block wall. The wall must be filled solid with soupy grout. Such a foundation should be professionally designed in accordance with the load criteria, frost zone (if any), as well as local regulations. In principle, your concept could work, however the engineering aspects must be done by a licensed civil or structural engineer who can do proper load calculations. Just because you say an SUV won't park on the deck doesn't mean that a truck might use your platform as a convenient place to turn around...causing potential failure of the platform. Therefore, such a platform must be engineered to worst-case assumptions. Frankly, it might turn out to be cheaper to simply backfill the area with plenty of compacted gravel and build a 4" slab on top, reinforced with #4 rebars running at 12-16" centers each way. We would also recommend a 6" minimum curb along the 3 exposed sides to prevent accidental overshoot of a vehicle into your back yard. Filling with gravel, of course, would preclude any storage underneath, but we think it could be less expensive than engineering a footing system with steel beams. Over time, the steel could rust and weaken due to moisture damage. If you must have a crawlspace underneath, we would recommend an engineered concrete platform (maybe 6" thick) with plenty of rebar and intermediate drilled concrete piers to carry the anticipated loads. This must be designed by a licensed structural engineer based on the soil type in your area. We hope these tips help. Builders Websource.
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