The Alberta Teachers’ Association needed to expand their parkade, doubling its size to meet their growing parking demands. Initially deemed unfit for expansion due to its 30+ year-old design, the existing structure faced potential demolition. Lafarge Precast collaborated with the project engineering team, developing innovative methods and connection details to make the expansion possible, saving significant time and costs compared to a full replacement.
The addition increased the parking capacity by 130 stalls, bringing the total to 420, including surface parking. The use of precast concrete offered several key benefits:
- Cost Savings: Precast is a modular system allowing for the existing structure to be added on to avoided demolition and reconstruction costs.
- Time Efficiency: Precast components were manufactured off-site and installed in just 20 working days, considerable shorting the project schedule and minimizing the impact to ATA.
- All-Weather Construction: Despite harsh winter conditions, precast installation proceeded without delays, demonstrating its adaptability and reliability.
- Durability and Longevity: The new precast addition ensures long-term structural integrity, complementing the original Lafarge-provided precast from the 1980s.
- Enhanced Safety and Quality: The precision of precast manufacturing and installation upheld the highest safety and quality standards throughout the project.
The expanded parkade now offers greater functionality and extended service life, showcasing the sustainable and efficient advantages of precast concrete solutions.
