Multi-Storey Parking Inspection
Why Should You Have Your Multi-Level Parking Lot Inspected?
Ensure a thorough evaluation by relying on the OIQ member engineers at Vicat Consultants.
To assess the design of your multi-level parking lot and address potential issues, it's important to have an engineer or architect who is a member of Vicat Consultants' OIQ perform a comprehensive inspection. Quebec's climate, with the use of abrasive materials and de-icing salt, can cause significant damage, particularly in multi-storey parking lots.
According to the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), owners of multi-storey parking lots must receive a detailed inspection report from an engineer confirming that the parking lot is safe. Inspections should be conducted every five years, at least six months prior to the inspection report deadline.
Additionally, a thorough inspection should be carried out following any event that may impact the structure of the parking lot, such as a fire or new construction.
According to RBQ, "the owner must grant access to the site and provide the engineer, a member of the OIQ, with construction plans, specifications, and other relevant documents, including soil and foundation reports, annual inspection reports, and previous detailed inspection reports."
The first inspection should take place between 12 and 18 months after the construction of the parking lot. These inspection reports must also be kept on-site, as required by the Régie.
In addition to ensuring safety, these inspections help prevent more costly damages if problems are not addressed in a timely manner.
Our Inspection Service Includes:
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Visual Inspection: This examination identifies visible defects on the upper (intrados) and lower (extrados) surfaces of structural slabs, posts, and parking lot walls. It can also verify previous repairs.
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Acoustic Inspection: This inspection utilizes the "IMPACT-ECHO" technique using a hammer or chain. By generating and propagating an acoustic wave through the component being inspected, this technique can detect defects in concrete, such as delaminations, voids, and disbonds. Depending on the conditions and the degree of degradation found during the initial inspections, further investigations may be necessary, such as compressive strength tests and analysis of chloride ion content.
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Our Relevant Inspection Report
After the inspection, Vicat Consultants will provide a report confirming the safety of the parking lot. The report will include recommendations for follow-up and correction of deficiencies found during the inspection, along with obtained information. These recommendations will be prioritized based on the importance and severity of observed problems, allowing for better prioritization of necessary actions (routine maintenance, repairs, hazardous conditions).
Additional Services
Upon submission of the report, we can provide the following services if needed:
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Tender management
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Bid analysis
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Construction supervision
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Work and material conformity supervision
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Quality control
Vicat Consultants is dedicated to offering professional expertise to ensure the safety and durability of your multi-level parking lot. Regular inspections are crucial to prevent potential issues and avoid higher long-term costs. Trust our qualified engineers and architects for a comprehensive assessment and precise recommendations.
Law 122, in effect since March 2013, requires building owners with facades of five or more storeys to conduct inspections every five years. These inspections detect conditions that may pose hazards to public safety. The law also covers the assessment of staged parking lots (two or more floors), ensuring they are free from defects that could compromise safety or contribute to dangerous conditions. Following the inspection of facades or parking lots, a detailed report and a certificate of conformity must be issued by an engineer or architect, confirming the absence of dangerous conditions, with a copy kept on-site.
For more information, contact us at (514) 341-4228.