Car park construction contractors

Car park construction, things to consider

J Wilkes Paving and Construction Ltd have experience in preparing and building car parks for business premises and commercial use. There are a number of things to be considered when making a decision to build a car park, including the type of construction and finish. Our company specialises in building car parks in either concrete or block paving, so let’s consider both options and what that entails.

How is a car park constructed in concrete?

In the UK, constructing a car park using concrete involves several steps. Here is a general outline of the process:

Site Survey and Preparation: Before construction begins, a site survey is conducted to assess the topography and soil conditions. Any necessary site preparation, such as clearing vegetation or levelling the ground, is carried out.

Design and Planning: The car park’s design is created, considering factors such as the number of parking spaces, layout, access points, drainage, and safety features. Planning permission may be required, and local regulations must be adhered to.

Excavation: Excavators are used to dig trenches for foundations and any necessary drainage systems. The depth and type of foundation depend on the car park’s size and the ground conditions.

Installation of Drainage: Proper drainage is essential to prevent water accumulation on the car park’s surface. Drainage channels and pipes are installed to direct water away from the parking area.

Formwork: Formwork is erected to shape the concrete during the pouring process. It consists of temporary structures that hold the concrete in place until it sets.

Reinforcement: Steel reinforcement, such as rebar, is added to provide tensile strength to the concrete. This reinforcement helps prevent cracking and enhances the structural integrity of the car park.

Concrete Pouring: Ready-mix concrete is transported to the site and poured into the prepared formwork. Concrete pumps or concrete mixers may be used to efficiently distribute the concrete.

Concrete Finishing: Once the concrete is poured, it is leveled and finished using trowels or power floats. This step ensures a smooth and even surface for the car park.

Curing: Proper curing is crucial to achieve the desired strength and durability of the concrete. Curing involves keeping the concrete moist and protected from extreme temperatures for a specific period.

Line Marking and Signage: Once the concrete has cured, line markings for parking spaces and directional arrows are added. Signage indicating entry and exit points, speed limits, and other important information is installed.

Lighting and Security: Lighting is installed to provide adequate visibility during nighttime hours. Security features like CCTV cameras may also be added for safety.

Landscaping: Landscaping around the car park can enhance its appearance and blend it with the surrounding environment.

Throughout the construction process, safety measures and regulations are followed to ensure the car park meets the required standards. It’s essential to work with qualified contractors and engineers to ensure the car park is built to high-quality standards and is safe for public use.

How is a block paving car park constructed?

Constructing a car park in the UK using block paving, also known as brick paving or interlocking concrete pavers, involves a different process compared to concrete construction. Here’s a general outline of how a car park is constructed using block paving:

Similar to concrete construction, a site survey is conducted to assess the area’s topography and soil conditions. The site is then prepared by clearing vegetation and levelling the ground if needed.

Gaining planning approval and taking into account the number of parking spaces, layout, drainage, access points, and other factors (see further details below), local regulations and planning permissions will be considered during the design phase.

Once approved, the excavation and base preparation is the first step in building the car park. The area is excavated to a suitable depth to accommodate the pavers and a stable sub-base. The sub-base, typically made of crushed stone or aggregate, is then installed and compacted to provide a firm and level foundation. Edge restraints, usually made of concrete or metal, wil also be installed around the perimeter of the car park to prevent the pavers from shifting or spreading.

Next, a layer of bedding material, often coarse sand, is spread over the compacted sub-base. This provides a level surface for laying the pavers and allows for adjustments during installation. The block pavers are then laid on the bedding layer in the desired pattern. Interlocking concrete pavers have unique shapes that fit together, providing stability and preventing the individual blocks from moving independently.

At the edges and around obstacles, pavers may need to be cut or shaped to fit the design. Specialised tools, like a block splitter or saw, are used for this purpose. Once the pavers are laid, a plate compactor is used to ensure they are firmly set in place. Then, fine sand is spread over the surface and swept into the joints between the pavers. This sand jointing helps lock the pavers together and provides stability. Once the sand jointing is complete, another round of compaction is done to further settle the pavers and sand.

Upon nearing completion, concrete kerbs or edging units are installed along the edges of the car park to provide a neat finish and help retain the pavers.

Finally, the finished car park is inspected to ensure it meets the required standards and design specifications.

Block paving provides a visually appealing and durable surface for car parks, and its permeable nature allows for effective drainage. It’s important to use high-quality materials and work with experienced contractors to achieve a long-lasting and well-constructed block-paved car park.

Do you need planning permission to create a car park in the UK?

Creating a car park in the UK typically requires planning permission. However, I must emphasise that planning regulations can vary depending on the location and specific circumstances. It is crucial to consult with the local planning authority to get the most up-to-date and accurate information for your specific project.

Here are some general points to consider:

If the land you intend to use as a car park has a different designated use under the local authority’s development plan (e.g., residential, agricultural), you will likely need planning permission to change the use to a car park.

The size and scale of the car park project may also influence whether planning permission is necessary. Larger car parks or those with significant infrastructure changes may require formal approval. Environmental Impact is one of the things that planning authorities have to consider. The potential impact of the car park on the environment, including issues like drainage, pollution, and traffic flow have all got to be taken into consideration.

If the proposed car park is near a listed building or within a conservation area, stricter rules may apply.

The local authority may also assess the access points to the car park and evaluate potential safety concerns for pedestrians and other road users, as well as impact on the community. Some of the items to consider include noise, visual appearance, and any potential increase in traffic congestion.

Before making plans or engaging a car park contractor, It is strongly advised to get the required information needed by consulting with a qualified planning expert or contact the local planning authority to determine whether planning permission is required for your specific car park project. They can provide you with the most relevant and up-to-date information based on the current regulations in your area.