Project Complete: Millennium Square Car Park, Bristol
The refurbishment works at Millennium Square car park in Bristol have now reached completion, following an investigation and design process led by Skeletal Consulting Engineers to address defects affecting the access ramp to the below-ground car park serving We The Curious.
The investigation focused on three key areas: movement and rutting within the block-paved surfacing, water ingress through the ramp into the level below, and frequent flooding at the drainage channel located at the base of the ramp.
The project required a detailed understanding of the existing construction and how the various elements were performing together. By reviewing record information and carrying out site inspections, we identified the causes of the defects and developed practical solutions to improve the long-term performance of the car park.
The movement within the block paving was found to be concentrated around vehicle wheel tracks near the transition between the block-paved and asphalt sections of the ramp. Deterioration of the paving joints and loss of support beneath the blocks had contributed to progressive movement under repeated vehicle loading.
To provide a more robust long-term solution, we recommended replacing the affected block paving with a suitable asphalt build-up.
Water ingress through the ramp had also become an issue, with moisture passing through to the level below and affecting parked vehicles. Our recommendations included renewal of the ramp waterproofing system and improvements to ensure effective drainage and prevent water ponding.
The existing drainage channel at the bottom of the ramp was also investigated. We recommended a programme of cleaning and maintenance to restore capacity, together with a higher-capacity replacement option, which was subsequently implemented by the client.
The proposed alterations to the drainage channel required careful consideration of the existing reinforced concrete structure. Our assessment confirmed that the slab had sufficient capacity to accommodate the modifications, subject to appropriate detailing and repair of any exposed reinforcement.
The project required a careful balance between understanding the existing structure, identifying the causes of the defects and developing solutions that were practical to construct. By assessing the existing arrangement in detail, we were able to provide a clear route forward to improve the long-term performance and longevity of the car park.
