Client: Chelmsford City Council
Role: Principal Contractor
Scope
- Movement Joints
- Anti-Carbonation Coatings
- Anti-Graffiti Coatings
Deck Waterproofing
Linemarking
Details
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- Town centre car park
Split-level structure, compromising of 3 separate decks
6,500m2 of soffits, beams, parapets & stairwells protected with anti-carbonation coatings & 1,500m2 of anti-graffiti coatings - 144LM of movement joints replaced with Radflex S100
5,500m2 of parking decks & ramps rewaterproofed - Reinstatement of anti-suicide fencing
- Town centre car park
High Chelmer MSCP is a 1,012 space car park owned by the local council, which plays a key role in supporting the High Chelmer Shopping Centre. Over the years, the top deck – spanning three levels – developed noticeable splits and cracks. These cracks allowed water to seep through to the lower levels, raising concerns about structural integrity and safety. When the car park was originally built in the 1960’s, the upper decks were coated with a mastic asphalt waterproofing layer. However, decades of exposure to the elements and constant vehicle traffic had worn it down, making rewaterproofing necessary.
Considering the level of damage, the simplest solution would have been to strip away all of the existing asphalt and replace it entirely. However, this would have generated a huge amount of waste, much of which would have ended up in landfills. To take a more sustainable approach, a targeted method was implemented, removing only the damaged top layer, about 3mm thick, using ride-on-planing machines. This allowed most of the original asphalt to stay intact, with more than half of the material being recycled. In the end, only 16% of the waste went to landfill, making this a far more environmentally friendly solution.
Carefully removing the damaged asphalt without affecting the solid layers beneath required precise planning and execution. With little room for error, any mistakes could have compromised the remaining material. To strengthen, waterproof and expand the car park’s lifespan, a fully reinforced Sika RB58 waterproofing system was applied across 5,500m2 of the structure. This system was specifically chosen for its crack-bridging ability, offering extra protection against the natural movement of the structure over time. By opting for this high-performance solution, the refurbished surface will remain durable and resilient for years to come.
Beyond waterproofing, the renovation included several upgrades to improve both the structure and appearance of the car park. Modern car parks often use colour-coded sections to make navigation easier, the car park’s layout was refreshed with this in mind. The parking bays were coated with a green finish, while the drive aisles had a grey finish to create a clear visual distinction and enhance the overall user experience.
A critical aspect of the improvements involved addressing the movement joints on each separate deck, as they had reached the end of their serviceable life. To rectify this, 144 linear meters of movement joints were replaced with Radflex’s S100 system, ensuring the continued flexibility and adaptability of the structure under varying loads and conditions. Additionally, the lightning protection system around the top deck was also completely replaced, enhancing the overall safety of the car park.
To further protect the structure, a comprehensive anti-carbonation coating was applied to the soffits and beams on the underside of the top deck, covering a total of 6,500m2. This protective measure helps to prevent carbonation-induced corrosion of the reinforced concrete elements. Similarly, the parapets and stairwells received a combination of anti-carbonation and anti-graffiti coatings, covering an area of 1,300m2. These coatings serve the dual purpose of prolonging the lifespan of the structure and deterring vandalism.
As part of the works, the car park’s anti-suicide fencing, was temporarily removed to allow for the necessary work on the parapets and upstands. Once these crucial repairs were completed, the fencing was reinstated, ensuring the continued protection of visitors.
The modifications were successfully completed within the scheduled timeframe of 16 weeks due to the careful planning and execution. By adopting a sustainable and strategic approach, the refurbishment not only restored the car park to full functionality but also enhanced its longevity and environmental impact.
