Heavy Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Threatens Car Park Stability: Ticking Time Bombs

The weight of vehicles has been steadily increasing, posing a potential risk to old multi-story car parks.

[{"selector":"#anim-ef07e9ce-e70f-4b54-a652-a4a8f0380e8b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-14546823-cca2-4831-8598-05f1134cf9ef","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source: Google

The review concluded that car park owners should have their buildings inspected by engineering firms to assess the need for strengthening.

[{"selector":"#anim-9b7d9a6b-f060-46e3-b398-bc06e470ff18 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a07c2d1b-9f13-4dc7-9a43-8f0966893681","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source: Google

In cases where strengthening measures are not feasible or cost-effective, the experts recommended imposing a vehicle weight limit on older buildings.

[{"selector":"#anim-c672c5f4-adf5-4759-9e32-6280b631a39f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-037b7791-2cd8-43f1-a5dd-e85d8250fa72","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source: Google

The risk of collapse primarily stems from heavier vehicles, such as SUVs.

[{"selector":"#anim-3398f14f-7a49-4a51-b8da-37824ea6a7b9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-94a5eae5-b1ac-42bb-8a43-b57bb4ea8aff","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source: Google

The report also addressed other aspects of car park design, including accessibility for motorists with mobility issues and implementing measures to deter suicide attempts.

[{"selector":"#anim-e6e3eee5-4c35-462a-abe5-89b0d1492038 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4fa6fcbf-6905-417f-8c42-227f8abbbda8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source: Google

The rise of electric vehicles has raised concerns in the sector, coupled with aging parking infrastructure.

[{"selector":"#anim-8c676def-e143-42b9-bbb0-52b3fbc0995d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.320312386652375%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0e4d8514-fa57-4bf0-a626-d0a5e56be5cb","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source: Google

The weight disparity between modern vehicles and those from the 1960s and 1970s has become more pronounced, necessitating updated design considerations for car park structures.

[{"selector":"#anim-43e9c16e-3eb1-4908-b266-5231a512cb39 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f8cf57b8-de16-4133-82e7-8c094fee5683","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source: Google

Car park operators should be aware of electric vehicle weights, assess structural strength, and consider implementing weight limits if necessary.

[{"selector":"#anim-885e4df1-421c-4a4c-8241-2111a4e02fd9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fcf0ff4d-1792-4885-ba17-4ab77c6d4aaa","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source: Google