When Read Jones Christoffersen set out to design a new parking structure and elevated roadway extension for the bustling Calgary International Airport, they knew that an all–precast concrete solution was the best choice. The same team had designed the airport’s previous parking expansion structure and they knew the benefits that precast concrete would bring to the project.

“Using precast concrete helped to control costs, improve schedule, and minimize impact on existing operations,” says Ken Laustsen, principal of Read Jones Christoffersen.

This open-air precast concrete parking structure is four parking bays wide with a footprint of 8000 m2 (90,000 ft2). The stairwells, stairs, elevator shaft, and lobby, as well as the two spiral ramps, are all constructed of precast concrete.

Sustainability and passive security features include 18 m (59 ft) clear span precast pretopped double-tees to maximize views of the parking decks, sightline view holes through precast shear walls, and glass-enclosed exterior precast stairwells to maximize day lighting and security.

Laustsen notes that in the previous parking structure addition the stair shafts and spiral ramps were cast-in-place concrete, which proved to be a hindrance on the overall schedule. Choosing an all-precast solution shortened the schedule to a mere 11/2 months and reduced disruptions.

“Conservatively, several months of construction time was saved by using precast concrete for the spiral ramps rather than cast-in-place,” he said.

Judges’ Comments
 This seven-story parking structure is very intriguing because of its use of an all-precast structure. Holding nearly 2000 parking spaces, the entire structure, including a complex circular helix ramp, was built out of precast concrete. This was very impressive. It showcases precast’s flexibility and durability and is a great choice to stand up to the all the wear and tear that such a parking structure will get over time.

Owner: Calgary Airport Authority, Calgary, AB, Canada
Architect: Gibbs Gage Architects, Calgary, AB, Canada
Engineer of Record: Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd., Calgary, AB, Canada
Contractor: EllisDon Construction Services Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada
Precaster: Armtec, Calgary, AB, Canada
Precast Specialty Engineer: Armtec, Calgary, AB, Canada
Project Cost: $76 million