Parking Facilities

Only the second such structure to be built on the east coast, the theory behind this design had to be tested through modeling and field mockups as work on this project progressed. The constant stream of tour buses lining up for the Washington Cathedral each day impeded the beauty of the cathedral and grounds. With the development of this new depot, buses are now re-routed to a below-grade facility with space for 18 buses and parking for 411 cars. Utilities were rerouted and sheeting and shoring commenced in the public right-of-way, and excavation went a depth of 20' below street level. Spread footings with columns and poured-in-place walls were placed to support a post-tensioned concrete roof structure used to minimize the need for interior columns.

The parking garage located at the rear of the 3900 Wisconsin Avenue building occupied by Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as FannieMae in Washington DC, consists of three levels, one of them on grade. The original parking garage structure was apparently erected around 1978. Over the years its decks have been expanded, south of line P3 and north of line P9, or the south and north stair shafts respectively. Expansion joints were placed separating the old structure from the new additions.

TCE provided an examination and condition survey to determine the general condition of the garage parking deck and the general extent of concrete deterioration. Repairs to this garage were found to be necessary. The garage is a three level precast and post-tensioned structure consisting of a network of columns, walls, precast beams and double T planks. Two entrances allow access; at the bottom level on the south side and the second level on the north side. The first level is on grade and has an asphalt topping and the second and third levels are elevated slabs. A ramp with two way traffic runs down the center of levels 2 and 3.