While every car park project is unique, we consistently hear the same common crash barrier challenges from designers and head contractors.

Here’s how FutureGuard™ can help:

1. “We need to save space” – FutureGuard™ is the solution for tight floorplate layouts that need a narrow barrier footprint with a minimal-deflection buffer zone. This design improves your car space yield while still ensuring compliance with Australian Standards for car space and aisle sizes.

2. “We can’t risk drilling through PTs” – The slab edge is a very contested space, usually crowded with PT terminations, facade fixings, and car park barriers. The Futurefix system eliminates the need for concrete drilling, simplifying the installation and avoiding structural compromises. Additionally, with early coordination facade fixings can be integrated into the barrier for further efficiencies.

3. “We need to save time” – With FutureGuard™, the speed of installation reduces the duration of on-site trades. This outcome reduces overall construction time and saves second-order costs (such as temporary handrails and scaffolding) helping you to achieve PC on time and budget.

4. “Drilling concrete is always slow and messy” – By eliminating the need for drilling, FutureGuard™ minimizes construction hazards to create a safer and more efficient site.

5. “We need to ensure we’re compliant with all these standards” – FutureGuard™ is fully compliant and crash tested, with a complete product family to meet the needs of any carpark layout. This ensures your project adheres to AS1170.1 and AS2890.1 for safety and reliability.

If any of these challenges sound familiar we’d love to chat to explore how we can help your project forwards!

📧Project Enquiries: [email protected]

Carpark Barrier Systems – We help Australia’s top construction companies and building designers deliver efficient, safe, and cost-effective car park barrier protection systems and complete carpark safety fitouts.

  Carpark Safety: The Crucial Role of Design and Edge Protection Barriers

Most people don’t link road safety issues and good car park design together. However, the reality is that car park safety barriers play a vital role in protecting vehicles and, more importantly, their human cargo from harm. In Australia, the design and implementation of these barriers are governed by rigorous standards to ensure safety, accessibility, and efficiency. This article delves into the importance of car park design and the role of edge protection barriers, referencing the relevant Australian Standards AS2890.1 and AS1170.1.

The Rise of Car Park Accidents

Car park accidents have been on the rise throughout Australia, a trend attributed to growing populations and the associated increased demand for car parking in commercial centres. The greater size, weight, and power of modern vehicles have also contributed to the severity of car park accidents. The traditional open design of most Australian car parks can unfortunately attract other harmful behaviors.

Benefits of Car park Barrier Systems

Car park barrier systems enhance safety in various ways:

• Preventing Vehicle Overhang and Falls: Barriers prevent cars from going over the edge of high-level car parks due to accidental acceleration or inattention.
• Controlling and Reducing Vehicle Speeds: Barriers help manage vehicle speeds within car park buildings, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Enhancing Pedestrian Safety: By separating pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles, barriers create safer environments for foot traffic.
• Preventing Unauthorized Access: Barriers deter unauthorized access to car park buildings, particularly at night, enhancing safety for users and vehicles.
• Eliminating Risky Behaviors: Anti-climb barriers prevent dangerous activities such as climbing fences to access high-level car park buildings.
• Protecting Infrastructure: Vehicle barriers safeguard trees, beautification areas, and vulnerable infrastructure like substations and lighting systems from accidental damage.

Australian Standards for Carpark Design

AS2890.1 – Off-Street Parking AS2890.1 is the primary standard for designing off-street carparking facilities in Australia. This standard covers various aspects of carpark design, including layout, circulation, ramp gradients, and parking space dimensions. The key section relevant to edge protection is:

• Section 2.4.5: Addresses requirements for vehicle barriers to prevent vehicles from overhanging pedestrian areas or falling from elevated parking structures, stipulating minimum design and performance criteria.

AS1170.1 – Structural Design Actions AS1170.1 outlines the minimum design loads and actions to be considered in the structural design of buildings and other structures, including carparks. The key section relevant to edge protection barriers is:

• Section 3.8: Specifies the imposed actions (loads) on barriers, which must withstand forces exerted by vehicles under impact, including dynamic loads from moving vehicles that might collide with barriers.

Design Considerations for Edge Protection Barriers

Material and Construction

• Durability: Materials used for edge protection barriers must withstand environmental conditions, such as corrosion. Common materials include steel, reinforced concrete, and heavy-duty plastics.
• Secure Anchoring: Construction methods must ensure barriers are securely anchored to the carpark structure for maximum strength and stability.

Height and Strength

• Minimum Height Requirements: According to AS2890.1, the minimum height for vehicle barriers is generally 600 mm, varying based on site conditions and vehicle types.
• Load-Bearing Capacity: AS1170.1 specifies that barriers must withstand forces up to 30 kN for passenger vehicles in light traffic areas (Type F).

Integration with Carpark Design

• Seamless Integration: Barriers must be integrated into the carpark design, ensuring they do not obstruct sightlines or vehicle circulation.
• Strategic Placement: Barriers should be placed in high-risk areas such as ramps, corners, and perimeters of elevated structures.

Legal and Safety Obligations

Under Australian law, car park owners are responsible for ensuring that all car park safety barriers comply with Australian Standards AS2890.1 and AS1170.1. Failure to protect staff, car park users, and the general public may lead to Health and Safety fines, litigation, and a lasting burden of guilt in the event of an avoidable accident or fatal injury.

Compliance Requirements:

• Drop Protection: Barriers are required for drops of 600mm or more adjacent to moving or stationary cars.
• Pedestrian Exposure: Barriers are needed where pedestrians are exposed to heights of one metre or more above the ground.
• Anti-Climb Barriers: Heights of four metres or more must have additional anti-climb barriers.

An annual compliance inspection is recommended to ensure ongoing safety. Understanding obligations under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, 2011, is crucial, as non-compliance can lead to serious consequences.

Conclusion

Edge protection barriers are a vital component of car park design in Australia, providing essential safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. Compliance with AS2890.1 and AS1170.1 ensures these barriers are designed to the highest standards, capable of withstanding significant forces and preventing catastrophic accidents. As urban areas grow and the demand for parking increases, the role of edge protection barriers in car park design will remain paramount, safeguarding lives and property. By adhering to these standards and prioritizing safety in design, car park facilities can effectively protect users and contribute to safer urban environments.