Slope engineering and the potential for segmental retaining walls in UK construction

The refurbishment of Gatwick South multi-storey car park 3 (MSCP3) at Gatwick Airport, UK is described. The car park consists of a ground level and five suspended levels and was built in 1973. It has a coach station below it and a hotel alongside. BAA appointed Warings as principal contractor. Concrete Repairs Ltd (CRL) was selected for the concrete refurbishment work. The aim was to refurbish the car park to a standard that it would appear to be a new build.Key refurbishment challenges were structural defects in the concrete deck surfaces, columns, parapets, beams and soffits; out-of-date mechanical , engineering, lighting and switching systems; and an absence of current BAA standards/facilities for users. Approximately 1500 m2 of defective concrete on the decks was removed by hydrodemolition and replaced. A combined impressed current cathodic protection system was installed. All mechanical and electrical systems, particularly lift systems and lighting, were replaced. An automatic bay monitoring system was installed. Best practice in build techniques, health and safety and environmental responsibility were used in the refurbishment.(A)