Cesena Automatic Underground Parking System, Italy

The late 1990s saw the first commercial installation of a brand new, completely automated parking system. TREVIPARK was a new construction and engineering development that provided an alternative parking system ideally suited for use in inner city and urban settings. The TREVIPARK system solves many of the traditional problems associated with urban parking; congestion, pollution, land space, security; through the installation of compact, circular, underground silos that optimise space, are easily installed, and are completely automatic.

The first installation of this modular, automated parking system was in Cesena, Italy. The local authorities sought a parking solution that would minimize interference in the surrounding area, both to underground utilities and existing overland structures. The compact TREVIPARK system offered a number of features that led to its approval by the Italian authorities. These included automatic parking without the driver; vehicle parking utilising a 360° vertical, rotating lift placing vehicles directly into a parking bay; average parking and retrieval time of 50 seconds; and high security. Due to its compact design it could be placed in close proximity to existing buildings in the town centre. The garage holds up to 108 vehicles.

AUTOMATED, UNDERGROUND PARKING SYSTEM

The design for Cesena was chosen for it innovative use of space and its structural strength; the circular nature of the TREVIPARK system is integral to the vertical lifting device which operates under uniform dimensions throughout, gives optimal area containment, and creates an extremely strong structure that will resist deformation under stress.

Drivers stop their vehicles on a parking lane. After exiting the vehicle and inserting a card at an automatic telling machine the system, through multiple sensors, performs various security and height checks and then conveys the vehicle to the lift. From here the lift descends, rotates and transfers the vehicle into an available parking bay. Drivers can retrieve their vehicles using the same card at the exit point.

CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION

The underground parking 'silo' is a reinforced concrete cylinder. This continuous concrete diaphragm wall is 18.8m internal diameter. The silo is up to nine levels deep.

Each level is 2.3m in height. The internal parking stalls are constructed from pre-cast reinforced concrete. They are radially placed around the perimeter of the cylinder to receive 12 vehicles on each tier.

The lift structure occupies the centre of the cylinder. It features a rotating steel tower with car-lift and an automated trolley for vehicle deposit and retrieval. The lift moves vertically while rotating simultaneously to deliver vehicles to the parking stalls. Electro-mechanical and electronic devices and sensors are an important feature to check for movement of any cars during transit. The only above ground construction is a pylon for receiving magnetic parking cards.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND SAFETY

Due to its reduced entry and exit bay sizes and automatic operation TREVIPARK offers a number of environmental advantages over conventional parking systems. This includes reduced energy consumption, air and noise pollution. Its compact construction allows for minimal impact on existing architecture and road systems. It fits in with existing structures without being a concrete eyesore.

The system is very user friendly and safety is heightened by its automatic operation. There is no reason for anybody but system technicians to enter the underground levels. The system also features advanced fire-fighting, anti-flood, ventilation and security systems that are computer controlled and constantly monitored by a control centre.

OTHER INSTALLATIONS

To date there are nine systems that are operational across Europe. Currently systems are being constructed in Stockholm, Turin and Rome. Systems are subject to planning permission in London and Copenhagen. Following the initial Cesena installation of two silos, four subsequent silos have been installed with a total of 312 spaces.

Design features are also variable; underground levels range from one to nine, optional kiosks for sheltered and secure waiting areas can also be incorporated into any design. The underground structure can also be used as part of the foundation system for any above ground structures built on top of the car park. TREVIPARK can also be built as an over ground car-parking facility.