City of Salem Public Parking

The highly visible parking structures - Liberty Square and Chemeketa Parkade - are two Salem, Oregons public garages to receive seismic upgrades to minimize earthquake damage. An engineering study determined the existing concrete stantions would break and crumble onto the streets below and needed to be replaced.

Thus, a 2.5 million project was completed to replace concrete stations averaging 13 long, 2 high, and 3 thick with fully galvanized steel barriers to better withstand the effects of an earthquake. Replacing the old parts with new galvanized parts now provides a more stable structure, making use of a product that provides excellent corrosion protection against rain, wind, and damage from passenger vehicle emissions. Visual aesthetics were of key importance for this project. The parking structures are located on the busiest of Salem streets and the galvanized portions of the garage are in prominent view.

Durability also factored into the decision, as the owner wanted a maintenance-free structure that will withstand environmental and motor vehicle abuse. 84 tons of steel were galvanized, including all concrete post covers, barrier tubing, bolts, cable connection brackets and all connector rails to provide a unified, modern look that will last for generations to come, as well as stand strong in the unfortunate event of a seismic earthquake.