CIVE 461 – IOEC Parking

Dr. Maya Abou Zeid

Amil Kaba & Hadi Soueidan

Irani Oxy Engineering Complex at the American University of Beirut (AUB), was completed by
2014, and it consists of an underground parking. Based upon a direct field observation and the
results obtained, it is believed that the overall IOEC parking facility is not very efficient;
consequently, a few considerable points will be further discussed within this paper.

The first thing one would notice upon the arrival to the parking is how the aisles are parallel with
the longer dimension of the lot, and the entrance is perpendicular to the stalls. This provides a
better efficiency since the number of stalls available for cars to park increases. Also, looking
from the pedestrian’s point of view, they would be able to walk in a more comfortable manner
instead of having to cross several lanes to reach to the entrance.

Regulations for parking stalls in Lebanon are as follows:

- 5.2m x 1.8m + 0.4 to either side of the car + 0.2 bumper clearance from the wall.
- If the IOEC parking is approximated to be less than 800m2, the stall dimensions can be
reduced to 4.8m x 1.7m.
- The aisle width is 6m.

Equipment was borrowed from the transportation labs in the IOEC building to accurately
determine the measurements of the building’s parking. The results were as followed:
- Side stall width: 2.3m (including door clearance)
- Middle stall width: 2.1m (including door clearance)
- Stall Total length: 4.5m
- Aisle width: 5.1m
- Disabled stalls: 4.5m x 2.5m
- Ramp width: 1.2m

After taking these measurements, it is clear that there are some deficiencies in the design. The
stalls vary in width, with the middle having the narrowest width of 2.1m. However, if the door
clearance of 0.4m is removed from the 2.1m, 1.7m remain as the width of the stall which is
sufficient only if the assumption of the parking being less than 800m2 is valid. Otherwise, the
stall width is 0.1m short from the minimum width required.

2.3m 2.1m 2.3m

Figure 1: Stall widths
Furthermore, the total length of the stall is relatively small as it is far from being both 5.2m or
4.8m. Thus, making this dimension of the IOEC parking inadequate.

-HADI AISLE

-HADI DISABLED + RAMP

REFER TO PICS IN APENDIX.

Besides having various insufficient dimensions in the parking, there were a few noticeable
elements that could be a cause of trouble such as:

 A dead end is located at the end of the parking

Figure 2: Dead End

 There is only one shared entrance and exit. That is, the two-way ramp connecting the
two basements makes it harder for drivers if they are approaching each other from
opposing directions.

 There are no spots for special vehicles to park such as trucks or motorcycles.

In conclusion, due to the facts and observations collected during the IOEC parking visit, it is
believed that parking facility is not very efficient and some considerable adjustments (if
feasible) would have been:
 - Increasing the lengths of stalls.
- Increasing the width of the ramps.
- Having a more efficient ramp that can maintain the circulation within the parking
without creating difficulties for drivers.
- Adding a small stripped island at the 90 degrees to provide a better sight distance.

APENDIX:

5.1m

1.2m