Citation

Ricker ER. Highw. Res. Board bull. 1949; 19: 14-24.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1949, National Research Council (U.S.A.), Highway Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A research project was conducted on the design of parking garages as it affects the time of handling incoming and outgoing cars. Field observations were made in numerous parking lots and garages to evaluate the various design features and operational methods. Time-motion studies were made on the critical operations to determine their relative importance, and to compare different parking arrangements and types of design. Primary consideration is given to attendant-parking garages, because the operations are more complex and time savings are important to attendant efficiency as well as customer satisfaction. It is concluded that free paths for movement and adequate sized stalls are necessary. Adequate reservoir space is essential to the proper acceptance and storage of cars. Operating techniques must be simple and geared to high rates of acceptance and delivery. The morning and evening peaks are the periods of highest demand, and a sufficient number of attendants must be employed to handle cars at an average rate at least equaling the rate of demand. Proper design and operation of garages will allow the handling of 20 cars per attendant per hour, or more. Customer-parking also provides for reasonably rapid service, with an average of about 5 minutes each for acceptance and delivery.