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PROPOSED EXPANSION OF MORRILL

HALL PARKING AREA AT
MICHIGAN STATE COLLEGE

Thais Io: the Dogm of B. S.
MICHIGAN STATE COLLEGE

N. S. Schtrmerhom - E. G. Mogron
I949

 

 

 

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Proposed Expansion of Morrill Hall Parking

Area at Michigan State College

A Thesis Submitted to

The Faculty of
MICHIGAN STATE COLLEGE
of

AGRICULTURE AND APPLIED SCIENCE

by

N. S. Schemerhorn E. G. Mogren
m

Candidates for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science

June 1949

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Parking Problem . . . . . . .
Analysis of Present Lots . . . . .
Soil Investigation . . . . . .
Drainage . . . . . . . . .
Marking and Lighting . . . . .
Entrances and Exits . . . . .
Analysis of Proposed Expansion . . .
Stabilization of the Sub—grade . .
Drainage . . . . . . . . .

Slab Design . . . . . . . .
Thickness . . . . . . .
Reinforcement . . . . . .

J ointing o o o o o o o

(a) Transverse Expansion Joints

(b) Longitudinal Joints

Curbing . . . . . . . .
Marking and Lighting . ; . . .
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . .

Bibliography 0 o o o o o o o 0

217923

Page

1

10

10

11

ll

13

15

15

14

15

16

LIST OF GRAPES AND ILLUSTRATIONS
Page
Graph of Present Parking Demand in Morrill Hall Area . . . .
Topographical Map of Original Parking Area . . . . . . .
Log of Borings for Morrill Hall Area Soil Investigation . . .
Table of Original and Proposed Lot Dimensions and Lot Capacities

Topographical Map of Proposed Parking Area . . . . . . .

FOREWORD

The purpose of the Senior PrOblem or thesis required of all Civil
Engineering seniors is the application okanowled e.gained in under-
graduate courses. Hence, the problem which was most closely related
to the greatest number of fields was chosen. Besides furnishing the
writers with valuable experience in topographical surveying, drain-
age, soils, concrete, design and other related fields, it is hoped
that this plan for the expansion of off-street parking facilities in
the Merrill Hall area may be of some value to Michigan State College.

That the College is aware of a parking deficiency in this area
is indicated.by the fact that vehicles are allowed to park on the
lawn immediately surrounding the lot. Consequent damage to the lawn
and general beauty of the campus makes it imperative that some per-
manent change be made.

While the improvement of this area, as presented by this paper,
may seem costly, the added utility and permanence of the installation
make the expenditure Justifiable. Every attempt has been made to
lay out the proposed parking lot for maximum efficiency and minimum
congestion while keeping the design, as nearly as possible, in
accordance with the surrounding buildings and grounds.

The writers wish to acknowledge the helpful suggestions of
Professor Gail C. Blomquist in the formation of this plan and the
editorial assistance of Mrs. Clement Laurion in the preparation of

the text.

PROPOSED EXPANSION OF MDRRILL HALL PARKING
AREA AT MICHIGAN STATE COLLEGE

THE PARKING PROBLEM

The problem of parking is not only an.old one, but is one of the
most critical and persistent problems encountered in everqr area where
concentrated traffic occurs. There is probably not a city in the
United States which does not consider municipal parking one of its
constant headaches. Not a single city, village, or confined area has
completely solved this problem, although some very noteworthy advances
have been made, especially in newly-planned developments. The attempt
to include adequate facilities for off-street parking in areas under
development is an indication that the problem is being recognized and
coped with.

The problem at Michigan State College is accented by the bound-
aries of the campus. The rapid post-war growth in enrollment and sub-
sequent additions to teaching facilities has tended to increase the
parking problem in two ways: a) the areas suitable for parking lots
have been used instead for the construction of new buildings; b) the
construction of these new buildings has increASed the parking demand.

One method of combating the problem is to restrict the number of
vehicles authorized to use the campus parking facilities. This has
already been done at Michigan State College by fair and equitable regu-
lations which prohibit all cars not operated by faculty, administrative
workers, and the physically handicapped from using both the off-street
lots and the curb facilities.

Another means of easing the situation at this college takes the

form of a preventative measure. For with each new building which has

been erected on the campus in the last three years, an attempt has
been made to locate a parking area in its immediate vicinity. How much
research has been done to determine the required capacity of these

lots is not known, but whether or not they accomodate the full parking
demand which the new building creates, the lots at least alleviate the
parking problem in that specific area.

A third way to alleviate the shortage of parking space is pre-
sented in this tesis. It consists of determining by actual count the
number of vehicle spaces required in a parking lot to meet the demand
placed on that lot. If this number is in excess of the lot's capacity
and the physical characteristics of the lot are such as to allow add-
ing to its facilities, the area is redesigned to the capacity required..
‘In so confined an area as’a college campus, where space is at a premium,
this is a favorable solution to a difficult problem

ANALYSIS OF PRESENT LOTS

The Morrill Hall parking area as it now exists has proven to be
inadequate in both capacity and arrangement. Originally planned to
accomodate forty—two vehicles on three lots, an average of 85 cars
are new parking in this area. Daily counts were taken to establish
this figure and are presented in the graph shown. This excess of cars,
98 per cent of design capacity, is being parked on the lawn adjacent
to the regular parking area, thereby increasing the capacity of the
lot to that needed, but at the expense of increased congestion, un—
sightliness, and confusion to the drivers.

The area lies in a position most favorable to expansion and re-

arrangement. It lies between Merrill Hall and Olin Memorial HoSpital

-2-

and off the campus circular drive.

A topographical map of the orignal Morrill Hall parking area is
shown on page 5.1 The map was drawn on a plane table with an alidade and
is sufficiently accurate for the purposes intended. The map shows the
existing parking-lots, vegetation, drains, lighting and general layout of
the area. This map, along with firsthand Observations of the area,
detailed soil and drainage investigations are the bases for the proposed
new designs suggested later in the report.

Soil Investigation

Due to the fact that this is not to be a structure of great weight,
requiring any deep foundation work, the soil investigations made were
of the preliminary type. A log of borings covering the area under con-
sideration is shown on page T. The typical riverAbed, sandy clay soils
found.in these investigations is common to this part of Michigan. While
not providing the ideal sub-grade for a concrete slab, the inclusion of
a 12 inch cinder or sand cushion under the wearing course will give
more than sufficient sub-grade support. That the soil in the area is
capable of supporting the load of a parking lot is pointed up by the
fact that parking of cars on the lawn for the past three years has
resulted in no excessive rutting or other ground failure.

Drainage

The existing drains and inlets are marked an the map of the area.
These drains are adequate for the present lots, but additional curb
inlets will be required for the proposed expansion. The drains are
all located at strategic positions to carry off the storm water. They

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are 12 by 24 inch grill opening drains, that lead directly into the
College sewer lines, which, in turn, lead to the disposal plant south
of the Red Cedar River and west of Harrison Road. There is practically
no danger of the drains backing up or not carrying off the expected
waterfall.
Marking and Lighting

Firsthand observations of the present parking lots show that the
area is not suitably lighted or marked for either daytime or nighttime
use. Although daytime traffic volume dictates the size of the facili-
ties, there is enough nighttime use to warrant better lighting and
marking. Observation has shown that visitors to Olin Memorial Hospi-
tal use the lot during the evening visiting hours. The majority of
this nighttime traffic is made up of people fronioff-campus, who are
generally not familiar with the parking layout. The existing signs
and markings are not equal to the requirements for safety under these
conditions.
Entrances and Exits

One opening to the circular campus drive serves as both entrance
and exit to the parking area. This 20 foot driveway is capable of
handling the interchange of vehicles between these two points. The
low volume of cars using the lot at any one time makes this double

lane drive more than adequate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED EXPANSION

A composite map of the Merrill Hall Parking Area after the pro-
posed expansion is shown on page 9. The expanded parking facilities
have been shown on a copy of the original survey. The capacity of
the lot after improvement according to this plan is 96 cars, or 15.7
per cent in excess of the maximum demand of a typical school day.
The dimensions of the increased and added lots along with their

capacities are as follows: (See Topographical Map of proposed

 

improvements.)

Lot No; Original Original Proposed Prepesed
Dimensions Capacity' Dimensions Capacity

I 0 0 144' X 20' 16

II 175' x 20' 19 155' x 20' 17

III 0 0 150' x 60' 50

IV 45' X 20' 5 100' X 20' 11

V 81' X 52' 18 100' X 60' 22

'23 96

 

Besides providing orderly accomodatiens for all cars authorized
to park in the area, the plan does away with the depreciation of the
surrounding grounds and the general confusion that is the result of'
toenlittle space and too many cars.

Stgbilizatign of the Suhéggadg
The leg of borings made covering the area under consideration

shows the sub-soil to be a member of the Allendale Series as described
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in the ”Field Manual of Soil Engineering for Michigan". This series
is characterized by the presence of strata of impervious clay. The
natural drainage through these strata is poor with ground water stand-
ing near the surface during the wet season. Clay soils, when dry and
compacted, give excellent subgrade support. However, in service,
clay subgrades may soften and lose some of their supporting value
when wet. Therefore, to assure adequate drainage and suitable sub-
grade support, a 12 inch cushion of coarse sand will be specified for
the sub-base of the concrete slabs. This will give a modulus of sub—
grade reaction (k) of 200, to be used in computing the slab thickness.
Drainage

With only one exception, the curb inlets now located in the general
area are capable of handling the increment of runoff which will result
from the improvement. The exception is in the case of the largest slab
proposed. Reference to the map of the improved area shows the location
of the added (two) curb inlets. Positioning of these added inlets
adjacent to the island separating the two lots insures against inconven-
ience of standing water in the path of foot traffic flow. Also, the
location of the curb inlets at this point is in the interest of economy.

Connection of the curb inlets to the sewer is made by means of a
standard.Y which has the side outlet at an angle of about 45 degrees.
Slab Design

All improvements in the area are in the form of simple slabs. These
standards governing Design of Cross-Section for Secondary or Country
Trunk Route or Residential Street as presented in Portland Cement Assoc-
iation's "Concrete Pavement Design", are used throughout. 'As all factors

-10-

of design are common to each of the separate slabs, only one set of
computations are presented here.

This work will consist of a single course of Portland cement
concrete with reinforcement, constructed on the prepared subgrade.
(See Stabilization of Sub—grade).

A standard Michigan State Highway concrete mix will be used.
Approximate proportions by volume = l:2—l/4:5~1/2
Compressive strength at 28 days, psi, min. 5,500
Modulus of rupture, psi, min.

At 7 days 550
At 28 days 650
Estimated cement, bbl. per cu. yd. of concrete 1.575

Air-entrained cement will be used to reduce bleeding, give greater
impermeability, and improve workability of the mix.

Thickness: Traffic in this area is restricted to passenger
vehicles, therefore, the maximum wheel loads to be considered in the
design of the slabs will not exceed 400 pounds. Taking the ultimate
strength of the concrete to be 600 psi and using a safety factor of 2,

Older's formula for slab thickness,*

d = 31 W = Load, pounds
8 S = Ultimate strength of

concrete, psi
gives a thickness value of 5.2 inches. This agrees favorably with
Westergaard's value of 5.5 inches for the same load and with a modulus
of subgrade reaction (k) of 200 psi per inch.+ To accomhdate the steel
reinforcement to be used, the thickness will be specified as 6 inches.
. Reinfgrcement: Research has shown that the most economical

designs are these which contain steel. Although there are many diver-
gent views. on the using of steel in concrete slabs, it is generally

*' Highway Engineering - Bateman - Page 250.
+ Concretg Pavement Desigg - Portland Cement Association - Page 92.

-11-

agreed that the distributed steel in the form of bar mats or wire mesh
does not increase the resistance of an unbroken slab to flexual stress

or add to its strength in any way. Its sole function is to hold together
the fractured faces of the slabs after cracks have formed so as to aid
in lead transmission at these points and to prevent the infiltration

of incompressible material into the crack. The economy of steel use

is in added pavement life and minimum attention needed for upkeep.

The area of steel required in l-ft. width of slab is computed from

the formula:

a = LfW

23
Where: a = Steel area in direction of L (inches square per
foot of slab)

L = Distance between transverse or longitudinal joints
feet)

f = Coefficient of friction, between slab and sub-
grade (1 to 2) (assume 1-1/2)

W = Weight of 1 square foot of slab (assume 75 psf)

S = .Allowable working stress in steel (assume 50,000

psi)

Each slab is 20 feet in width, therefore, the steel required in
the transverse direction is 0.0575 inches square per foot of slab. In
the longitudinal direction, weakened plane joints will be placed every
50 feet, therefore, the steel required in this direction will be 0.05625
inches square per foot of lab. A welded steel mesh of 1/4 inch round
bars with 12-inch center to center spacing in the 20 foot direction and
10 inch center to center spacing in the 50 foot direction will provide
adequate reinforcement. Placement of the steel mesh will be accomplished
by roughly striking off the concrete about 2 inches below the finished
pavement surface, placing the steel on it, and then placing the concrete

-12-

for the remainder of the slab thickness.

Jginting: a. Transverse Expansion Joints - As a concrete pavement
dries out or cools, it tends to contract, or become shorter. It is not
free to move, however, because of the frictional resistance offered by
the subgrade, and tensile stresses, therfore, are set up within the
slab. When the tensile strength of the concrete is exceeded, a crack
is formed. A critical time for crack formation occurs during the period
after the concrete has been placed and drying of the slab has begun,
because during this period the tensile strength of the concrete is low.
The formation of these cracks is controlled by constructing contraction
joints at those points where cracking is expected.

The least expensive type of joint for this purpose is the hot-
poured bituminous joint. It is installed by inserting a form in the
pavement which is removed after the concrete has hardened, the result-
ing depression is then filled with a non-extrusive bituminous material.
Favorable load transfer characteristics between the two parts of the
cracked slab are maintained because the filler material excludes any
foreign incompressible matter from lodging in the crack, allowing
maximum aggregate interlock action.

J tin : b. Longitudinal J ointsa- Longitudinal joints between
adjacent slabs reduce transverse warping and transfer loads from one
section of the pavement to the adjacent section. Proper use of dowels
permits the joint to open and close while maintaining the slabs on each
side of the joint as nearly as possible at the same elevation. Thus,
the deflection of one slab under load is resisted (through the dowel)
by the other slab which in turn is caused to deflect also and to carry
a portion of the load imposed upon the first slab.

-15....

Freedom of movement of the dowels is secured by painting and
greasing the ends of the bars to prevent bond with the concrete and by
so placing short metal sleeves at one or both ends that end movement
of the dowels is possible.

Closeness of spacing of dowel bars across longitudinal joints
has not been shown to be necessary, and a spacing of 60 inches is
common. Dowel bars are generally 1/2 inch in diameter and 4 feet long.
Placing of the dowel bars will be accomplished when the steel mesh
is laid.

Curbing

To carry off surface water and to provide a pleasing border
between the paved lots and surrounding lawns, the entire area will
be provided with.a standard 6 inch combination curb and gutter. This
curbing will also serve to retain parking traffic to the authorized
spaces.

Marking and Lighting

As mentioned previously in the Analysis of the present lets,
the lighting and markings are inadequate.

To provide more light for the nighttime use of the parking areas,
it is suggested two more lights be installed on the island in the
middle of the proposed parking area. The design of the lights will
be the same as that of the existing campus lighting facilities.
Location of the added light posts at either end of the central island
should provide sufficient illumination for safe nighttime operation
of the lot. (See topographical map of proposed lot for suggested
location of the lights).

-14-

The necessity for properly designated stall areas cannot be
emphasized too strongly. A good grade of highway yellow paint should
be used to designate these stalls. The decrease in congestion and
increase in efficiency of the lots realized from proper maintenance
of the stall markings is necessary.-

CONCLUSION

The value of this thesis is that it may serve to bring to the
attention of the proper authorities, the magnitude of the parking
problem in this one area of'Michigan State College. The worth of
the suggested solution is, of course, debatable, a more practical
and economical approach to the problem might be presented by a more
experienced engineer. But, the figures quoted showing the discrepancy
between car space supply and demand are irrefutable and would be much
the same determined by anyone.

With continuing increases in vehicle registration every year,
the traffic problem, of which the parking problem is an important
part, shows no sign of lessening. Immediate recognition of the
existing problem is the firSt essential to satisfactory solution.

It is suggested that more work be done on the many traffic
problems to be found on the campus of Michigan State College. Other
inadequate parking lots, awkward routing of traffic, and insufficient
entrances and exits from the academic campus provide a wealth of
material for further study.

-15-

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Concrete Pavement Design," Portland Cement Association, 1946.

"Field Manual of Soils Engineering," (Michigan), Michigan State
Highway Department, 1946.

"FUndamentals of Soil Mechanics," Denald W. Taylor, 1948.
"Introduction to Highway Engineering", John H. Bateman, 1947.
"Modern Construction," E. E. Russell Tratman, 1956.

"Parking Manual," American Automobile Association, 1946.
"Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook," American Concrete Institute.

"Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction," Michigan
State Highway Department, 1942.

"Surveying", Volume II, Breed and Hosmer, 1940.

nTraffic Engineering Handbook," Harold F. Hammond and Leslie J.
Sorenson, 1941.

"The Traffic Design of Parking Garages,“ Edmund R. Ricker, 1948.

-16-

 

 

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