For example, in the 1970s, a number of failures caused by corrosion occurred in reinforced concrete parking garages in the eastern United States. Parking structures are among the most vulnerable constructed facilities. They are exposed to a wide range of fluctuating thermal conditions. Vehicles deposit corrosive de-icing salts used on roadways onto the parking deck surfaces. These surfaces are not rinsed periodically by rain, as is the case for most highway structures.
Parking facilities are utilitarian structures, low on the typical owner's maintenance priority list.
Investigation of a parking structure failure usually uncovers contributing factors from every category in the list of failure causes. Design details may be inadequate, especially provision for drainage, detailing around openings, crack control, joint definition and concrete cover. Specifications for sealant materials and application procedures may have been insufficient. Geotechnical errors or foundation design problems may be present, leading to settlement cracking. Construction errors involving poorly executed connections or improper sealant application may have contributed to acceleration of corrosion.