An industry leader in car park refurbishment, VolkerLaser delivered innovative repair and cathodic protection system techniques to Wolverhampton Civic Centre's multi-storey car park.

Containing space for 400 vehicles, the 40-year-old car park is an underground structure built using reinforced concrete on three levels beneath the Civic Centre. Plagued with reinforced concrete defects, the car park suffered with delaminated and spalling concrete, and has undergone numerous repair contracts over the years.

VolkerLaser utilised a full portfolio of services to complete the refurbishment, including concrete repairs to soffits and walls, and 12,500m² of Stirling Lloyd Decseal deck waterproofing.

The Zebra system

Most impressively, VolkerLaser pioneered the development of the design and installation of an impressed current cathodic protection system known as Zebra. The refurbishment is the first time the innovative permanent protection method has been used in the UK.

A result of improvements on conventional anode systems, the cost-effective Zebra system offers several structural advantages compared to other cathodic protection systems, as well as a quick installation, minimal disruption to stakeholders, and a real-time monitoring system. The system also combines the decorative waterproofing as part of the system, offering aesthetic improvements.

Wider recognition

The project has also been shortlisted in the 'Innovation' category in the regional Celebrating Construction Awards, to be held on 28 April 2017 at the ICC, Birmingham.