Food for Thought: AS 2890 Parts 1 and 6

by Howard Moutrie

Howard is an architect and access consultant with 40 years experience and is a member of the working group of the ME64 committee.

I am often asked to write a performance solution for a column beside the accessible parking space and the shared zone. This has made me think about how AS 2890.6 is used, generally in isolation, when it should be read in conjunction with AS 2890.1. If the two are read together things become a lot clearer. I shall explain. Please note that this is my opinion, which I believe to be correct, but others may disagree.

Before explaining my approach, I think it is worthwhile looking at the process for planning a carpark prior to the introduction of Part 6, using AS 2890.1-1993. The process was:

1. Refer to table 1.1 of AS 2890.1 and determine class of parking. Accessible parking was Class 4.

2. Refer to Figure 2.2 of AS 2890.1 which provided the size for the various classifications and different angled parking configurations.

3. Then there were requirements for general parking areas, such as wheel stops, barriers, etc.

4. Clause 2.4.5 of AS 1428.1 then provided specific requirements for the accessible parking spaces.

5. Then in subsequent clauses there were requirements for ramps and aisles, line marking, etc.

6. Finally, there were other considerations, which included how structural elements related to the parking space and this included the accessible parking space.

So now, if we use the same process with AS 2890.1-2004 and AS 2890.6-2010 the process is:

1. Refer to table 1.1 of AS 2890.1 and determine class of parking. Accessible parking is Class 4. The table refers to AS 2890.6 for the size requirements.

2. Refer to Figure 2.2 of AS 2890.1 which provides the size for the various classifications and different angled parking configurations. For Class 4, Parking for people With A Disability, this again refers to 4. AS 2890.6 for the size requirement and the requirement for the shared areas. Figure 2.2 also says in Note 5 that aisle width are the same as noted in the table for the other parking classes.

3. If we then revert back to Part 1, the requirements for general parking areas, such as wheel stops, barriers, etc are provided.

4. Then, again within Part 1, there are requirements for ramps and aisles, line marking, etc.

5. Finally, in Section 5 are the other considerations, which include how structural elements (including columns) relate to the parking space. This section applies to all carparks, so it can be assumed it applies to accessible parking particularly as it makes specific reference to Part 6 in relation to headroom.

To me this is a logical approach to designing a carpark. By treating Part 6 for what it really is, an expanded description of a Class 4 parking space, the confusion regarding the location of columns is removed. Part 6 provides no greater scope than which was previously provided in the old Part 1 regarding the actual parking space size and then the specific requirements such as gradient, clear headroom, etc. which were in Clause 2.4.5.

To take this further, the requirements for parking at angles other than 90 degrees, can be gleaned in the same manner. Unfortunately, AS 2890.6 doesn’t address the other angles at all and, really, this does need to be addressed as the bollard has significant impact on 45 degree and 60 degree parking. Perhaps the way around this is to assess the requirement for the bollard as being that it is required to be provided as shown in Fig 2.3 and 2.3 which only deal with 90 degree parking.

So, back to the performance solution. The BCA requires the parking for people with a disability to comply with AS 2890.6. If we are to take Part 6 as providing the size requirements only, then there is no need for a performance solution for the column because the parking space size is compliant and the column location is addressed in Part 1. I am assuming the column is located in accordance with Part 1. Interestingly, AS 2890.1 is not referenced in the BCA.