Begin with a plan of the deck and traffic

Mark the roof and uncovered areas, sheltered levels, ramps, tight turns, entries, drains, joints and pedestrian crossings. Record vehicle types, peak movements and any maintenance or delivery vehicles heavier than ordinary cars. Identify spots where braking and turning concentrate tyre forces. Photograph ponding after rain, cracked concrete, failed patches, oil staining and water leakage to the level below. A raised drain or moving joint can be a bigger failure point than an otherwise sound field coating.

Different zones call for different checks

A slip test or finish accepted for a flat, sheltered walkway should not automatically be copied onto a steep vehicle ramp. Agree the conditions under which traction will be assessed, including water, contaminants, wear and any pedestrian use. Cleaning and maintenance must preserve the chosen surface profile.

How ALKA products enter the discussion

ALKA lists ALKA 210 as a pigmented UV-resistant polyaspartic coating for exterior flooring and selected decorative topcoats. ALKA 211 is presented as a clear UV-resistant polyurethane topcoat for selected concrete floor coatings and membranes. These are product candidates for technical review, not a complete carpark schedule or proof of a particular ramp traction result. Any primer, body layer, broadcast texture and finish must be specified as one compatible assembly with current data.

The distinction is especially important for decks requiring waterproofing. ALKA describes ALKA 310 as an elastomeric waterproofing membrane that can take foot traffic, but its product page expressly says vehicle traffic is not permitted on the membrane without a topcoat and instructs users to check compatibility. That statement does not mean adding any topcoat automatically makes a membrane suitable for all vehicles, ramps or deck movements. Obtain ALKA’s written approval for the whole proposed vehicle-bearing assembly and the project’s structural and waterproofing design.

For a protected ground-level carpark with no waterproofing requirement, a different resin build may be appropriate. Avoid treating a decorative flake garage system or a clear sealer as a universal solution for public ramps. The substrate, tyre load, surface exposure and cleaning methods determine the choice.

Drainage, joints and substrate condition are part of the system

Falls and drains

Locate water paths, low points and downpipes before surface preparation. Coatings cannot reliably fix a deck that already holds deep water. A textured finish may hide shallow visual irregularities while puddles remain. Resolve falls and drain levels with the designer, and detail drain interfaces so water cannot travel beneath the coating. Rain entry at basement thresholds and washing water near pedestrian doors should also be included.

Moving concrete and terminations

Map structural joints, construction joints, cracks, kerbs, upstands, penetrations and changes of material. Coating over a live joint as if it were static can lead to cracking or leakage. Agree a movement-capable detail, waterproofing continuity where required, and a repair method accessible for maintenance. Protect exposed edges where tyres or equipment may strike them.

Surface preparation

Check concrete strength and condition, existing coatings, oil penetration, moisture and previous repairs. Mechanically prepare a sound profile for the selected primer and remove contaminants before coating. Document the moisture test and surface acceptance method rather than assuming every slab is ready after grinding. Trial adhesion or other project checks where uncertainty remains.

Design for pedestrians as well as tyres

Safe Work Australia identifies wet or polished surfaces, uneven edges and poor drainage as slip and trip hazards, and recommends slip-resistant coverings, suitable lighting and good drainage. SafeWork NSW’s prevention guide explicitly includes outdoor carparks and pathways, adverse weather, stairs and ramps. For a project requiring a pedestrian slip classification, state the test method, surface condition and acceptance value in the design brief; request evidence for the selected installed finish. A label such as “anti-slip” alone is insufficient.

Vehicle and pedestrian conflicts need a traffic plan. Safe Work Australia’s traffic guidance asks designers to consider entrances, exits, parking, road surfaces, visibility, barriers and pedestrian routes. Floor colour and line marking can assist wayfinding, but do not replace barriers, speed control, signs and suitable lighting.

Agree inspection and maintenance before reopening

The contractor’s proposal should identify each zone, approved build, waterproofing interfaces, primer, finish and aggregate, surface preparation, joint and drain details, test plan, coating stages and traffic reopening criteria. Record site conditions, batches, agreed layer checks and any specified slip or continuity tests. Separate pedestrian access from vehicle access during cure and specify how accidental early use will be managed.

After opening, remove oils and debris, clear drains, inspect high-shear turns and ramp transitions, and repair worn texture or damaged joints promptly. A periodic review is especially useful after heavy rain or changes in traffic. Send ALKA drawings, deck location, leakage history, ramp gradient, expected vehicles, photographs and the intended shutdown to request a project-specific system review.

Carpark and ramp questions

Sources and product information

• Safe Work Australia, Slips, trips and falls; Traffic management: Managing risks.
• SafeWork NSW, Guide to preventing slips, trips and falls at work.
• ALKA 210, ALKA 211 and ALKA 310 product pages. Verify the current TDS, compatibility and full project build before specifying.