Background
Located in Edinburgh’s bustling city centre, the Omni Centre is a major leisure destination welcoming over four million visitors annually. Acquired by Triple B in April 2024, the site is undergoing a £5 million refurbishment, with its 990-space multi-storey car park selected for the pilot of LRQA’s Structural Integrity and Resilience Accreditation Scheme (SIRAS).
Challenge
The four-level underground car park showed significant concrete cracking and steel corrosion, primarily caused by de-icing salts. A detailed survey prompted the development of a corrosion management strategy focused on long-term durability and minimal disruption.
Methodology and Framework
Refurbishment
Following the identification of areas with high corrosion activity, a targeted refurbishment strategy was implemented using advanced cathodic protection technologies. The approach focused on preserving structural integrity while minimising environmental impact and operational disruption.
An Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system was installed across two parking levels and the interconnecting ramps. This system utilised low-carbon anode mortar (C-Probe +chase® anode system), embedded within chases cut into the deck and subsequently covered using the +shot® application method over the beams.
In addition to ICCP, C-Puck® galvanic zinc anodes and surface-applied corrosion inhibitors were deployed in specific zones to enhance protection and prevent incipient corrosion. The interventions included ICCP installation for reinforced concrete elements:
- Parking decks on Levels -2 and -3
- Access ramps between levels
- A section of supporting beam on Level -1
- ICCP installation for exposed steel supporting beam on Level -1
- Galvanic anodes applied in concrete repair areas on Levels -1, -3 (partial), and -4
This multi-layered approach ensured comprehensive corrosion control across critical structural components, laying the foundation for long-term resilience and reduced maintenance needs.
Solution
Advanced cathodic protection technologies were deployed, including an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system and galvanic zinc anodes. These interventions targeted high-risk areas across multiple levels, preserving structural integrity while reducing environmental impact.
Sustainability Impact
Choosing ICCP over traditional concrete replacement avoided over 36 kilotonnes of embodied CO₂ emissions. The system also enabled remote monitoring, ensuring efficient, low-impact maintenance.
SIRAS certification
The project was assessed under the SIRAS framework, which evaluates lifecycle performance, safety, and sustainability. The Omni Centre car park achieved the SIRAS Gold Award, recognising its exemplary corrosion control and commitment to ESG excellence.
Testimonial
“We at the Omni Centre are thrilled to have received confirmation that the corrosion management work performed on our multi-storey car park meets the highest standards of best practice, as certified by LRQA, a globally recognised authority. This certification not only enhances the value of our asset but also assures our stakeholders of our commitment to safety and quality.
I wholeheartedly recommend the SIRAS scheme to other structural asset owners looking to implement effective corrosion mitigation measures. The independent and rigorous assessment provided by SIRAS ensures compliance with international best practices, making it an invaluable resource for maintaining the integrity of our structures."
Martin Botha, Centre Manager, Omni Centre Edinburgh
Discover more about SIRAS