Civil Works: How Kerb and Channel Provide a Useful Road Barrier
10 July 2023Discover how kerb and channel civil works provide a vital road barrier. Explore their functional role in traffic management and enhancing road safety. Learn more today!
Civil works play a critical role in constructing and maintaining our roads and highways. One of the essential components of civil works is the kerb and channel. This article will explore how kerb and channels provide a useful road barrier and why they are important to our infrastructure.
What is Kerb and Channel?
Road safety is a crucial issue for every country. Thousands of people die yearly due to road accidents, and millions are injured. Road barriers are an essential component of road safety that helps to minimise the risk of accidents. Kerb and channel are concrete barriers that line the sides of roads and highways. They are designed to provide a physical barrier between the road and the surrounding landscape, including footpaths, bike paths, and drainage systems. They are typically made of precast concrete and are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
The Benefits of Kerb and Channel
Kerb and channel provide several benefits, including:
Traffic Management
Kerb and channel are useful in traffic management. They help to guide traffic by separating the roadway from the footpath or verge. This ensures that pedestrians and vehicles do not mix, reducing the risk of accidents.
Drainage
Kerb and channel provide an essential drainage function. They help to channel rainwater away from the roadway, preventing flooding and water damage.
Safety
Kerb and channel are essential safety features. They prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway and crashing into the footpath or verge. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to pedestrians.
Aesthetics
Kerb and channel provide an aesthetic function by improving the appearance of the road. They can be used to enhance the landscape by adding greenery or flowers.
Why Kerb and Channel are Important
Kerb and channel are important components of our infrastructure for several reasons. First and foremost, they provide a physical barrier between the road and other areas, preventing vehicles from leaving the roadway and causing accidents. They also help to channel water and other liquids away from the road, preventing flooding and water damage.
In addition to their practical uses, kerb and channel also play a crucial role in the aesthetics of our roads and highways. They can be painted or decorated to provide a pleasing visual element, and they can also be used to direct traffic and improve the flow of vehicles on the road.
Types of Kerb and Channel
Kerb and channel come in three main types:
Barrier Kerbs
Barrier kerbs are the most common type of kerb and channel. They are designed to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway and crashing into the footpath or the verge. Barrier kerbs are tall and are installed in areas with high traffic volumes.
Mountable Kerbs
Mountable kerbs are designed to be driven over by vehicles. They are low and can be used in areas with low traffic volume. Mountable kerbs are also used where pedestrians need to cross the road.
Roll-over Kerbs
Roll-over kerbs are designed to reduce the impact of a vehicle leaving the roadway. They are low and have a sloping face that allows the vehicle to roll over the kerb without causing damage.
The Process of Installing Kerb and Channel
Installing a kerb and channel is a complex process requiring careful planning and execution. The first step is to survey the area and determine the layout and design of the kerb and channel. This involves identifying potential hazards or obstacles impacting the installation process, such as existing utilities or structures.
Once the design is finalised, the installation process begins. This typically involves excavating the area where the kerb and channel will be installed, laying a concrete base layer, and installing the precast kerb and channel. The final step is to backfill the area around the kerb and channel and compact the soil to ensure stability.
Conclusion
Kerb and channel are critical infrastructure components, providing an essential barrier between the road and the surrounding landscape. They are an important part of civil works, and the installation process requires careful planning and execution. As technology continues to evolve, the future of kerb and channel looks bright, with innovations and advancements on the horizon.
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