REFLECTIVE DIRECTIONAL K2 KERBS

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Papers Submitted By
Michael Lazar and John Emery

REFLECTIVE DIRECTIONAL K2 KERBS

Kerbs, including channels quadrants, angles etc. are intended to separate surfaces at the same or at different levels to provide a physical and visual delineation or containment. They also provide a separation between surfaces submitted to different kinds of traffic.To improve visual contrast between different surfaces, for example between footpaths and roadways, kerb units may be painted. These painted kerbs are not clearly visible to the motorist during wet conditions, especially at night. An innovatory development is the reflective K2 (see Figure 1) and Directional kerbs (see Figure 2), patent 49988, now used in Singapore.

(Figure 1) Reflective White and Yellow K2 Kerbs. Black K2 Kerb is non-reflective.

K2 and Directional kerbs not only eliminate the need for cementing in-between units but also eliminate the need for splitting to construct a required radius (see figures 2 and 3). They may also be used in conjunction with a wide range of existing kerbs. The units are manufactured with an integrated surface reflective-mix to provide an economic and more effective alternative to painted kerbs. They are manufactured to the same standards as for concrete block paving i.e. BS 6717: Part 1: 1993. The kerbs have been designed to ensure that functional and aesthetic requirements are not compromised and apart from occasional cleaning, maintenance-free.Curves are easily accommodated usingK2 kerbs and may be used exclusively or in combination with directional units (see Figure 4). Radii in excess of 2 metres are achieved using standard units and special units are available for radii less than 2 metres down to a minimum of 500 mm.

(Figure 2)

(Figure 3)

(Figure 4)

Kerb units that form the delineation between footpaths and roadways needs to be painted to highlight the interface between them. The paints used for this purpose tend not to be durable, need frequent maintenance and lack luminosity at night and in severe weather conditions. Directional kerbs are now available as an alternative cost-effective and permanent form of marking. The coloured reflective surface, which is an integral part of the manufactured units, is permanent and, apart from occasional cleaning, is maintenance-free. The primary function of this product is to enhance safety of motorists and pedestrians alike by providing clearly visible markings at all times and in all weather conditions. Appropriate areas for use of the Directional Kerbs are at; accident ‘black spots’ on roads, car parks, roundabouts and other devices incorporated in traffic calming schemes.

(Figure 5) - Reflective White and Black (non-refelcative) with starter and end k2 kerbs.



CONVENTIONAL    versus INNOVATIVE METHOD OF KERBING
DIRECTIONAL KERBS with PRECAST KERB BASE
(in normal and adverse condition)
 
Day View

Rainy Day - Day View

Night View

Rainy Day - Night View

The benefits of the product may be summarised as follows:

· High strength units with integral reflective colouring
· Consistency in dimensional tolerances
· Reduced need for cement mortar between kerb units
· Consistency in colour
· Provide permanent directional markings for traffic
· Clearly visible at night and in adverse weather conditions
· Eliminates the need for re-painting
· Practically maintenance free
· Reduces or eliminates the need for direction signs
· Available in different colours
· Generally self-cleansing


Areas where safety would be improved by the use of K2 reflective directional kerbs are:

- Crossroads
- T- Junctions
- Slip roads
- Bus Bays
- Road curves
- Other critical road bends and accident 'black spots'.

CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
The authors of this submission consider that the use of reflective K2 and Directional kerb units will contribute significantly to road safety. Current research has indicated that 'speed kills' and it is for this reason that there has been a proliferation of traffic calming measures throughout the UK. It is axiomatic that surfacing and kerbing materials used as part of traffic calming measures should be permanently highly visual in all lighting and weather conditions.

It is recognised that there may be other applications where reflective pavers may be used which, whilst not necessarily contributing to safety nonetheless will enhance the aesthetic appeal of block paving in general.

It is also considered that where tactile paving units are used to aid visually impaired pedestrians these may also be manufactured with integral reflective surfaces.

Note: Testimonials from APC's clients and Test Reports done by SETSCO an independent Laboratory in Singapore are available upon request.

Updated 01 October 2004