REFLECTIVE PAVERS (Patent No. US 09/101,850 and EP 0889772B1)
©copyright
Papers Submitted By Michael Lazar and John Emery
The versatility and aesthetic appeal of concrete block paving, Highway Authorities are increasingly using this form of surfacing for roads and footpaths and other applications. Reflective pavers and kerbs are now available that offer an alternative permanent, cost effective form of marking. The primary function of these products is to promote safety of motorists and pedestrians alike by providing clearly visible markings at all times and in all weather conditions. Appropriate areas for use of reflective pavers and kerbs are roads, footpaths, pedestrian crossings, car parks, traffic humps and other devices incorporated into traffic calming schemes and at identified accident 'black spots'.
Pigmented pavers can be used to provide contrast for markings on block paved surfaces. However, they tend to lack visual impact and, with time, fade. Alternatively, the pavers may be painted using specialist paints or thermoplastic materials. These are not durable (see figures 1 and 2) and may require frequent maintenance. In both cases the markings tend to be visually inefficient due to their poor luminosity.
Figure 1 |
Figure 2 |
The modular
nature of concrete block paving lends itself tot he provision of directional
and informational markings when need. A comprehensive range of registered
markings (see figure 3) has been developed using reflective pavers, which
may be integrated into standard block paved surfaces for use at airports,
ports, highways and carparks.
(Figure 3) Registered Designs
The unique feature of the reflective pavers is the enhancement of the visibility of markings in daylight, at night and in adverse weather conditions. The coloured reflective surface, which is an integral part of the manufactured units, is permanent and, apart from occasional cleaning, maintenance-free. One particular safety application is on 'road humps' (see very top picture) constructed as part of a wider traffic calming scheme which, quite often, are barely visible particularly where street lighting is poor or even non-existent.
CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
The authors of this submission consider that the use of reflective pavers and K2 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 09 Apri 2007
