Curb

A curb ( North German also called curb, South German and Austro also curb or ostdeutsch also curb ) is a component from the road construction. He serves on the distinction between different areas of the road from each other and for the attachment of green stripes and the roadway or path edge. The flange height is varied and is applied in the case of the high side in the range of 12 to 20 cm. A board reduction is to facilitate the crossing for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users installed in the area of nodes and property driveways.

In Germany a distinction is made between different types of curbs. On the one hand according to the material from which they are made, and on the other by the shape and function of the kerbstone.

Material

In general, concrete curb will be distributed acc. DIN 483 ( so far), new: DIN EN 1340 or natural stone produced, natural stones (often granite ) are much more expensive than concrete blocks. You can find already more often curbs made ​​of plastic too.

The curbs are distinguished except by their material also according to their shape, ie their intended use. Occupies a special position of the so-called asphalt board. It is made with a hard hohlraumarmem Bituminous binder and is incorporated during the manufacturing of a road. He not from individual stones together, but is part of the roadway.

Curb types and their use

High curb

A high curb is a 15-18 cm wide and 25-30 cm high curb that as the traveling from motorized traffic area delineates the roadway of the areas for pedestrians. It serves to protect pedestrians from traffic. For this purpose, it is usually built into Germany and its neighboring countries, that between the roadway and sidewalk a height difference of 10 to 15 cm is available. This tire is not damaged when driving against the curb or parked on the sidewalk, the high curb is beveled in the upper half; in Austria its edge is broken, at least.

Round curb

A round curb is also 15 to 18 cm wide, but usually only 18 to 22 cm high. He serves for reducing pedestrian crossings and property driveways in the course of a high curb.

Since it is driven over to property driveways and still has a difference in height at its front edge, he is on the side facing the road rounded.

At pedestrian crossings in Germany the round curb is usually installed with 3 inch height difference. This will cause a wheelchair run over him and a visually impaired can still feel for him.

Flat curb

A flat curb is a curb, which is between 10 and 30 cm wide and 30 cm high. It is usually installed at traffic islands, and comes more often than the high curb with the tires of vehicles in touch. Therefore, it is tapered so that it will not be damaged itself and the vehicle tires.

• F5 - 20 cm x 10 cm with 5 cm view
• F7 - 20 cm x 20 cm with 7 cm view
• F10 - 25 cm x 20 cm with 10 cm view
• F15 - 30 cm x 25 cm with 15 cm view

Low curb

The low curb between 5 and 10 cm wide and 15-50 cm high. It is used to distinguish between sidewalks and private property, or as a path limitation in gardens, parks or sports grounds. The names sometimes used for this purpose lawn curb or discount stone incorrect. The smallest version of less than 6 cm width is regionally referred to as Schlängel.

Buskapstein

The Buskapstein (of Buskap ) is a special curb, is to reduce the level difference between Busboden and curb. As a variant of high curb and should facilitate the entry and exit to and from buses and trams without height difference. It has a height difference of 18 cm between the road and sidewalk. By looking to the road smooth-ground contact ( climbing protection ) to prevent the incoming bus gets to touch the curb onto the sidewalk. Due to the difference in height it is also often used in places where parking is to be prevented on the sidewalk. To facilitate orientation of the visually impaired, he is also equipped with studs.

Transition Stone

Between the different types of curbs, there is usually so-called transition rocks. They bridge the height difference between normal and enable deeper put curbs ( to allow for example to a better Befahrung a piece of land ). Regional transition stones are also called "wings stones ", " sinker " or " hanger".

Special shapes

For special applications ( eg low longitudinal gradient of the road ), there are slot or box gutters with integral curbs. This will fulfill both the function of road drainage and the curb.

Installation of curbs

The curb is set when installed in a concrete bed to permanently achieve a safe state and a uniform height.

Curbs high stability get a back support made ​​of concrete designed to prevent overturning or breaking away of the stone when driving. Similar construction methods are also in use in other places, such as cemeteries, or the so-called curbstones ( wheel deflector ) to protect the masonry from driveways.

In some other countries (eg in North America) rather than the usual European conglomerates, the curbs on site by hand or with the help of slipforms be made ​​.

For tight bends special radii stones are available. Larger radii are made ​​from whole (1 meter length) or half straight stones. Wherein the radii of stones is made between inner and outer sheets.

Examination of the curbs

The examination of curbs is usually with (servo ) - hydraulic, controlled testing machines. The Kraftmeßbereich should extend at least at 150 kN and the control accuracy at 1% down to 1 % of the Gesamtmeßbereichs. Often a second test frame is added to the existing testing machines whose maximum load is 2000 kN or 3000 or even higher, is required. When investing in new testing machines to connect a second test frame should always be provided with in order to be prepared for future testing tasks. Special devices are offered by the individual manufacturers.