What Are Concrete Curb And Gutter?
What Are Concrete Curb And Gutter?
A curb is a small wall that is erected to hold the pavement from the sides and to function as a barrier between the yard and the roadway. It is bounded on one side by a gutter, which is a flat concrete slab that drains water away from the yard. Typically, curb and gutter are built together on a job site.
They collect surface runoff from paved roadways, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces and transport it to a storm drain system or an appropriate treatment and/or infiltration system. Eliminate or reduce curb and gutter systems whenever practicable. Concrete curbs are classified into five types:
1. Barrier Curbs.
This is the most often used curb on the planet. As the name implies, this sort of curb is utilized to provide a barrier between automobiles and specific areas (e.g. sidewalks, stores, parking spaces, etc.). Asphalt aggregates or cement concrete are commonly used to make barrier curbs.
2. Mountable Curbs.
Mountable curbs feature a modest incline on one face of the curb to allow cars to easily drive over them.
These kind of curbs are ideal at intersections where people with shopping carts or strollers, as well as those on bicycles or roller skates, may safely pass on or off the sidewalk.
3. Mower Curbs.
Mower curbs are exclusively utilized on the grass or in flowerbeds. They have a highly attractive appearance and serve as a strong, dependable, and protective barrier between pathways and the green zone.
Their distinctive form allows lawnmowers to go close enough to each blade of grass to ensure equal trimming without hurting the topsoil or the gear.
4. Monolithic Curbs.
The top layers of monolithic curbs are matched to produce greater grip and make it simpler for heavier cars to pass without destroying the internal structure or base of the asphalt or concrete.
5. Slanted Curbs.
Slanted curbs have no practical use; instead, they improve the visual appeal of the surrounding area. These curbs are solely cosmetic and ornamental.
How Do You Make A Concrete Curb And Gutter?
Making concrete curb and gutter is a simple task. You have to follow the right procedure to achieve good results. It is important that you understand the process behind it so that you know how to make concrete curb and gutter at home.
Here are some steps for making a concrete curb and gutter:
1. Excavation And Marking
Marking is the first and most important stage in any construction project. The route where the curb and gutter must be built is marked with marking powder. A necessary gradient is provided to ensure that all water coming from it is adequately drained.
The indicated area is then dug by hand or machine to a depth of 300mm. The excavated earth is piled and moved away from the excavation site. All loose soil and dirt is firmly tamped using a manual tamper or machine compactor.
A gravel and cement base is placed down and compacted. The gravel basis for both curb and gutter is put at the same time, and its width is the combined width of the curb and gutter.
2. Formwork.
The formwork is constructed using ply boards or steel moulds. The design of the formwork is determined by the type of curb to be built. Formwork is constructed and fixed by driving wood posts into the ground with a hammer behind them.
Fasten the two boards together with metal clamps or 1-by-2 boards nailed across the tops of the curb form boards every foot to hold the spacers in place. At regular intervals, spacers are given.
The formwork’s plub and level are tested for correct alignment and shape. Coat formwork with cooking oil or a similar substance to keep concrete from clinging to it.
3. Concrete Placement.
The formwork is filled with the requisite design mix of concrete. Concrete is first poured into the gutter area, then the top of the curb formwork is filled with concrete. Proper compaction ensures a long-lasting curb and gutter.
After the concrete has hardened, remove the front curb board and use special concrete finishing equipment to smooth up the curb and gutter surfaces.
The concrete in the gutter is polished with a finishing tool that forms indentations in the curb form where spacers were put. Remove the spacers and replace them with concrete mortar.
4. Curing.
Concrete must be cured after it has been laid and completed in order to acquire strength and durability. Curbs must be protected against moisture loss, rain damage, traffic, and severe heat or cold.
