Curbs are the circulation elements that make up the edge of where a raised sidewalk or a median meets a street or roadway. The main purpose of Curbs is to help delineate the edge of the pavement that separates the road from sidewalks and prevent drivers from possibly parking and driving on any sidewalks or lawns. Curbs also help promote structural support to the edge of a pavement and can help direct any runoff water from rain or melted snow into storm drains. Curbs are often categorized by shape, material, height, and whether the curb is combined with a gutter.
Curbs have been around for centuries, but they didn't become widespread until the 18th century. They were originally used to keep horse manure off sidewalks, but they soon became essential for traffic control and pedestrian safety. In the 1960s, curb cuts were introduced to make streets more accessible for people with disabilities. Today, curbs are an essential part of our urban infrastructure.
A curb cut (also called a curb ramp, depressed curb, dropped curb, or pram ramp) is a ramped section of curb that allows pedestrians to cross the street at an intersection without having to climb over the curb. Curb cuts are designed primarily for wheelchair users, but they also benefit people with strollers, baby carriages, bicycles, and other wheeled devices.
The main difference between a barrier curb and a mountable curb is that a barrier curb is vertical and cannot be driven over, while a mountable curb has a sloping face that allows vehicles to drive over it without damaging their tires.
Curbs are typically made of concrete or stone. They are created by pouring concrete into forms or by using a slipform machine. The type of curb that is used will depend on the specific project requirements. For example, hand-made curbs may be used for smaller projects, while slip form casting machines may be used for larger projects or projects that require a high level of precision.
