The height of a mountable kerb typically ranges from 70 to 80 mm.
Mountable kerbs, also known as low-profile kerbs, are specifically designed to allow vehicles to drive over them easily without sustaining damage. This characteristic makes them a versatile and practical solution in various urban and residential settings, blending vehicle accessibility with safety considerations. They are often employed in areas where occasional vehicle overrun is necessary or desired, providing a smooth transition between different surface levels and enhancing pedestrian safety in places like school zones or residential areas.
Understanding Mountable Kerb Heights
The typical height specification for mountable kerbs is between 70 and 80 mm. This precise range is engineered to offer sufficient delineation between surfaces while remaining low enough for vehicles to traverse comfortably. This design principle ensures that while the kerb defines the edge of a carriageway or parking area, it does not impede vehicle access when required, making them easy to drive over without causing damage to the vehicle.
Key Characteristics of Mountable Kerbs
Mountable kerbs possess several distinct features that make them suitable for their intended applications:
- Vehicle Accessibility: Their low profile allows cars and other vehicles to drive over them smoothly, minimizing the risk of tyre or suspension damage. This is particularly useful for accessing driveways, parking bays, or emergency vehicle routes.
- Pedestrian Safety: In environments such as school zones or residential areas, the reduced height means that if a vehicle accidentally mounts the kerb, the impact is less severe than with a taller, barrier-style kerb. They help define pedestrian zones without creating an absolute barrier.
- Traffic Management: While not a physical barrier, they serve as a clear visual cue for drivers, indicating the edge of the road or a designated area.
- Drainage Efficiency: Like other kerb types, they play a crucial role in directing surface water runoff, preventing water accumulation on roads and pavements.
- Aesthetic Integration: Their subtle presence can contribute to a more open and less restrictive urban landscape design.
Applications and Benefits
The unique design of mountable kerbs lends itself to a wide array of applications, providing both practical and safety benefits. Their use is particularly prevalent in areas requiring a balance between defining spaces and maintaining accessibility.
- Residential Streets and Driveways: Facilitating easy access for vehicles entering and exiting properties, making them easy to drive over.
- Car Parks and Commercial Areas: Allowing flexible movement within parking facilities, particularly for designated overflow areas or internal access routes.
- School Zones and Play Areas: Enhancing safety by reducing the severity of impacts if a vehicle accidentally leaves the carriageway, while still delineating pedestrian zones. This is particularly useful in areas where pedestrian safety is a concern.
- Emergency Vehicle Access: Providing less obstructive pathways for emergency services when rapid access is critical.
- Median Strips and Traffic Islands: Used to delineate these features, permitting larger vehicles or emergency services to cross if necessary.
Choosing the appropriate kerb height is vital for effective urban planning and road design, ensuring both safety and functionality. For a comprehensive understanding of various kerb types and their applications, resources like The Concrete Centre's Kerbs & Channels Guide or local highway authority design manuals are excellent references.
Comparative Kerb Heights
To put the height of mountable kerbs into perspective, here's a comparison with other common kerb types:
| Kerb Type | Typical Exposed Height | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Mountable/Low | 70-80 mm | Easy vehicle overrun, pedestrian safety, delineation |
| Standard/Semi-mount | 100-150 mm | Road edge definition, moderate vehicle deterrence, drainage |
| Barrier/High | 150-250+ mm | Prevent vehicle overrun, strong physical barrier, delineate |
Note: Heights can vary based on local standards and specific design requirements.
Mountable kerbs represent a thoughtful solution in road infrastructure, offering a balance between defining physical spaces and maintaining necessary vehicle permeability.
