Friday, August 16, 2013

Information Regarding Concrete Sidewalk Repair

By Essie Craft


When a footpath is full of potholes, it becomes unsuitable for use and thus a concrete sidewalk repair must be carried out. One of the causes of pavement cracking is the force imposed by tree roots penetrating under the slabs. Initially, no much change is noted but as the roots grows wider, significant crumbling is seen.

A pavement is easily damaged if it is hit by a strong force coming from heavy machinery such as those applied in road construction. The concrete applied in the construction of footpath is not meant to withstand strong forces such as those exerted by vehicles and tractors. This means that it will be defaced once such an automotive steps on it. In a case whereby the slab of a footpath is cut during repair of water or sewerage systems, then restoration will be necessary.

The contractor is expected to set a diversion before he closes the path to be repaired. This will allow occupants of the surrounding buildings carryout their daily duties without obstructions. It will not be ideal to close a path without setting an alternative one as it will inconvenience passersby.

The law requires that the repairer demarcates the site of work with the recommended standard materials. This will bar passersby from entering the area of work as they will be exposed to the risk of accidents if they do so. If the path is placed against the road, it will be crucial to put warning signs so as to alert motorists of the repair work going on.

All contractors should obey the international constructions codes in setting up any kind of a structure. These will guide him on the minimal strength of materials he should apply in building a given facility. Following these codes will see durable and safe facilities being established.

Elements constituting concrete comprise of aggregates, cement and water. A rigid concrete will be formed by observing the recommended ratio when mixing these components. The proper equipment must be administered in the mixing so as to get a uniform mixture.

The contractor is mainly guided by the initial design in revamping the damaged sidewalk. In a case where this has been displaced since the construction was completed, a design must be sought for the damaged portion if not the whole path. It is not advisable to engage in an undersigned construction as many errors will be done. Design helps do away with some possible obstacles before the actual work is began on the ground.

After completing the concrete sidewalk repair, the contractor should ensure that he put up a mechanism that will protect it from the external force that caused the damage. This will prevent the client from suffering unnecessary costs now and then. For instance, fitting metal bars on either side of the path will prevent vehicles from stepping on it.




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