What is the point of a Kerb

You may think a kerb as part of surfacing a car park or road surface is boring, well think again! They are an essential component of the everyday tasks of surfacing. They come in all shapes and sizes with each one providing a different message to the everyday person.

What is the point of a kerb?

Well, the answer to this is simple.

Kerbs…

• Mark the end of a pavement to a road – essential for pedestrian safety.
• Provide a corridor for vehicles to be directed by.
• Create an edge to work with.
• Help channel water towards the drainage.

Types of common kerbs
They are many types, but the two most common are the radius and half battered kerbs. All types need to be a British Standard product.

(These are only a selection. For more information on kerbs please contact Blackoak Surfacing)

Ok, but how is a kerbstone installed?

Concrete is laid on the ground, underneath where the kerbstone will be installed. This concrete provides the kerbstone with a strong structure and foundation. This process is called bedding. Once the bed is installed it is then finished. It is important that each is aligned to the closest measurement to ensure a quality and ascetically pleasing finish. A small gap should be left from the baseline and kerbstone to allow for drainage. This is given the deserving name of the drainage line.

The next process is called haunching. Don’t let the fancy name fool you it’s quite simple! Bedding makes sure that the base is strong and won’t submerse underneath the ground, however, haunching provides structural support by holding the kerbstone in place so it can’t move out of alignment, ensuring a professional finish. The haunching is also placed on the bed of concrete ensuring a solid fix.

What are the measurements?
Measurements can vary, however, these are the ‘British Standard’ measurements for the half battered and radius kerbs.

Type of kerb	Height (from bedding)	Width	Length
Half battered kerb	225mm	125mm	915mm
Radius kerb	225mm	125mm	780mm