The Requirements for Curbs
A curb is the edge of a raised sidewalk or portion of ground that runs next to the road below. While curb requirements are left up to the state or even county, curb requirements are generally uniform throughout the country. Curb requirements vary from curb ramp requirements to curb with gutter requirements.
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Standard Curb
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A standard curb, according to the government of Indiana, is 20 inches tall with a minimum 6 to 8 inches of the top exposed. A standard curb is not ideal for a portion of sidewalk that will need proper drainage because a gutter cannot be easily placed into a curb of this height and shape. If a gutter is being added to a standard curb, the curb must be made of concrete and have 6 inches of exposure above ground.
Integral Curb
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An integral curb is designed to be poured monolithic with concrete in an effort to create a smooth line between the street and the sidewalk. Requirements for an integral curb include 6 inches of exposure for a grade A integral curb. For a grade B, only 4 inches of exposure are required. At the base of the concrete curb, stirrup bars should be firmly placed. From here, the stirrup bars are designed to connect the base of the curb with the exposed portion of the curb.
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Curb Ramps
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Curb ramps are installed on the corners of sidewalks in an effort to make the sidewalk wheelchair-accessible. Curb ramps range from parallel curb ramps to perpendicular curb ramps. If you are designing or placing a curb ramp, you must create a level landing area at the top of the curb. In addition, the ramp grade, in terms of steepness, should be between 7.1 and 8.33 percent. The cross slope of the ramp should be 2 percent.
Curb Forms
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The creation of a curb requires a piece of either wood or metal designed to take the exact form and angle of the curb itself. In addition to requiring the use of metal or wood, the materials must be entirely free of warping before covering the forms with concrete. The forms must also extend for the entire depth of the curb and be properly fastened to the ground to maintain accurate angles and alignment with the curb.
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References
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