Synthetic kerbs and method of use

Abstract

Synthetic kerbstones and method for use in the construction of roads, pathways and footpaths. The synthetic kerbstones described herein can support the edges of a road surface in the same manner as conventional kerbstones so as to allow the construction and use of the road during, for example, nearby building works. The synthetic kerbs can be driven over without the possibility of damage to the appearance of the final road. At the end of these building works, the temporary synthetic kerbs are removed and replaced with conventional kerbstones (typically made of concrete or stone). In use, the synthetic kerbstones described herein are preferably reusable. Alternatively, the kerbstones may be left in place and advantage taken of their resistance to damage on being mounted by vehicles. In this way, the holes or channels 2, 4 running longitudinally through the kerb can be used to provide services such as gas, water, electricity, communications and/or drainage.

1 . A polymeric kerbstone having at least one longitudinal channel ( 2 ,  4 ) located therethrough.  
     
     
         2 . A polymeric kerbstone according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric kerbstone is formed from a hard, lightweight, durable rubber or polyethylene compound.  
     
     
         3 . A polymeric kerbstone according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric kerbstone is formed in the precise dimensions of an existing standard concrete half-battered or bull-nosed kerb.  
     
     
         4 . A polymeric kerbstone according to  claim 3 , wherein each polymeric kerbstone comprises two or more holes ( 2 ) running longitudinally through the half-battered kerb and one hole ( 4 ) running longitudinally through the bull-nosed kerb.  
     
     
         5 . A polymeric kerbstone according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric kerbstone is provided with holes ( 3 ) to allow the insertion of removable quarter-turn handles for easy transportation and installation  
     
     
         6 . A polymeric kerbstone according to  claim 2 , wherein the rubber compound to be used is that obtainable from recycled rubber tyres.  
     
     
         7 . A polymeric kerbstone according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric kerbstone is formed from a material having an elastic modulus of between 4 MPa and 3 GPa where 4.4 MPa is equivalent to an IR HD (hardness) value of 60 (arbitrary units).  
     
     
         8 . A polymeric kerbstone according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one longitudinal channel ( 2 ,  4 ) allows for the provision of services such as gas, water, electricity, communications and/or drainage.  
     
     
         9 . A polymeric kerbstone according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric kerbstone is provided with end faces having coupling elements mounted thereon to facilitate connection of said longitudinal channels ( 2 ,  4 ).  
     
     
         10 . A method of laying roads, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) placing a set of durable polymeric kerbstones along the borders of the road;    (b) laying the sub-base of the road;    (c) replacing the durable polymeric kerbstones with non-polymeric kerbstones; and    (d) laying the top coat of the road.