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A COMPLETE GUIDE OF RUBBER SPEED BUMP INSTALLATION

Traffic accidents were rising fast at roadways, parking lots, crosswalks, etc., risking human lives. Earlier, reflective strips, pavement markings, and other traffic-management tools were also used on roadways to reduce the vehicle’s speed but it was straightforwardly ignored. Then road bumps were introduced.

Road bumps are raised sections on the road or pedestrian crossing etc. made by asphalt, concrete, or recycled plastic, etc., that slows the traffic volume to improve pedestrian safety. Likewise, the rubber speed bumps are a perfect solution for traffic-engineering design as they work as effective traffic barriers at required locations.

They are fabricated from heavy-duty recycled rubber instead of a built-in bump in the road in asphalt concrete. They reduce speed limits of buses, cars, bicyclists, etc. resulting in decreased accidents by reckless driving. Efficient design, lightweight, easy installation, and cost-effectiveness give rubber speed bump an advantage over traditional speed bumps.

BENEFITS OF RUBBER SPEED BUMPS

To determine a speed bump that is perfect for the roadways, crosswalk, etc., various important factors, rather than merely considering safety precautions from oncoming vehicles, need to be considered.

Few have been discussed here which mostly include cost, easy installation/removal, and high visibility in the nighttime to maintain city traffic, and most importantly its durability.

Some of the noteworthy benefits of these road bumps are mentioned hereunder:

  • Hassle-free installation, removal, and portability: The rubber speed bump installations are hassle-free and therefore, discourage the use of traditional raised sections. They are easily removed and portable to fix at any locality
  • Adherence to all road types: The most significant discomfort with the traditional raised section is that they do not harmonize with any road type. They require additional coatings on top to better function. This is a problem for transportation engineers to design economic roads. But the rubber speed bumps adjust with all types of roads and they also do not require any special coatings on top.
  • Amplified visibility: Poor construction of speed bumps causes accidents because they lack proper visibility. The rubber speed bumps have yellow and black stripes that enhance their visibility and improve traffic flow at areas like work zone, residential areas, curbs, railroad crossings, school zone, etc. They have red or yellow cat’s eyes or reflectors for additional visibility while others with reflective glass beads.

DISADVANTAGE OF RUBBER SPEED BUMPS

Along with numerous benefits of these road bumps, they also have drawbacks that pose serious issues. Proper care and material selection are required to function them efficiently and reduce their disadvantages.

Since there is no major difference in the functioning of these road bumps either made of rubber or traditional materials, they have almost similar drawbacks to their usage.

Some of the drawbacks are listed under:

  • Increases oncoming traffic noise as the vehicle comes to a near stop and later regains speed after crossing it.
  • Damages vehicles if they traverse at high speed.
  • Reduce the speed of emergency vehicles like ambulances etc.
  • Damages passenger-car with low ground clearance or cars like sports cars etc.

PREFERRED ROADS FOR RUBBER SPEED BUMP INSTALLATION

Different roads are built for various purposes depending upon weather conditions, traffic load types, etc. The roads of varying nature have a different composition.

Therefore, it is necessary to understand the road's nature and then decide whether rubber speed bump installation will be successful or not.

Following discussed are the composition and uses of various types of roads that helps in deciding the necessity to install rubber speed bumps.

  • Concrete roads: They are made of sub-grade, dry lean, and concrete pavement which is a very tough composition. Installation of rubber speed bumps will be a boon for traffic speed control on this road.
  • Asphalt roads: They are composed of earth embankment, soil and aggregate sub-base, sand cushion, and concrete pavement. Installing rubber speed bumps on such roads will benefit.
  • Gravel roads: The road composition consists of well-compacted earth sub-grade, geotextile fabric, and mixed gravel. The rubber speed bump installed here will be rigid in its position and serve longer.

LOCATION TO INSTALL RUBBER SPEED BUMPS

Rubber speed bumps are changing sides with traffic police enforcement for better traffic control. Since speed control is the basic function of speed breakers, they are required to place in areas of high pedestrian traffic, city streets, speeding highways, property owners locations, etc. to minimize crashes and collisions.

Using signposts along with the rubber speed bumps will enhance their visibility at night times and minimize collision as a result.

Following are some of the major areas preferred to install rubber speed bumps:

  • Parking space
  • Alleys
  • Intersection
  • Cyclist lanes
  • Roadways
  • Sidewalks
  • Fencing
  • Crossings.
  • Traffic signs
  • Residential Area
  • Public works areas
  • Traffic signals
  • Roundabout

WHO CAN INSTALL A RUBBER SPEED BUMP

Although the installation method is very easy, yet there are various factors to consider about the installation of rubber speed bumps so everyone should not install it wherever he/she wishes to. One should always hire an expert for it or consult a road authority official to fully understand the need. Following are some of the major factors to keep in mind while installing rubber speed bumps.

  • The severity of the problem: It determines whether it is necessary to install the road bumps. This includes considering factors such as the number of driveways, curves, and closeness of houses to the street, etc.
  • The decision of placement: If the road bumps are placed at improper locations, they can greatly reduce the traffic speed below normal and also slow down emergency vehicle response to an emergent situation in the worst case.
  • Selection of suitable speed bump: If the traffic flow of cars is less than motorbikes in places like alleys, city streets, etc., it is suitable to install a rubber speed bump with grooves to easily pass the motorbikes. This will control the major traffic speed as well as enhance the workability of these bumps.

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES FOR INSTALLATION OF RUBBER SPEED BUMPS

There are various types of tools for different installation methods of a rubber speed bump. This is because different roads require different installation techniques to ensure the stability of these road bumps. Here are various tools required for these road bumps:

  • For asphalt and concrete roads
    • o 12.5 mm x 139.7 mm lag both for each hole (fasteners that connect material that bears intense load)
    • o 02 nos 12.5 mm washers each (distributes the load from bolt head over a larger area)
    • o 12.5 mm lag anchor (to reduce drilling time)
    • o High-speed hammer drill having 19 mm masonry bit
    • o Impact wrench with 19 mm socket
    • o Trimming knife
    • o Hammer
    • For asphalt and gravel roads
      • o High-speed hammers drill having 12.5 mm masonry bit.
      • o Hammer.
      • o 12.5 mm dia Steel spikes (356 mm long for concrete and 457 mm for gravel).
      • o Activate epoxy resin (recommended for the gripping bond with road)

      PROCEDURE FOR INSTALLATION OF RUBBER SPEED BUMPS

      Different composition of roads requires different installation techniques and tools for rubber speed bumps. This will ensure their proper and accurate anchorage on the road.

      The rubber speed bumps are manufactured and supplied in sections that can be butted together to create a whole product. These sections are also beneficial to remove in case of snowfall or relocation at other places.

      Keen care should be taken while its installation, otherwise it can peel off from the roadway thus becoming a danger for vehicular accidents. Following are detailed methods for these speed bumps to various road types:

      LAG BOLT METHOD: FOR ASPHALT OR CONCRETE ROADS

      • Ensure the surface is clean from dirt.
      • Loosely place the end caps and bump sections on the location area and mark the location of the hole with pre-drilled holes.
      • Make sure the units are straight and square. Using a chalk line or straight edge will be beneficial.
      • Now remove the loose sections and drill hole at each marked location using a high-speed hammer drill with a 19 mm masonry bit to a minimum depth of 75 mm below the surface.
      • Clear the surface again after pre-drilling to remove unwanted particles.
      • Now insert anchors into holes with the help of a hammer until they are flush with the surface.o Now place the speed bump sections loosely with pre-drilled holes and realign them.
      • Now place the washer on top of the lag bolt and tighten the nut about 19 mm way with a 19 mm socket. Repeat the process for all holes.
      • Finish tightening each bolt until they are just snug.
      • Avoid over-tightening or the bump may damage and void the product warranty.

      STEEL SPIKE METHOD: FOR GRAVEL AND ASPHALT

      • Ensure the surface is clean from dirt.
      • Loosely place the end caps and bump sections on the location area and mark the location of the hole with pre-drilled holes.
      • Make sure the units are straight and square. Using a chalk line or straight edge will be beneficial.
      • Now remove the loose sections and drill hole at each marked location using a high-speed hammer drill with a 12.5 mm masonry bit to a minimum depth of 356 mm below concrete and 457 mm below gravel surfaces.
      • Clear the surface again after pre-drilling to remove unwanted particles.
      • Now place the speed bump sections loosely with pre-drilled holes and realign them.
      • Insert 12.5 mm dia spikes through the holes in the surface using a hammer. Keep hammering until the spike head is flushed with the bump surface.
      • Recommended buttering spikes with epoxy resin to prevent asphalt from cracking.

      SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING INSTALLATION

      Few considerations to be kept in mind while installing rubber speed bumps otherwise it can result in serious injury. Following are the safety measures while its installation:

      • Ensure to wear safety goggles, safety boots, etc. as PPE.
      • While drilling, make sure there are no slippery hazards.
      • While drilling, make sure the chuck guard is in the position that helps to avoid a person to close contact with hotspots.
      • While using an impact wrench, make sure the socket is intact.
      • Work with trimming knife from dominant hand otherwise, it could result in injury.
      • Wear a face shield while using a hammer or mallet to avoid chipped-off material contact with the eye. Always strike hammer/mallet blow squarely parallel to surface.

      CONCLUSION

      The rubber speed bumps are a necessity for the reduction in the speed of vehicles.at roads, parkways, cycle lanes, etc. They are more aggressive for limiting the speed of a motorist because they bring transport acceleration to a near stop.

      The introduction of rubber speed bumps not only benefits road traffic safety but also proves durable and cost-effective to a traffic engineer. They are made from heavy-duty tires which are more durable and resistant. They can be quickly installed, removed, or relocated anywhere to crossing signs, interchanges, road signs, etc. They have more reflectors which are why they are more detectable at night especially at the two-way driveway.

      Unlike the traditional speed bumps, they are resistant to UV and chemicals and complement different types of roads. This proves that these speed bumps are more investment-worthy to calm traffic. Otherwise, it would be very painstaking to select different speed breakers for different roads types.