Sidewalk Design, Evaluation and Management: Maintaining Infrastructure and Reducing Liability Risk

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand key sidewalk and recreational trail performance features and how to build them to last
• Identify best construction practices to ensure high-quality construction
• Use methods and means to complete condition assessments of sidewalk and recreational trails to manage the infrastructure effectively
• Identify and use effective techniques to preserve the condition of the assets
• Minimize liability due to trip and slip hazards

Description

Sidewalks and recreational trails are intended to provide a safe and durable surface for the public. The primary surface material for urban sidewalks has traditionally been concrete, with recreational trails traditionally surfaced with hot-mix asphalt. However, urban areas are under significant pressure to provide “enhanced” treatments, including interlocking bricks, granite setts, stamped and coloured concrete, and recycled products. 

Municipalities face challenges on how to evaluate, approve and maintain these products. How can each be constructed and maintained cost-effectively? How do I determine when to “fix” something? What is involved? What are the long-term costs of maintaining this infrastructure? How do I build and maintain sidewalks and trails to comply with codes such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act?

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for:

• Engineering and technical staff involved in construction and maintenance
• Consultants and contractors designing and constructing infrastructure
• Asset management and operations staff
• Personnel involved in the maintenance of sidewalks and recreational trails
• Inspection and testing staff

This course covers:

• Functions of sidewalks and recreational trails
• All surface types and their function
• Key design features to ensure long life
• Proper construction and maintenance techniques
• Design, construction and life-cycle costs
• Methods of maintenance and preservation
• What to concentrate on to ensure maximum life
• Methods to evaluate the effectiveness of new products
• Condition inspection and monitoring procedures
• Sidewalk management