This report describes a new type of reflecting concrete kerb designed by the Laboratory, and installed at three sites in Scotland and one in the South of England. Light from vehicle headlights is reflected back to the driver by facets formed by the edges of raised rectangular pads on the sloping face of a 45 degree kerb. The facets provide a reflection for traffic in both directions and do not form pockets or recesses which can fill with dirt and render the kerb ineffective, unlike reflecting concrete kerbs of current design. Observations made at night in both dry and wet (rainy) conditions have shown that the kerb provides a good definition of the edge of the carriageway and the performance is affected little by roadside dirt. The kerbs can be manufactured easily and cheaply, and it is possible for existing 45 degree plain kerbs to be converted to the new design by bonding small raised blocks to the sloping face using impact adhesive.
Abstract