Public Realm Framework - Section 4.1 Ground Surfaces
The emphasis on this section is surfaces. Grates and utility covers are commonly integrated within the surface finish affecting surface tolerances.
Types of surfacing affects textures and tolerances. Service access covers take many forms depending on the utility provider.
Key Design Features
Ground surfaces
- Slip resistant
- Texture for use by wheelchair user person with ambulant or visual impairment
- Surface abutments
- +/-3mm square edged
- +/- 5mm bevel/round edge
- Paving joints 1-12mm
- Paving texture <2mm
Grates
- ≤13mm diameter long dimension perpendicular to path of travel
- Slot ≤150mm long
Summary of Recommendations
- The aesthetic impact of utility access points/trenches can be significant. With substantial proposed investment in infrastructure upgrade and streetscape renewal this represents a significant risk to the aesthetic and entire new streetscapes can be reduced to patchwork. This is a matter for high level policy making to work with the utilities to develop innovative specifications and protocols for make good trenching stylised covers etc.
- Renewal of surfaces such as overpaving asphalt to consider interface with service covers to maintain required surface tolerances.
- Heritage is an important part of our culture but where conflicts occur alternative access ways to be provided.
- Maintenance of pavings is crucial to avoid slip/trip risk
- Specification of asphalt mix to ensure appropriate texture is achieved
- Specification of paving joints can achieve a ‘heritage’ look and still be accessible.