Concrete Footpath

A concrete footpath is a footpath constructed from concrete. Concrete footpaths are the most common type of footpath in many municipalities. They might have mesh reinforcement (espcially the modern construction practices)

More footpath photos.

Footpath Construction

Footpath Construction is an activity performed by most Councils. Concrete Footpaths, which are the most common type of footpath are typically constructed as follows.

	The site is surveyed and set out; Any grass is removed and the site is excavated or filled to the appropriate depth; A compacted sand base is prepared; The edges of the footpath are bordered by timber boxing.
	Reinforcing mesh is placed within the pathway. Tree root barrier may be installed.
	Concrete is poured onto the base.
	The surface is leveled, often by hand trowel.

Challenges

The following challenges relating to 'footpath construction' have been identified. I you can identify an additional challenge, please add it to the list below or contact one or more of the above 'collaborators' to discuss.

• Minimising the life cycle cost of footpaths

Projects

• No projects currently identified.

Related Pages

• Councils and Opportunities for Collaboration
• Footpath Jointing System
• Footpath Maintenance
• Footpath Photos

Collaborators

The following people have indicated (via the Local Government Collaboration Topics Survey) that they have an interest and/or expertise in the topic of 'asset condition assessment' and are willing to collaborate with their peers at other councils to identify challenges and resources relating to the topic and to look for ways to work together to overcome any challenges that are identified.

• Bill Scott (Central Goldfields Shire)
• Chris Saunders (Glenelg Shire)
• Darren Dumesny (Moyne Shire)
• Indivar Dhakal (Loddon Shire)
• Kamal Ranaweera (City of Logan)
• Johnathon Roach (Open Spatial) ^EL
• Lucille Yu (City of Hume)
• Michael Constantinou (Banyule City Council) ^EL
• Mohammad Rashid (City of Banyule)
• Peter Brown (City of Ballarat)

Contributors

The following site members have contributed to this page:

• Wayne Eddy

External Links & References

1. Google Search
2. Tripstop

Example Cross Section

Useful Life

The useful life of a concrete footpath will depend on a number of factors including soil conditions, the material it is made from, its thickness, and the proximity of trees. A life of 60 years is typical for concrete footpaths in some areas.

The table below shows the useful life for concrete footpaths adopted by Councils or published elsewhere. Please feel free to add your Councils information.

Council Useful Life Albury City Council 50 years Bundaberg Regional Council 60 years Camden Council 50 years Campbelltown City Council 50-60 Years Holroyd City Council 50 years Hume City Council 50 years Infrastructure Asset Useful Lives Report 20-50 years Muswellbrook Shire Council 55 years National Asset Management Manual 50 Years Ryde City Council 80-120 years Shoalhaven City Council 50 years Whittlesea City Council 80-100 years Wollondilly Shire Council 50 years

Defects

Concrete footpaths are subject to a number of common defects, including;

• vertical joint displacements
• cracking
• panel displacement due to tree roots
• spalling

Common causes of concrete footpath defects include:

• Tree roots growing under the path
• Vehicular traffic over the path
• Water seeping under the path and undermining it

Related Pages

• Footpath Construction
• Useful Life Discussion

External Links & References

1. How to lay a concrete path (Readers Digest)
2. Mornington Peninsula Footpath Construction Specification
3. Concrete Path Guidelines
4. Crack sealing repair of Concrete footpaths (IPWEA Discussion)
5. Google Search
6. Standard Life Comparison Roads and Stormwater