A proposal to determine the distribution of lateral forces from loaded recycled plastic drainage kerbs

Abstract: This study presents a detailed analysis of the lateral forces generated as a result of vertically applied loads to recycled plastic drainage kerbs. These kerbs are a relatively new addition to road infrastructure projects. When concrete is used to form road drainage kerbs, its deformation is minimum when stressed under heavy axle loads. Although recycled plastic kerbs are more environmentally friendly as a construction product, they are less stiff than concrete and tend to deform more under loading leading to a bursting type, lateral force being applied to the haunch materials, the magnitude of which is unknown. A method is proposed for establishing the distribution of these lateral forces resulting from deformation under laboratory test conditions. A load of 400 kN is applied onto a total of six typical kerbs in the laboratory in accordance with the test standard. The drainage kerbs are surrounded with 150 mm of concrete to the front and rear haunch and underneath as is normal during installation. The lateral forces exerted on the concrete surround as a result of deformation of the plastic kerbs are determined via a strain measuring device. Analysis of the test data allows the magnitude of the lateral forces to the surrounding media to be determined and, thereby, ensuring the haunch materials are not over-stressed as a result. The proposed test methodology and subsequent analysis allows for an important laboratory-based assessment of any typical recycled plastic drainage kerbs to be conducted to ensure they are fit-for-purpose in the field.