CONCRETE FOOTPATHS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1916, Page 6

CONCRETE FOOTPATHS.

TO BE MADE IN DEVON STREET. A PROGRESSIVE SCHEME, OTHER PATHS TO BE ASPHALTED. An important scheme involving the re-formation of the footpaths in Devon street with concrete slabs and the asphalting of other footpaths, has been decided upon by the New Plymouth Borough Council. This action is the outcome of a report on the footpaths of the borough which has been drawn up by tiie engineer (Mr. E. 0. Clayton). "Throughout the borough at the present time I think it will be generally admitted that the paths are in a ver. unsatisfactory condition/' says the engineer. "Some require to be renewed and may require extensive repairing; Most of the paths in the past have been laid down with common tar, a few with tar concrete, and a lot have not as yet been treated with anything more than a coating of metal screenings. Generally, it can be said the maintenance of the footpaths has not been attended to as they should have been in the past. The qualification for a good footpath is that it should be smooth and not become slippery, durable and wear evenly and not be unduly expensive in the first instance." CONCRETE PATHS. The report continues:—"There are two methods or laying this class of path, one in the form of flagstones. 2ft by 2ft or 2ft Gin by 2ft Gin' square by about 2in in thickness, prepared at some depot beforehand and conveyed to the path to be constructed. The other method is to lay the concrete, in situ and provide the necessary break of joint by inserting strips of wood or other suitable material, t recommend the first method, for there are several disadvantages in laying the concrete in situ, and afterwards, whenever it becomes necessary to make an opening for laying services of gas, water or drainage under the path, great difficulty is found in relaying the slabs. I do not consider there will be any difference in the cost of the two methods of procedure. I can strongly recommend this class of path for any new work that is to be done in Devon street, sav from the Post Office to Cover street and. V.gmcit street on the east sii Vo the railway station, but its hj: ;ll <. us t would probably be found too great to permit of a greater area beins laid down for SOBie time to corns.

TAR CONCRETE. ''Tar forms the matrix material in a class of concrete' paving that is now very widely used indeed, but thcr,: is no standard recognised in its preparation, different engineers having different methods . It is admitted, however, that to fret t!ie best results it is necessary to '.:se refined far. Locally we have abundance of metal screenings or fine shingle which can be obtained at a low price. Tor the proper and economical preparation of this material a suitable shelter shed and a hearth for i\r- :nir and heating lite stone is necessary, ami i intend asking your ■Council 'to allocate a moderate sum on next year's for the providing of such sccoivauo.U lion. Tise material should be prepared for some months before using it. This material makes an excellent fooljialh, and I strongly advocate its use .13 far a.-, fi-.ndi and' the salcirnt of traffic warrant the outlay.

TARKEIXCi AND .SAXniXCI. "Footpath; tarred and sanded only will make a very good patl> suitable for oiiilyir.j; streets and districts where the tra!i:e is light. It will bo effectual in keeping down tho growth of weeds and vegetation and give a dry smooth surface for walking on. However, it will require attention once a year in the form of an application of a" single coat of tar and sand to keep it ill good, •""ulitipn. " " " "

"The 'life' of concrete flags of the best quality of course depends on the traffic over the path, and the same applies to any other materials used in construction. It has been found that 20 years is the maximum for concrete flacs and ten years for tar macadam. The Local Government Board in England allow the foregoing maximum terms for the repayment of" loans for paving footpaths, and this was verified a few' years ago. I recommend (1) that paths in the first-class business streets be paved with concrete flags as repairs to existing surfaces and funds permit; (2) That paths in all secondary streets be laid down with tar concrete on all new work, and as repairs and funds permit to existing surfaces; (3) that the footpaths in outlying streets and districts where the mileage is great and the traffic light, be tarred and sanded only, for it will he seen that the capital cost of the other methods is prohibitive." The Council adopted the report, and has decided to form the footpaths on both sides of Devon street, from Cover street to Silver street, with concrete slabs, and to asphalt the footpaths on the main secondary streets in the borough.