Engineers and Geoscientists BC
HomeEvents
17
November 2015

Design, Evaluation and Management of Sidewalks - Maintaining Infrastructure and Reducing Liability Risk

Status: Advanced online registration is now closed. Please email Jennifer Chan at [email protected] to be placed on the waiting list.
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Time: 8:00 AM-8:30 AM: Registration and Breakfast
8:30 AM-4:30 PM: Course
Location: Vancouver, BC
Presenter: David K. Hein, P.Eng., Principal Engineer, Vice-President, Transportation, Transportation Infrastructure Division, Applied Research Associates, Inc.
Cost: Free
Please Note: *A minimum number of registrations are needed by November 03, 2015 to proceed with this seminar. Please register early to avoid cancellation.
**All prices are subject to applicable taxes.
Contact: Jennifer Chan | Professional Development Coordinator
Direct: 604.412.4861
Toll Free: 1.888.430.8035 ext.4861
Fax: 604.639.8180
Email: [email protected]
This course begins with an overview of the basic functions of sidewalks and recreational trails. Various types of sidewalk surfacings including concrete, asphalt, rubber, recycled materials, natural stone, paving stones and bricks, etc. Features and properties of each are discussed including design, construction, expected life, initial and maintenance costs and safety. Methods of maintenance and asset preservation such as the installation of expansion joints, surface texture improvement, slab jacking and stabilization, etc. are discussed along with proper construction and maintenance techniques.

Purpose and Background  
Municipal agencies maintain over 70 percent of all of all of the transportation infrastructure in Canada.  This includes roadways, bridges, drainage structures, sidewalks and associated infrastructure. 

According to the National Research Council Institute for Research in Construction, there are about 100,000 km of sidewalks in Canada.  It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent are in need of replacement at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion to $2.4 billion.  The importance of sidewalks was recognized in the National Guide for Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure (NGSMI) project with a publication on Sidewalk Design, Construction and Maintenance in 2004.  In the U.S., the Public Access Board has mandated sidewalk inventories, condition assessments and compliance with new legislation for public use and accessibility.  Sidewalk trip hazards represent one of the most significant liabilities to municipal governments.  Further, movements towards improving sidewalks for citizens with disabilities is beginning to receive significant focus. 
 
Primary Discussion Topics/Course Outline
Municipal urban sidewalks and recreational trails are intended to provide a safe and durable surface for the public.  The primary surface material for urban sidewalks has traditionally been concrete with recreational trails traditionally surfaced with hot mix asphalt.  However, there is significant pressure in urban areas to provide “enhanced” treatments including interlocking concrete, clay bricks, granite setts, stamped and coloured concrete and various recycled products.  Municipalities are faced with challenges on how to evaluate, approve and maintain various products.  How can each be constructed and maintained in a cost effective manner?  How do I determine when I need to “fix” something?  What is involved?  What are the long-term costs to maintain this infrastructure?  How to do I build and maintain sidewalks and recreational trails to be compliant with codes such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act?    
 
The course is designed for all levels of municipal involvement in the management, delivery and maintenance of municipal sidewalks and recreational trails including asset management, capital construction, inspection and testing staff, operations and maintenance. 
 
Learning Outcomes
  • Understand the key mechanisms of sidewalk and recreational trail performance and how to build them to last.
  • Be able to identify design and construction features that may negatively impact the performance of the assets
  • What to look for during construction to ensure high quality construction.
  • Methods and means to complete condition assessments of sidewalk and recreational trails including manual, semi-automated and automated data collection for surface condition, longitudinal and transverse slope, surface texture, etc. 
  • Condition management processes and procedures including condition ratings, performance curve development, future maintenance and rehabilitation needs assessments, etc.
  • Assist in developing specifications to ensure the performance of pavements. 
  • Understanding construction inspection and quality assurance testing.
  • Understanding maintenance and rehabilitation needs and techniques.
  • Knowing what techniques can be used to preserve the condition of the assets.
  • How to ensure compliance with national and local ordinances and requirements.
  • How to minimize liability due to trip and slip hazards. 
 
Course Benefits              
  • Understand key components and factors necessary for the cost effective construction and maintenance of sidewalks and recreational trails.
  • Knowing what to concentrate on to ensure the maximum life of the assets.
  • Methods to evaluate the effectiveness of “new” preservation and maintenance treatments. 
  • Asset condition inspection and monitoring procedures to effectively management the assets and limit liability.
 Who Should Attend
  • Municipal engineering and technical staff involved in the construction and maintenance of sidewalks and recreational trails.
  • Consultants and contractors involved in the design and construction of sidewalks and recreational trails.
  • Asset management and operations staff.    
  • Personnel involved in the physical summer and winter maintenance of sidewalks and recreational trails.
  • Inspection and testing personnel.
Instructor Bio
David Hein, P.Eng.
Mr. Hein is a principal pavement engineer with Applied Research Associates (ARA).  ARA is a science and engineering firm specializing in practical solutions to everyday problems.  Mr. Hein has been involved in the design and construction of pavements ranging from parking areas to major highways and airport runways.  He is the past chair of the World Road Association Pavements Committee and has completed training courses for over 10,000 participants across North America.   Mr. Hein led the ARA team that completed a public realm treatment assessment including roads and sidewalks for the City of Vancouver and has been involved with ARA’s extensive data collection and assessment of the sidewalk infrastructure in the District of Columbia.  This included a complete inventory of all sidewalk assets with GPS location referencing and assessment with Americans with Disability Act compliance. 
+ READ MORE
GROUP DISCOUNTS
CANCELLATION POLICY
Events Archive
View previous Engineers and Geoscientists BC events
External Events
View the full listing of events sponsored and organized by other groups.
Learn More
Contact Professional Development
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604.430.8035
Toll-free: 1.888.430.8035
Careers
View our career listings or place an employment ad.
Learn More
Request a Presentation
Presentations for Post-Secondary Students
Andrea Michaud
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604.412.4860
 
Presentations for High School Students
Chelsea Smith
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604.412.4892
Learn More
Volunteer
See the various opportunities to volunteer with Engineers and Geoscientists BC and in your community.
Learn More