Tips on Proper Installation of Detectable Warning Pavers

Posted by Rocco Deluca on February 3rd, 2020

Detectable warning tiles or pavers are specifically designed in order to allow individuals of all abilities to navigate any space in a much more safer way, by the application of way-finding bars and truncated domes. Truncated domes are considered to one of the best detectable warning signs, which can be seen, felt and also heard. Detectable warning requirements need to be there to increase the safety and accessibility of public places or other vulnerable spots. When used as a combination, truncated domes and way-finding bars make for an incredibly effective detectable warning system to safely guide all public members. Detectable warning surfaces or tiles can increase the safety for people of all abilities, and ensure that everyone is able to enjoy public spaces. There are numerous regulations and rules that detectable warning items must adhere in order to become compliant. The 3 major regulatory bodies that one needs to consider are:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Public Right of Way (PROW)
• California Title 24 Requirements

Having said that, let’s have a look at the most necessary steps required for proper installation of detectable warning pavers.

STEP 1

Select a reputed brand, type, and size of paver best suited for your application. Tactile surfaces are avaialable in different sizes and shapes, which is similar to patio type pavers. This is beneficial considering numerous detectable warning requirements. For a public area in the country, your selection must meet with ADA that we mentioned previously, and also a specification has to be provided by the architect who is responsible for the entire project design/development.

STEP 2

Design the location of the pavers which is required to set in. Since the pavers are integrated by the help of a concrete curb, a recessed block-out in the sidewalk needs to be created for them to set in. Here are few important points that you can consider when taking this step:

• Size the blocked out spots into equal number of pavers.
• Measure the paver thickness.
• Make sure the border covers the surrounding paver bed, that meets with the construction requirements of the job.
  
  

STEP 3

Set the concrete grade and closely pack the filling materials. You can place the concrete for the pavers to settle. Be careful while having various form surfaces on a flat, that is not necessarily a level, similar to a sidewalk approach to a street (often sloped plane). This will allow you to keep the surfaces/tiles to flush with the concrete surface already laid in. Place the concrete and then finish it.

STEP 4

Clean the surfaces as much as possible once filling the joints is completely finished, leaving some pat of the surplus sand for refilling any spot that may settle at a later stage.

Consider all these points and also ensure that detectable warning requirements are met.