On-demand Webinar

View Important Policies and System Requirements for this course

INSTRUCTOR:  David K. Hein, P.Eng

Course Length: 1 hour

Purpose and Background

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 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

This webinar 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.

The webinar 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.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the key mechanisms of sidewalk and recreational trail performance and how to build them to last.
  • Identify design and construction features that may negatively impact the performance of the assets
  • Explain maintenance and rehabilitation needs and techniques
  • Ensure compliance with national and local ordinances and requirements
  • Minimize liability due to trip and slip hazards.
  • Explain key components and factors necessary for the cost-effective construction and maintenance of sidewalks and recreational trails.
  • Ensure the maximum life of sidewalk and recreational trail assets.
  • Use methods to evaluate the effectiveness of” preservation and maintenance treatments.
  • Assess condition inspection and monitor procedures to effectively management the assets and limit liability.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed through a short post-test (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

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

Outline

Introduction

  • Use and benefits of sidewalks and trails
  • Functional design
  • Construction
  • Dealing with tree roots
  • Sidewalk pavement management
    • Data collection methods
    • Data analysis and presentation
  • Maintenance of sidewalks and trails
    • Asphalt
    • Concrete
    • Brick
    • Paver
    • Specialty surfaces
  • Compliance with disability acts
  • ASTM Standard for Pathway Roughness

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This course is worth .1 CEUs/1 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.