In Australia, road safety is a top priority for communities and local councils. Rubber-based traffic calming products have emerged as effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient solutions to enhance road safety across the nation. The key benefits of these products include improved durability, environmental sustainability, and enhanced safety features. Among the benefits of rubber are its noise reduction properties, long-lasting performance, and positive environmental impact, making it ideal for road safety applications.
These products, such as speed cushions, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, kerbing, and speed bumps, are designed to reduce vehicle speeds, improve traffic flow, and protect pedestrians and cyclists. These solutions are often installed in accident prone areas such as intersections, school zones, and zones with high pedestrian activity to maximise their effectiveness. For more information about these traffic management solutions, contact us.
Made from high quality materials, rubber-based traffic calming products ensure durability, reliability, and long-term performance even under harsh weather and heavy traffic conditions. This article explores how rubber-based products contribute to road safety in Australia.
1. Introduction to Rubber-Based Products
Rubber-based products are rapidly gaining traction in the construction and building materials industry, thanks to their impressive ability to enhance road safety, lower maintenance costs, and support sustainable infrastructure. Among their most impactful uses is in the creation of rubberised asphalt – a specialised asphalt mixture that combines asphalt cement, crumb rubber, and other additives to deliver superior performance on road surfaces.
Crumb rubber, which is derived from recycled scrap tires, plays a pivotal role in rubberised asphalt. The size and concentration of crumb rubber particles directly influence the mechanical properties of the asphalt mixture, resulting in pavements that are more durable and resistant to cracking and deformation. By incorporating crumb rubber modified binders, asphalt pavements can better withstand the stresses of heavy traffic and fluctuating weather conditions, making them ideal for both urban and rural applications, including highways, airport runways, and bike lanes.
The production of rubberised asphalt is a prime example of the circular economy in action. Ground tire rubber, obtained through the recycling of end-of-life tires, is blended with asphalt components using either the dry mixing process or the wet process. The dry mixing process involves adding crumb rubber directly to the asphalt mixture, while the wet process digests crumb rubber in asphalt cement to create a uniform blend. Both methods help divert scrap tires from landfills, reduce environmental impact, and transform waste into valuable resources for road construction.
Rubberised asphalt offers a host of economic and environmental benefits. It extends pavement life, reduces maintenance costs, and lowers material expenses for road authorities. Additionally, its enhanced skid resistance and traction significantly improve road safety, especially in poor weather conditions, helping to reduce road accidents and protect vulnerable road users. The use of rubberised asphalt also contributes to noise reduction, improved pedestrian safety, and a smaller carbon footprint for sustainable infrastructure projects.
1. Effective Speed Management
Speed management is crucial in areas with high pedestrian activity, such as school zones, shopping precincts, and residential streets. Rubber-based traffic calming devices, including speed cushions and raised platforms, are strategically placed to encourage drivers to reduce their speed. Traffic volume data is used to determine the optimal number and placement of these devices, ensuring their effectiveness in managing speed and improving safety. These devices create a physical presence on the road that prompts drivers to slow down, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents.
For instance, rubber speed cushions are designed to slow down vehicles without causing significant discomfort to drivers. Their modular design allows for easy installation and adjustment, making them suitable for various road configurations and traffic conditions. These devices are an important part of traffic control strategies to improve safety and manage vehicle speeds.
2. Enhanced Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable in traffic environments. Clear and durable road markings, such as reflective or thermoplastic lines, are essential for enhancing the visibility and safety of pedestrian crossings and bike lanes. Rubber-based pedestrian crossings and separation kerbing provide clear demarcation between vehicle lanes and pedestrian paths, enhancing visibility and safety. Raised platforms, often referred to as “wombat crossings” in Australia, elevate pedestrian crossings to the level of the footpath, making them more noticeable and safer for pedestrians to cross.
Additionally, rubber materials are used in the construction of cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes and protective barriers, to improve cyclist safety in urban and road areas. Integrating rubber elements into cycling infrastructure has notably advanced design and effectively increased safety for cyclists.
Integrating rubber-based products into pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure represents a sustainable solution for modern road safety challenges.
3. Durability and Low Maintenance
Rubber-based traffic calming products are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. Made from recycled tyres, these products are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy traffic, and UV exposure. Unlike concrete or asphalt alternatives, rubber products are less prone to cracking and require minimal maintenance, resulting in cost savings for local councils and reduced disruption to road users. These features provide significant economic benefits by reducing repair and replacement costs over the product’s lifespan.
For example, rubber speed cushions can endure weights of up to 80,000 pounds, making them ideal for heavy-traffic areas. The use of rubber granules in the manufacturing process contributes to the product’s strength and longevity. Their weather-resistant properties ensure long-lasting performance, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
4. Quick Installation and Flexibility
One of the significant advantages of rubber-based traffic calming products is their quick installation process. Unlike traditional roadworks that require extensive closures and disruptions, rubber products can be installed swiftly with minimal traffic disruption. This is particularly beneficial in areas with high traffic volumes or limited access.
Moreover, rubber products offer flexibility in traffic management. They can be easily relocated or removed if traffic patterns change or if temporary measures are needed. This adaptability allows for dynamic traffic management solutions that can be adjusted as required.
5. Environmental Benefits
The use of recycled rubber in traffic calming products contributes to environmental sustainability. By repurposing end-of-life tyres, these products help reduce waste and promote a circular economy. Additionally, the production of rubber-based traffic calming devices typically generates fewer carbon emissions compared to manufacturing concrete or asphalt alternatives. In some cases, natural rubber is also used in these products to further reduce environmental impact and improve material performance.
For instance, the T-Lok Rubber Safety Barrier, developed by Saferoads in collaboration with the University of Melbourne’s Advanced Protective Technologies of Engineering Structures (APTES) Research Group, incorporates tyre-derived materials to enhance safety benefits and extend the lifespan of road barriers. Rubber modified asphalts are another example of sustainable road construction, utilising recycled and renewable materials to improve pavement durability and environmental outcomes. This innovative approach not only improves road safety but also decreases waste by utilising recycled materials.
6. Cost-Effectiveness
Rubber-based traffic calming products offer a cost-effective solution for enhancing road safety. Their durability and low maintenance requirements translate into long-term cost savings for local councils and road authorities. Additionally, the quick installation process reduces labour costs and minimises traffic disruptions, leading to further savings.
The initial investment in rubber products is often offset by the reduced need for repairs and replacements, making them a financially viable option for improving road safety.
Conclusion
Rubber-based traffic calming products play a vital role in enhancing road safety across Australia. Their effectiveness in speed management, durability, low maintenance requirements, quick installation, flexibility, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness make them a preferred choice for local councils and road authorities. By integrating these innovative solutions into road infrastructure, communities can create safer environments for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
For more information on rubber-based traffic calming products and solutions, visit Traffic Products Australia
