bike/hike trail engineering
bike/hike trail engineering
(OP)
We design trails and often work with non-profit groups that do not have the money to spend on DOT type engineered trails (i.e lots of cross-section, vertical alignment along length, etc). I would like feed-back on the problems associated with designing in this fashion and suggestions for notes, details and specifications that can be added to allow contractors to be able to bid the project and to insure a well constructed trail. My concerns include how the contractor calculates cut/fill, how I can be assured the trail flows well in the vertical profile, etc. Some of the things we do now are draw plan layouts with stationing to give contractors an idea of length and typical cross sections to give them an idea of the profile expected, often noting follow existing grade and raise trail surface elevation 6 inches above surrounding grade. I note all vertical curves to be smooth and continuous, and that exact layout be field verified. I add a detail for drainage pipe under the trail and indicate a few areas I project that these will be needed and field adjust this number. I know this is not ideal way to design a project but I also like to remember that they are trails and not roads. Thank You





RE: bike/hike trail engineering
Hope this helps.
RE: bike/hike trail engineering
How do you bid a job like you describe?
I think your approach is a good one, providing you've got a good "Resident Engineer".
It wouldn't fly here in California anymore. Too many lawyers.
RE: bike/hike trail engineering
RE: bike/hike trail engineering
http://www.fs.fed.us/.ftproot/pub/acad/
RE: bike/hike trail engineering
Word of caution, in wooded areas, particularly with poplar (or vegetation with sucker roots) sterilize the soil or provide barriers to the roots! Those things have a nasty habit of migrating between the base and the ACP surface and causing all sorts of problems (spped bumps). Also, if thin ACP is used, ensure the base material has been sterilized. I had about 2 kms of newly placed trails (ACP) fail due to the base gravels being infested with dandelion seedlings (prior to placement) and in the spring the surface were bulging with little speed bumps due to the plant pushing through to the surface! It was ugly!
Finally, if your area is susceptible to freezing, ensure the drainage pipe is sufficiently constructed to prevent failure to the path due to heaving.
KRS Services
www.krs-services.com
RE: bike/hike trail engineering
wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/operations/facstand/trails/t-trailconst-6.pdf
Might be of interest to MDK and others.
RE: bike/hike trail engineering
The fibers are PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and are well documented in the academic press: www.engineeredcomposites.com
Free samples are available.
Richard McCabe
Senior Advisor
Kuraray America, Inc.
707-824-8375
http://www.kuraray.co.jp/pvaf/english/in...