Construction of safe Boardwalks

Boardwalks are paths designed especially for walking on while crossing from one side to another. Boardwalks, therefore, must be constructed using materials that are not slippery, long lasting and cost effective. They need to be maintained and checked properly to prevent slip and fall accidents. Engineers and other researchers have come up with different ideas on the best material which can be used in the construction of boardwalks. The preference of materials depends on their maintenance costs, long lasting materials, easy to maintain material and whether the boardwalk is commercial or non-commercial.

Recycled plastic boardwalks, decking supports and recycled plastic boardwalk need to be firmly supported by first constructing a strong foundation. There are plenty of options ranging from timber, steel or concrete materials that can be used during boardwalks construction. The overall project cost depends on the cost of foundation. Construction of safe and up to date boardwalks therefore requires good planning and operations on cost analysis to avoid constructing boardwalks that are collapsing. The stepping platform of the boardwalk should be properly designed to avoid slipping.

Slippery recycled plastic boardwalks, decking supports and recycled plastic boardwalk can cause accidents and injuries. This poses is danger to health of pedestrians and their safety. The accidents can lead to costly expenses for treatment. Non-slip boardwalks are, therefore, necessary and making the right choice of the material remains a task. 

Nonslip boardwalks can be designed to minimize the risk of slipping and fall through various methods. However, it is costly when it comes to commercial boardwalks as it requires regular replacement. Non-slip boardwalks can also be achieved through covering the surface with non-slip covers such as pads, mats and meshes. Installing non-slip covers becomes expensive since they are replaced over time. Nonslip boardwalk can also be made perfect by the use of textures which makes the surface rough. The textured surface increases friction and offers long term service to provide non-slip boardwalk with minimal maintenance cost.

Decking supports are support structures that act as miniature pillars, supporting and positioned between the corners of paving. Decking supports improve drainage by lifting the sub-structures and preventing the water from creating pools. Decking supports prevents the build up of mold under the flooring surface. 

Decking supports act as ventilators under the sub-structure. Decking supports are lighter and easier to work with than the normal traditional posts. MESA supports are the most sustainable decking supports in the market since they are made from 90% recycled materials. Their width range from 10mm – 1280mm and are capable of having huge weight.  

Boardwalks require improvements and repairs regularly by checking on the worn out structures and changing, use of well designed decking supports and replacement of surface materials where necessary.

The risk of slipping on a board can never be fully eliminated but various methods are considered in order to minimize slip and fall accidents. There is need to discover the precast concrete first in the design process to avoid costly boardwalk construction, repairs, treatments and purchasing of covers in the near future. Boardwalk construction, therefore requires trained professionals to know how about the properties of different construction materials. The safety of the pedestrians must be guaranteed as much as possible.