Sidewalk
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A sidewalk (chiefly North American English), pavement (British English and Philadelphia dialect), footpath (Australian English, (British English, Irish English, Indian English and New Zealand English) or footway (Engineering term) is a path for pedestrians that is situated alongside a road or formed like sidewalks that are alongside roads (such as a cement footpath through a park). They are usually constructed of concrete (particularly in the United States and Canada), asphalt, brick (particularly in Europe), stone or (increasingly) rubber[1], are designed for pedestrian traffic and are often found running alongside a road. In the 19th century and early 20th century, sidewalks of wood were also common in some locations. They may still be found at historic beach locations and in conservation areas to protect the land beneath and around, called boardwalks. Stone slabs called flagstones or flags are often used where an attractive appearance is required, as in historic town centres. In other places, pre-cast concrete slabs (called paving slabs or, less correctly, paving stones) are used. These may be coloured or textured to resemble stone.
[edit] Construction of sidewalks
Sidewalks are most often made of concrete, tarmac, asphalt, brick, stone or slab. Multi-use paths are often made of asphalt or other materials that are softer than cement. While sidewalks can be made of gravel, wood, rubber, and other materials, such paths are usually not called sidewalks. T
In the United States, the most common type of sidewalk (pictured) consists of a poured concrete ribbon with cross-lying strain relief grooves at intervals of ~1 m; this is intended to minimize visible damage from tectonic and temperature fluctuations, both of which can crack longer segments. However, freeze-thaw cycles in cold-weather regions, as well as tree root growth, may eventually result in damage requiring repair. Brick sidewalks are found in some urban areas, usually for aesthetic purposes.
In the United Kingdom suburban pavements are most commonly constructed of tarmac similar to a typical roadway surface. In urban or inner-city areas pavements are most commonly constructed of slabs, stone, or brick depending upon the surrounding street architecture and furniture
Sidewalk Panoramic.jpg
Panoramic shot of a concrete sidewalk in Agoura Hills, California |
Mater Dei.JPG
a sidewalk leads to Mater Dei High School in New Jersey. |
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
cs:Chodník da:Fortov de:Gehweg es:Acera eo:Trotuaro eu:Espaloi fr:Trottoir hr:Nogostup it:Marciapiede he:מדרכה mk:Тротоар nl:Voetpad ja:歩道 no:Fortau pl:Chodnik (droga) ru:Тротуар sv:Trottoar tr:Yaya kaldırımı uk:Тротуар zh:人行道
