Overview
A road hump is a raised structure designed for traffic calming, primarily used to reduce vehicle speeds on roads, especially in residential, school zones, and areas with pedestrian activity. They are constructed adhering to national and international standards like IRC 99-2018 and IRC 67, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Design & Dimensions
- Shape & Profile: Typically circular, trapezoidal, or parabolic, based on the required speed reduction and road conditions.
- Height: Usually between 50mm to 120mm, with the most common being 75mm to 100mm to avoid damage to vehicles.
- Length: Effective length should be at least as long as the vehicle wheelbase, generally ranging from 3m to 9m based on the design speed.
- Radius & Arc: Circular humps feature radii from 11m to 113m and chord lengths from 3m to 9.5m for desired speeds of 20 km/hr to 50 km/hr.
- Slope & Profile: Slopes should not exceed 1:10 and should have gentle transitions to minimize vehicle discomfort and damage.
Materials & Construction
- Made of durable reinforced concrete, rubber, or asphalt, with reflective markings for visibility.
- Equipped with retro-reflective paint and Cat’s eye markers for nighttime visibility.
- Must accommodate efficient drainage to prevent water logging.
Placement & Spacing
- Located at safe points with sufficient visibility and lighting.
- Distance between two humps should generally be at least 100 meters as per local regulations like IRC 99-1988.
- Installed across the full width of the carriageway to ensure effective speed control.
Regulatory & Safety Standards
- Constructed as per IRC 99-2018 guidelines.
- Markings, reflective tapes, and warning signs should be placed 40m to 50m in advance.
- Additional safety measures include street lighting, water drainage, and routine maintenance.
Applications
- Residential zones, school areas
- Hospital zones and pedestrian crossings
- Urban roads with high pedestrian activity
- Areas requiring speed control for safety enhancement
