Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Boardwalk Height WWFF-03


Boardwalk Height


Boardwalk height is a function of terrain type and can ramp up gradually (3% grade) to transition from one habitat type to another.

            Crystal River Churchhouse Hammock Boardwalk is low with a “Kick Rail”.

 Wetland and open water are best viewed from a walkway height as close to the high water level as possible. Low (18”) level boardwalks typically have a wooden curbing called a kick rail along the sides to assist mobility or eye sight impaired hikers.

           Sawgrass Lake Park Boardwalk transition from kick rail curbing to handrail.

 The low kick rail also improves visibility at low angles for viewing objects close to the walkway or under water. Fast water or deep streams may require a hand railing and slats for safety purposes. Foundations for this type of boardwalk are typically straight posts or pilings and 90 degree cross beam supports.
Intermediate height walkways up to 48” should have a hand rail. Foundations are thicker posts or pilings, and have “X” cross bracing in the cross trail direction. As the walkway turns or transitions in height, additional bracing, cable guys, or angled piers may be needed.

       Weedon Island Preserve Boardwalk transition to observation tower, with respite sections between inclines.

 As boardwalks transition upward, some of them up to 12 feet in height to avoid steps or stairs, they alternate between an incline and level sections. This not only aids in stability and structural soundness, it allows respite areas for mobility impaired trail users.

 Boca Ciega Millennium Park Boardwalk through the salt flats and over a surface hiking trail.

Tall boardwalks that are not piers or bridges over open water are rare, and can be used to connect to a viewing tower or to avoid building a tower. Tall boardwalks are braced in both cross trail and linear trail directions, and have multiple pier, angled pilings, or cable guys. Wind and hiker live loads can be a factor in the perceived stability of these structures. 


Click a link  below, or copy and paste to your browser,  to go there!

A little bit of prose, some poetry, and a song- all about the environment.
http://billyholcoutdoors.blogspot.com/2012/05/whose-garden-was-this.html

A frank discussion about wilderness and nature.
http://wmgcenter.blogspot.com/2012/05/can-you-find-wilderness.html

Facebook pages about the outdoors.

Outdoor Photography

Hiking Trails, Boardwalks, and outdoor recreation construction topics
http://willwalkforfun.blogspot.com/


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