GUIDE TO THE SIDEWALK INSPECTION PROCESS

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ........................................................................................... 2

1. PURPOSE............................................................................................... 4
2. GENERAL............................................................................................... 4
   • 2.1 Background
   • 2.2 Inspection Cycle
   • 2.3 Equipment................................................................................ 5
3. PERFORMING THE INSPECTIONS............................................................... 5
   • 3.1 Addressing Standard
   • 3.2 Sidewalk Layouts....................................................................... 6
   • 3.3 Sidewalk Material/Surface Types.................................................. 9
   • 3.4 Getting Started 3.5 Recording bservations......................................10
   • 3.6 Sidewalk Connections with Roadways 11 3.7 Finishing the Inspection 16
4. SIDEWALK DEFICIENCIES......................................................................... 17
   • 4.1 Cracking
     • 4.1.1 Transverse Cracking
     • 4.1.2 Longitudinal Cracking
     • 4.1.3 Corner Cracking.............................................................. 18
     • 4.1.4 Alligator Cracking............................................................ 19
     • 4.1.5 Edge Cracking
   • 4.2 Heaving/Buckling....................................................................... 20
   • 4.3 Potholes
   • 4.4 Rutting
   • 4.5 Uplifts.......................................................................................21
     • 4.5.1 Uplifting
     • 4.5.2 Painting Urgent Uplifts..................................................... 22 
   • 4.6 Uplifting at a Crack.................................................................... 23
   • 4.7 Drainage
   • 4.8 Settled Panels........................................................................... 24
   • 4.9 Miscellaneous / Encroachments
5. CAUSES OF SOME DEFICIENCIES.............................................................. 25
   • 5.1 Trees
   • 5.2 Heavy Load ...............................................................................26
   • 5.3 Age
6.  SPECIAL CASE SCENARIOS ......................................................................27
   • 6.1 Maintenance Holes
   • 6.2 Water Valves/Curb Stops
   • 6.3 Sewer Cleanouts ........................................................................28
   • 6.4 Poles, Parking Meters and Signs ...................................................29
   • 6.5 Pavers
7. SEVERITY OF DEFICIENCIES FOR ASPHALT SIDEWALKS ...............................30
   • 7.1 Low Severity
   • 7.2 Medium Severity ........................................................................31
   • 7.3 High Severity