4.1 Overview

When used as part of the design palette, the sitework hardscape is both a design feature and a functional element of the landscape aesthetic. It reduces maintenance, improves roadway appearance, and increases driver awareness. This is especially important at intersecting portions of the roadway, where the visual contrast of material textures and colors improves the driver’s perception of road components.

4.1.1 Hardscape Types and Finishes

Hardscape type and finish will vary by District as will certain product colors and finishes. Always verify product availability with company representatives.
  • Scoring:
     Linear scoring patterns (shown in
    Figure 4-1
    ) are more compatible with roadway geometry and more easily laid out in the construction process than arcs. This is the least expensive option.
  • Broom finish:
     Installed perpendicular to the direction of travel, in light, medium, or heavy applications. Provides some visual contrast.
  • Sand blasting:
     Multiple depths are available (light, medium, and heavy). The amount of exposed aggregate provides different levels of texture and contrast.
  • Colored concrete:
     Integral color provides through-and-through pigmentation in the paving section (shown in
    Figure 4-2
    ). Color provides a clear indication of pedestrian zones, improving safety in these areas.
  • Textured concrete:
     Concrete ‘stamps’ and chemical surface retarding agents provide varying degrees of differentiation on the paving surface. This difference can provide an indication of pedestrian zones, highlight focal points, and provide visual interest in heavy traffic areas (shown in
    Figure 4-3
    and
    Figure 4-4
    ).
  • Modular paving units:
     Concrete, stone veneer, and clay pavers provide visual and texture contrasts. Paver areas may be simple single-color fields or may introduce patterns for visual interest (shown in
    Figure 4-5
    ). Paver depth and overall pattern must be suited to the use, whether vehicular or pedestrian. Keep traffic use in mind when selecting colors for use in vehicular areas, since the continued wear of turning patterns will have an impact.
Linear Scoring Patterns
Figure 4-1: Linear Scoring Patterns
Integrally Colored Concrete
Figure 4-2: Integrally Colored Concrete
Concrete can be used to form patterns to accent and complement existing structures.
Figure 4-3: Concrete can be used to form patterns to accent and complement existing structures.
Textured Concrete
Figure 4-4: Textured Concrete
Modular Concrete Pavers
Figure 4-5: Modular Concrete Pavers

4.1.2 Locations

Paving changes and additions, as part of the landscape design, occur in those areas where safety is paramount and/or where maintenance becomes difficult and costly.
  • Concrete mow strip:
     at signalization and light standards, below guardrails and fences, and adjacent to walls, to eliminate weeding and maintenance in these areas (shown in
    Figure 4-6
    ).
  • Crosswalks:
     as pavers or specialty concrete, to increase the visibility of the intersection and to increase pedestrian security (shown in
    Figure 4-5
    ).
  • Medians and traffic islands:
     as pavers or specialty concrete within medians and as part of the maintenance edge at back of curb, minimum 36” width (shown in
    Figure 4-7
    ).
  • Intersections:
     as pavers or specialty concrete to increase the visibility of traffic patterns and enhance aesthetics and sight lines through the intersection (shown in
    Figure 4-8
    and
    Figure 4-9)
    .
Concrete Mow Strip at Base of Wall
Figure 4-6: Concrete Mow Strip at Base of Wall
Pavers in Traffic Islands
Figure 4-7: Pavers in Traffic Islands
Pavers were added to riprap to brighten intersection & add character.
Figure 4-8: Pavers were added to riprap to brighten intersection & add character.
A paved surface is a better solution when shade from structures prevents vegetation establishment.
Figure 4-9: A paved surface is a better solution when shade from structures prevents vegetation establishment.