Construction: curbing

From LID SWM Planning and Design Guide
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Improper elevation at the curb cut, impeding the inflow to enter the LID facility (bioretention) (Photo source: CVC, 2015)

"'INSERT VIDEO FROM HAGGERT AVE: \\Hqcvcfs01\cvc2\Watershed Management\Integrated Water Management Implementation\Fletchers Creek SNAP\Haggert Ave Road Retrofit\3 - Photos\Construction Photos\Site Visit_20201120\Riverstone Construction  Haggert Ave Inlet_F.mp4

It is very important to make sure that the contractor responsible for curb construction understands curb cut designs and elevations. This is often a new technique for contractors, and they may not understand the overall concept of water in the gutter line being directed behind the gutter.

Construction Steps:

  1. Place the right forms (rolled curve vs standard) in the inlet location.
  2. Pour concrete.
  3. Shape the inlet
  4. Add the river stone on top of the fresh concrete (if applicable)
  5. Provide sufficient curing time, according to (CSA, 2009)[1]
Ensure curb granular base (granular A) does not spill over into LID infiltration area. If material spills over, remove as best as possible while still maintaining the 2:1 slope for curbing. (Photo source: CVC, 2012)

Key Inspection Points:

  • Use of proper curb form by sub-contractor.
  • Curb type aligns with design.
  • Curb cut location, type and dimension aligns with design.
  • Designated concrete wash out is in place and away from LID facility.

Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Elevated curb cuts and reverse slopes (sloping from back of curb towards instead of depressing from gutter line towards the back).
  • Wrong curb cut width size.
  • Use of wrong curb form.
  • Concrete wash out within or upstream of LID facility.
  • Ensure curb granular base (granular A) does not spill over into LID infiltration area. If material spills over, remove as best as possible while still maintaining the 2:1 slope for curbing
  • Lack of communication to concrete contractor or ready-mix driver explaining the function and importance of protecting the LID feature.

For more information on curb cuts, see these pages: Curb cuts, Curb cuts: Gallery and Bioretention: Streetscapes


  1. CSA. 2009. A23.1-09/A23.2-09 (R2014). Concrete materials and methods of concrete construction/Test methods and standard practices for concrete. standard A23.1-09. https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/2420232/#:~:text=and%20specialty%20concretes.-,A23.,A%20sister%20standard%20%E2%80%93%20CSA%20A23