Howarth Cobblestones Provide Jointline with a Technical Challenge

Introduction:

Within the vibrant heart of Bradford City Centre, where cobblestone roads preserve the historic essence of the area, our team was entrusted with a critical assignment by the Bradford Metropolitan District Council. The project's primary objective was to establish double yellow lines and car parking bays on these iconic cobblestone streets. However, this task posed a unique set of challenges that demanded our expertise in highway line marking and meticulous planning.

The Challenge:

Cobblestone roads, though charming and historically significant, presented specific challenges when it came to road markings. Their natural properties inherently limit the lifespan of conventional road markings. As a result, routine reapplication becomes a necessity, leading to increased maintenance costs and disruptions to road users and the public alike.

Key Challenges Faced:

  • Speed: Conventional manual thermoplastic application on cobblestones was a time-consuming process, leading to prolonged project durations and heightened inconvenience to road users.
  • Short Lifespan: Traditional thermoplastic markings struggled to adhere effectively to cobblestone surfaces due to their porous nature, resulting in reduced longevity and frequent reapplications.

The Solution:

Our approach to this intricate project involved the use of 1 pack epoxy, a renowned material for its exceptional adhesion properties on cobblestones. However, traditional methods of applying 1 pack epoxy on cobblestones, whether by hand or machine, were fraught with limitations.

Jointline, in collaboration with industry experts, pioneered a revolutionary solution that overcame these limitations. This innovative approach harnessed the power of reflective beads, typically used to enhance road marking visibility, as carriers for the paint. By seamlessly integrating reflective beads into the new method, we achieved remarkable results.

To execute this cutting-edge solution, we employed a modified spray marking machine, equipped to simultaneously apply paint markings and reflective beads in a single pass. The machine's dual spray guns enabled the creation of double markings in a single application, ensuring uniformity and efficiency.

The Results:

The implementation of this groundbreaking method proved highly effective in urban settings, where the durability and quality of cobblestone markings were of paramount importance. Projects that once spanned extended periods were now completed in significantly less time, thanks to the newfound efficiency.

Furthermore, we anticipate that markings created using this pioneering approach will far outlast traditional methods. This anticipated increase in durability represents a substantial improvement, promising cost-effectiveness and reduced disruptions for cobblestone road markings.

Our successful completion of the project for the Bradford Metropolitan District Council not only overcame the unique challenges posed by cobblestone road markings but also set a new standard for efficiency and longevity in this field. Our commitment to innovation and expertise in highways line marking ensured a project executed to the highest standards, meeting the Council's requirements while minimising disruptions to road users and the public.

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