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Sign up with Google Sign up with FacebookQ: Why are Chinese sidewalks always paved with brick and not cement?
Every time its rains, I'm reminded by I hate China's penchant for brick-paved sidewalks - the inevitable "loose" brick with a pool of water built up underneath it that, when you step on it, explodes outward and covers your clothes a a poop-muddy mess.
Seriously, why are cemented sidewalks so rare? They can't be that much cheaper, and they fall apart all the time. Am I missing something here?
Interesting question, are bricks or paving slabs stronger because they're factory formed to be so and hence better than cement which can ware down more?
Paved sidewalks, sorry footpaths as we call them, are quite popular in UK I think, and I've definitely stood on a few wobbly ones!!! Just how prevalent they are in the UK or here I've no idea, its not something thats ever crossed my mind!
But, yes, certainly if you aren't on top of your highway maintenance then cement might be a better short term solution from a health and safety point of view.
What I really hate is the "marble" sidewalks. What were they thinking? They are slippery as hell when it rains. Ergonomics is not one of the strong points here.
Hi..In my opinion I think:
Why Bricks - Because when you put bricks, it helps the soil to get sunlight and air and moisture. So the efficiency of soil remain the same. It is the reason that most of the time you will find bricks being arranged in such a manner that there is some gap left between at a particular interval. Also in that Gap you can plant some trees to fight the pollution. Also it provides you better grip while walking.
also easy to repair..just pull out the damaged brick and put new one with less trouble.
cement means..it covers everything..no scope for planting trees..in In rainy season all the water will go to the predefined route..so no moisture for soil..also inconvenient to walk in rainy season..difficult to repair..if you will repair..it will be like patch..so looks ugly..
For example ...The place where I am staying..the government was laying down some Optical fiber below the pavement..there was brick pavement/footpath..They done it very easily within a week.. they removed the brick..dig it..put the fiber and again cover it with soil and easily fix the same brick..
So no wastage of bricks..
If it is cement..then you imagine the effort and wastage of resource as after breaking the cement you cannot use the same..
Hope you might be clear now...
xinyuren:
I agree with you on this. probably more economical. Just about everything in China is decided by economics. Except you are wrong about cement being slippery in the rain. Most every road in the world is paved with textured cement. Tires and shoe soles grip very well on it and it wears easy. But bricks are more attractive in my opinion and are more practical for the reasons you described.
TedDBayer:
The stones are very slippery when wet. Depending on my shoes, I had a hard time walking. I see scooters go down on sidewalks,,,don't touch that front brake !
Thanks Xinyu Ren..i learnt a new thing from you today..it is the reason this forum has been created..you learn something from others..also you teach something to others..
Damn good question. My guess it is to save money and provide more jobs for the uneducated poor.