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IRC SP 88 : 2019
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Guidelines on Provision of Speed Breakers for Control of Vehicular Speeds

Traffic Calming Measures (e.g., Speed Humps, Speed Tables) · UK Department for Transport - Traffic Signs Manual · US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) - Traffic Calming Best Practices
CurrentFrequently UsedCode of PracticeTransportation · Roads and Pavement
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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues17InternationalTablesFAQ10

Overview

IRC SP 88:2019 is the Indian Standard (IRC) for guidelines on provision of speed breakers for control of vehicular speeds. This IRC code establishes the fundamental principles for implementing speed breakers as a traffic calming measure. It delves into the geometric design of different speed breaker profiles, considering factors like vehicle types, approach speeds, and road classifications. The document specifies the materials and construction techniques required for durable and effective speed breakers, emphasizing proper marking and visibility to alert drivers well in advance. It also provides crucial guidance on the strategic placement of speed breakers, including considerations for sight distance, gradients, and proximity to intersections or pedestrian crossings, ensuring they serve their intended safety purpose without unduly impeding traffic flow or causing vehicle damage.

This IRC code provides comprehensive guidelines on the design, construction, and placement of speed breakers on various types of roads across India. It aims to regulate vehicular speeds in a manner that enhances road safety and minimizes the risk of accidents, especially in sensitive areas.

Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Transportation — Roads and Pavement
Type
Code of Practice
International equivalents
Traffic Calming Measures (e.g., Speed Humps, Speed Tables)UK Department for Transport - Traffic Signs ManualUS Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) - Traffic Calming Best PracticesAustroads - Guide to Traffic Management Part 8: Traffic Control and Work Zones
Also on InfraLens for IRC SP 88
17Key values6Tables10FAQs
Practical Notes
! Speed breakers are a last resort for speed control and should be considered after other traffic calming measures have been evaluated.
! The design of speed breakers must consider the predominant types of vehicles using the road (e.g., cars, trucks, buses, two-wheelers).
! Improperly designed or placed speed breakers can cause vehicle damage, discomfort to occupants, and even increase accident risks.
! Adequate drainage must be provided around speed breakers to prevent water accumulation, which can reduce skid resistance and damage the structure.
! Speed breakers should be constructed using durable materials that can withstand heavy traffic loads and environmental conditions.
! Continuous maintenance is crucial. Damaged or worn-out speed breakers lose their effectiveness and can become hazardous.
! The use of reflective paint and materials is essential for nighttime visibility and in adverse weather conditions.
! Warning signs should be placed at a sufficient distance before the speed breaker to alert drivers well in advance.
! Speed breakers should not be placed on sharp curves or near crest vertical curves where sight distances are already limited.
! In residential areas, speed breakers should be designed to be less aggressive to minimize noise and vibration impact on residents.
! Regular speed monitoring and evaluation of accident data should be conducted in areas where speed breakers are installed to assess their effectiveness.
! The guidelines emphasize a need for traffic engineering studies before implementing speed breakers to determine their necessity and optimal design and placement.
! Consideration should be given to the potential for 'speed breaker fatigue' where drivers become accustomed to them and reduce speed less effectively.
! The use of alternative traffic calming measures like rumble strips or chicanes should be explored, especially on high-speed roads where speed breakers can be detrimental.
! Speed breakers on approach roads to bridges or flyovers require special attention to avoid structural damage to the bridge deck.
! The height of speed breakers should be carefully controlled to avoid grounding of low-clearance vehicles.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3.1Introduction and ObjectivesCl. 3.2Types of Speed BreakersCl. 4.1Design of Speed BreakersCl. 4.2Materials for Speed BreakersCl. 5.1Location of Speed BreakersCl. 5.2Spacing of Speed BreakersCl. 6.1Marking and SignageCl. 7.1Maintenance of Speed Breakers
Pulled from IRC SP 88:2019. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
Speed BreakersTraffic CalmingRoad SafetyTraffic EngineeringHighway DesignVehicle Speed ControlIndian Roads CongressIRC CodesRoad FurnitureAccident PreventionPavement DesignIRC

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
Traffic Calming Measures (e.g., Speed Humps, Speed Tables)
MediumCurrent
UK Department for Transport - Traffic Signs Manual
MediumCurrent
US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) - Traffic Calming Best Practices
MediumCurrent
Austroads - Guide to Traffic Management Part 8: Traffic Control and Work Zones
MediumCurrent
Key Differences
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Key Similarities
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Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Maximum Height
Minimum Width
Marking
Typical Location
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values17

Quick Reference Values
maximum speed limit for speed breaker installation80
recommended speed limit at speed breaker locations20
minimum length of straight section before speed breaker60
minimum length of straight section after speed breaker60
minimum radius of curve on approach10
maximum height of speed breaker0.15
minimum height of speed breaker0.1
minimum width of speed breaker3.7
maximum width of speed breaker5
minimum gap between speed breakers100
recommended paint color for speed breakersBlack and White
recommended width of painted strip0.3
recommended frequency of speed breakers on long stretchesAs per traffic study and necessity
recommended speed reduction percentage75
minimum sight distance before speed breaker30
maximum gradient on speed breaker surface1 in 10
recommended drainage provision near speed breakerAdequate drainage to prevent waterlogging
Key Formulas
Effective Speed Reduction = (Initial Speed - Speed after Breaker) / Initial Speed * 100%
Radius of Transition Curve (R) = (Speed^2) / (g * friction_coefficient)
Vertical Acceleration (a_v) = (v^2 * tan(theta)) / R_h
Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) = v*t + (v^2 / (2*g*f))

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Recommended Speed Limits and Corresponding Speed Breaker Types
Geometric Design Parameters for Standard Hump Type Speed Breakers
Recommended Materials and their Properties for Speed Breakers
Recommended Sight Distances for Speed Breaker Installation
Spacing Guidelines for Speed Breakers on Different Road Categories
Specifications for Speed Breaker Markings and Signage
Key Clauses
Introduction and Objectives
Types of Speed Breakers
Design of Speed Breakers
Materials for Speed Breakers
Location of Speed Breakers
Spacing of Speed Breakers
Marking and Signage
Maintenance of Speed Breakers

Frequently Asked Questions10

What is the primary objective of the IRC guidelines on speed breakers?+
The primary objective is to provide a standardized and safe method for controlling vehicular speeds on various road networks across India. By establishing clear design criteria, material specifications, and placement guidelines, the code aims to reduce the incidence of accidents caused by excessive speed, particularly in sensitive areas like residential zones, school zones, and accident-prone locations. This standardization ensures consistency and effectiveness in traffic calming efforts.
What are the different types of speed breakers recommended by the IRC code?+
The IRC code categorizes speed breakers into several types based on their profile and application. These typically include the standard 'hump' type, which is a rounded or parabolic profile. The code also discusses variations like flat-topped humps, which are suitable for longer vehicles or areas requiring a more gradual speed reduction. The selection of the type depends on the required speed reduction, the type of traffic, and the road classification.
What are the critical dimensions for designing a standard speed breaker?+
Critical dimensions for a standard speed breaker include its height, width, and length. The height is typically limited to a maximum of 0.15 meters to prevent damage to vehicles. The width generally ranges from 3.7 to 5.0 meters for effective lane coverage. The length of the rising and falling portions, along with the flat top if applicable, are designed to ensure a gradual transition, minimizing abrupt jolts and discomfort to occupants. These dimensions are crucial for achieving the desired speed reduction without compromising vehicle integrity or passenger comfort.
Where should speed breakers be strategically located for maximum effectiveness and safety?+
The IRC code specifies that speed breakers should be strategically located in areas where speed reduction is paramount for safety. This includes proximity to schools, hospitals, residential areas, playgrounds, and pedestrian crossings. They are also recommended at the approaches to intersections, sharp curves, and known accident black spots. Crucially, they should be placed where drivers have adequate sight distance to perceive them well in advance and react accordingly, avoiding placement on sharp curves or crests where visibility is already compromised.
What materials are recommended for constructing speed breakers, and why?+
The IRC code recommends durable and high-visibility materials for speed breaker construction. Commonly specified materials include reinforced concrete (both pre-cast and cast-in-situ) and dense bituminous macadam. These materials offer good strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear from vehicular traffic. The surface should also be finished to provide adequate skid resistance, and contrasting colours like black and white are used for marking to enhance visibility, especially during low-light conditions and adverse weather.
How should speed breakers be marked and signed to ensure driver awareness?+
To ensure adequate driver awareness, speed breakers must be clearly marked and signed. This involves painting alternating bands of high-visibility colours, typically black and white, on the surface of the speed breaker itself. These stripes should be wide enough to be easily noticeable. Additionally, appropriate warning signs, such as triangular signs with a pictogram of a speed breaker, should be erected well in advance of the speed breaker location on the approach roads. Reflective materials are often incorporated into the markings and signs to improve visibility at night.
What is the recommended spacing between consecutive speed breakers?+
The spacing between consecutive speed breakers is critical to their effectiveness and to avoid creating a continuous series of jarring impacts. The IRC code generally recommends a minimum gap of 100 meters between speed breakers to allow vehicles to regain some speed between them, while still maintaining an overall speed reduction. However, the precise spacing can vary based on the road classification, traffic volume, and the desired level of speed control determined by traffic engineering studies. The goal is to achieve consistent speed reduction without causing undue discomfort or traffic disruption.
What are the potential negative impacts of poorly designed or placed speed breakers?+
Poorly designed or placed speed breakers can have several negative consequences. They can cause significant damage to vehicle suspensions, undercarriages, and exhaust systems, leading to increased maintenance costs for vehicle owners. Abrupt speed breakers can also cause discomfort to passengers, particularly the elderly, children, and pregnant women. In extreme cases, poorly designed humps can even lead to loss of control of vehicles or increase the risk of accidents, especially if they are not clearly visible or are placed in hazardous locations like curves. They can also impede emergency vehicle response times.
Should speed breakers be used on all types of roads, including national highways?+
The IRC code advises caution when considering speed breakers on high-speed roads like national highways. While they can be effective in specific locations requiring significant speed reduction (e.g., near toll plazas, critical accident zones, or urban stretches with high pedestrian activity), their widespread use on high-speed through routes is generally discouraged. On high-speed roads, aggressive speed breakers can lead to abrupt braking, rear-end collisions, and damage to heavy vehicles. Alternative traffic calming measures like rumble strips, speed limit enforcement, or grade separation might be more appropriate for maintaining traffic flow while ensuring safety on such roads. Their placement on national highways requires thorough traffic analysis and justification.
How important is the maintenance of speed breakers according to the IRC code?+
Maintenance of speed breakers is critically important according to the IRC code. Over time, speed breakers can erode, crack, or lose their markings due to traffic loads and weather conditions. A damaged or worn-out speed breaker becomes less effective at reducing speed and can even become a safety hazard. The code emphasizes the need for regular inspection and prompt repair to ensure that speed breakers remain visible, structurally sound, and continue to serve their intended purpose of safely controlling vehicular speeds. Neglecting maintenance can negate the benefits of having speed breakers in the first place.

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