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Temporary Surfaces for Beach Access

Presented by: Dr. Edward Hamilton

View streaming video for this presentation

Purpose

  • Investigate the utility of various types of temporary beach surfaces
  • Provide information to managers of beach areas to allow them to compare options
Click the picture to enlarge
A picture of a man in a wheelchair sitting on a temporary surface on a beach.

Methodology

  • Data gathered at Daytona Beach
  • Seven temporary surfaces tested
    - Diamond Rubber Mat
    - Ecotrack
    - Lattice
    - PATH
    - Recycled Plastic Lumber
    Click the picture to enlarge
    A picture of a temporary surface on a beach. - Safety Deck
    - Super Deck
  • Surfaces tested by:
    - People with disabilities
    - Beach maintenance staff
  • Beach maintenance staff
    - Installation questionnaire
    - Weekly maintenance log
Click the picture to enlarge
A picture of beach maintenance staff getting sand off of a temporary surface on a beach.

Key Findings

    Beach Maintenance Staff

  • Installation time: 20 min. to 31 hrs.
  • Maintenance:
    - Weekly sand build-up on all surfaces
    - Sand erosion more obvious on thicker surfaces

Methodology

  • People with disabilities
    - 72 subjects
    - Age:
    • Range: 19-92 years
    • Mean: 50.6 years
    - Disability
    • 10 categories of physical disability--none more than 17% of total
    • Majority (63%) used wheelchair or scooter
      - 35% motorized
      - 28% manual
  • Questionnaire on each surface
Click the picture to enlarge
A picture of a several temporary surfaces on a beach parking lot.

Key Findings

    People with Disabilities

  • No surface was identified as a first choice by a majority of subjects
  • Three surfaces chosen in top 3 by a majority of subjects
    - Diamond Rubber Mat
    - Ecotrack
    - Recycled Plastic Lumber
  • Two surfaces significantly lower ratings: PATH and Safety Deck

Implications

  • People with disabilities want use beaches independently
  • Managers able to make informed decisions on temporary surfaces

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