Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 21, 1999 11:17pm | #1

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   I believe it's 1:12.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 22, 1999 12:01am | #2

   *Allaround is correct for new construction. ADA has provisions for existing structures that allow a greater slope. Go to .

2. 
   Philip_Lawrence | Jul 22, 1999 04:40am | #3

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   1:12 is the maximum. 30 ft. is the maximum uninterupted horizontal run when using this maximum slope. If you use a slope between 1:16 and 1:20 you can have a m.u.h. run of 40ft.

   You might want to choose less for your individual client or if you have the space (lower the slope, longer the run).
   The most important thing to consider in this planning stage is that you can't go more than 30" in the rise(vertical)without a landing.
   Try to install the landing, if over 30" rise, roughly to the Center of the run. "Switchbacks" are often used for this (in Plan view).

3. 
   Guest_ | Jul 22, 1999 04:47am | #4

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   Keep in mind that 1:12 is the "minimum" ANSI or UFAS standard. Depending on the application a 1:20 may be much easier to use.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 22, 1999 06:12am | #5

   *Thank you! The source I formerly relied upon confused "ramp need" with "ramp slope" -- I couldn't imagine how 1:20 would be feasible in most situations!The whole range of regulations is an interesting list of excruciating details.

4. 
   Philip_Lawrence | Jul 23, 1999 12:00am | #6

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   Barry:

   1:12 is "maximum"

   you probably just had a typo.

5. 
   Guest_ | Jul 23, 1999 08:15am | #7

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   John,

   Don't forget the curbs. I see a lot of ramps that fail the ADA requirements because they have no curbs. But if your in a snowfall area, place the curbs a couple of inches up so the snow can be swept off.

   Rich Beckman

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 23, 1999 08:52am | #8

   *Is there any problem with vertical balusters? I remember someone suggesting they were a limb-catching hazard, but I don't know if that has anything to do with the ADA.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 25, 1999 01:47am | #9

   *Vertical balusters shouldn't be a problem, but make sure the handrail is graspable and the correct size. This is critical. Don't assume that 1 1/2" pipe will work as the outside diameter is more than the allowed 1 1/2" diameter if I remember correctly. I'll often spec 1 1/4" IPS pipe, the outside diameter being about 1/4" larger than the "nominal" size. Also, as mentioned, the curb is critical. It makes the little wheelchair wheels go straight and not get caught in the guardrail.Often vertical balusters are preferred, as little kids can't use them as a ladder.I saw a residential ramp yesterday that was made with plywood and covered on the top with brown rolled roofing. Seemed to be holding up well enough for semi-perminent residential use, was inexpensive, water resistant and was certainly skid resistant!Gary Wheeler, AIA

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 26, 1999 08:10am | #10

   *John, The Metropolitan Center For Independent Living, located at 1600 University Avenue West, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55104-3825 publishes a booklet and a video which can answer practically any question you have about ramp construction. The booklet is 63 pages, packed with actual architectural scaled drawings, and is titled "How To Build Ramps For Home Accessibility". I believe their phone number is 612-646-8342. I have this booklet and I highly recommend it.A 1:12 slope is the steepest allowed, but a 1:20 is preferred whenever possible. Vertical balusters are OK as guardrails and should be at least 36 inches high, and Gary is "right-on" by recommending a graspable handrail as well as toe-kick boards; You need to incorporate both of these into your plan.Davo

6. 
   Jim_Parker | Jul 30, 1999 02:00pm | #11

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   Don't forget to put handrails on both sides of the ramp, keep them parallel, and not too far apart. The rails may be how someone pulls themselves up the ramp.

7. 
   John_Budnik | Jul 30, 1999 02:00pm | #12

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   Does anyone know what the usual slope
   is for a ramp used for wheelchair access?

   John