Was approached by someone to build a simple, low pitch but very long (10 inch rise over 20ish feet) wheelchair ramp. Also needs a platform built to accomodate his front stoop height to his doorway. The prices he has gotten so far have been very high and I’d like to help him out but the only way it makes sense for me personally is if I build it in sections in my shop and then assemble it on site. The ramp will be over an existing asphalt sidewalk. I’m thinking of making each section with leveling feet in the framework to accomodate variations in the sidewalk crown etc. This make sense or am I setting myself up for a headache? If it has to be built on site, I’m gonna take a pass on it for several reasons…
Edited 5/24/2004 3:22 pm ET by PaulB
Replies
sure, make everything a little "proud" and fine tune it to site conditions..or like ya said, build in adjustability..adjustability sometimes equals unsturdy..be aware of that potential.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
Hmmm The proud idea is interesting, I'm always too much of an engineer and try to split hairs. I was thinking of setting threaded s.s inserts into pt 2x10's with screw out feet but maybe your idea is simpler and more stable...more bearing surface.
Go ahead with the threaded inserts. You might use 3/8 or larger t-nuts and regular hex bolts. After it's set in place and leveled, pack some quick set grout under all the legs to take the weight.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
I did something like this a couple of years ago. Built a floating dock and 15'-0" ramp at my shop. While the dock was framed but light enough to lift one end , I put wheels under each corner temporarily. Built the ramp on top of the dock. Hired a mover to take it to the site. We rolled it off the truck removed wheels and slid it in the water.The mover cost $175.00 , took 5 minutes to load, 45 minutes to site and a couple minutes to slip into the water. Might pay you to build the entire thing and have someone transport it. Then you would only have to do a bit of shimming under the low end.
mike
Might be something of interest in one of these:
http://www.wheelchairramps.com/resources-code.htm
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_personal_care_safety/article/0,1801,HGTV_3149_1397397,00.html
http://www.savvyhomeadvice.com/articles/ramp.htm
http://www.wheelchairnet.org/WCN_ProdServ/Products/access.html#anchor808324
Those are pretty informative links provivd by CaseyR.
Rather than use leveling screws, concider non-shrink grout (available at most masonry suppiers). After the ramp is shimmed to eliminate wobble, mix up a batch and fill in the voids below the PT wood frame. This way you don't end up with point load locations and worry about screw levelers vibrating out of place.
On day #2, bolt the ramp down.
Just a thought.
F.
Great suggestions and links, thank you! One of the stipulations from the condo assoc is that all this has to be removable in the event the unit is sold so grout, etc is NG. I'm leaning towards feet that can be adjusted from the top of the ramp. Anyhow, as always thanks for the input!
Paul