Replies

1. 
   txlandlord | Jan 25, 2006 05:58pm | #1

   1/12 is the "pitch' most commonly used in describing a roof pitch, but used in ADA Compliance plans to tell you the rise / run. 

   1 indicates the rise, in this case 1", and 12 indicates the run in this case 12".

   For every 12" of horizontial "run" of the ramp, the ramp "rises" 1".

   So a ramp that is 1/12, and is 24" high at the peak or highest point would be 24' long. Note that long ramps can contain transition / level decks in the layout.   

   I am sure there wil be further and perhaps better explanation by BTers, and perhaps a link to some pics.

   Set the speed square on edge of board as typical and dial it (angle it) up to 1 on the common scale. This will give you a 1/12 pitch mark and cut line.  Edit: This is the vertical cut, and the horizontal cut is 90 degrees from the vertical cut. Of couse you could do this same thing with a frame square, but if you do not kow how to use a speed square.....la de dah.....get a book, read and study.

   Great advise from others here too, but our small projects division built some ramps for a Mental Health company for residential patients and the requirement was 1/12 minimum. Ha, ha. Has anyone designed a ramp for a mobile home that is 38" from the ground to FF? 

   There are other ADA requirments for ramps, and I suggest you do a search for ADA Compliance / wheelchair ramps prior to construction.

   
   

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   Edited 1/25/2006 5:12 pm ET by txlandlord

2. 
   Notchman | Jan 25, 2006 06:35pm | #2

   Tex pretty much has it right.

   I would add one thing:  If this is residential and your space is limited, you can go steeper than 1/12....the 1/12 is the ADA code for public buildings.  I've gone up to 1.75/12 (1 3/4" per foot of run) and the users have found them easily negotiable.  (Wheelchair users, when operating alone, will normally ascend a ramp backwards to avoid tip-overs....even with a 1/12 ramp).

   Check with your local building dept./inspector for specifics in your area.

3. 
   xosder11 | Jan 25, 2006 06:36pm | #3

   " and how to cut the angle to match the slope of the ground"

   I'm not sure what this means. Cut the angle of what.

   Thing is there is really no one way to go about constructing anything. Wheelchair ramps included. The ADA has a prescription for what has to be there in terms of slope, dimensions, landings, railngs etc, etc.. but they don't tell you how to go about actually constructing the ramp. It is up to you, or an engineer or an architect to decide how to actually put the ramp together.

   Now it sounds like you have an idea of how you are going to go about it, but your post does not really shed light on your plan. You need to give a very detailed description of what your plan for building the ramp will be, i.e. what type of footings, what type of lumber (assuming it will be wood frame), see what I'm getting at? Be very specific.

   There are people here who will be willing to give you lots of help, but they will have many questions that you must be ready to answer.

   Try to figure out how to post photos. A picture speaks a thousand words.

   Best of luck to you,
   Andrew

   "I'll be your huckleberry"
4. 
   MJLonigro | Jan 25, 2006 06:46pm | #4

   Things to keep in mind about ADA ramps..1/12 is the maximum pitch..1/20 is preferred

   There must be 5' of level area on the pull-side of any door..4' of level area on the push-side..

   I believe there is a minimum requirement of 18" from the handle side of the door to any perpendicular wall or obstruction..This may dictate how wide you ramp will be..

   check out this link for specifics:

   http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adastd94.pdf

    

    

   
   

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   Edited 1/25/2006 11:11 am ET by MJLonigro

1. 
   DanH | Jan 25, 2006 08:02pm | #5

   Keep in mind that the ADA specs are for public buildings. For a home ramp you can (in most areas of the country) fudge a little. But the ADA specs are still good guidelines, and especially don't go steeper than the 1:12 slope for more than maybe a 2" rise.

   If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people

   happy?

1. 
   CapnMac | Jan 25, 2006 08:15pm | #6

   for public buildings. For a home ramp you can (in most areas of the country) fudge a little

   Yeah, but if you build it "fudged" you have to make sure nobody calls it "compliant" (or says that you said it's compliant). 

   This is where getting a "sign off" by an "accessibility" consultant can be very helpful (and avoid the mess the third owners of an "accessible" house are now mired in <sigh>).

    

   Hmm, I wonder, now, if OP was curious about the "hows" of laying out the structure of a ramp?  Should we be offering sage wisdom on setting string lines, or setting grade stakes, instead?Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

1. 
   xosder11 | Jan 25, 2006 08:37pm | #7

   Hmm, I wonder, now, if OP was curious about the "hows" of laying out the structure of a ramp?  Should we be offering sage wisdom on setting string lines, or setting grade stakes, instead?I think so. From the post (no offence to T3) it seemed like they are someone with not much building experience who is undertaking this task to help someone. Sounds to me like a residential ramp that should follow ADA as a guideline for what works in terms of safety and comfortability."I'll be your huckleberry"

5. 
   DanH | Jan 26, 2006 01:48am | #8

   Get some graph paper and draw the side view of the ramp you want to build. Draw in the supporting framework, and observe how the cuts are angled.

   If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people

   happy?

6. 
   txlandlord | Mar 17, 2006 05:53pm | #9

   Help me out Boss. Reply to this message as you instructed.

1. 
   BossHog | Mar 17, 2006 06:30pm | #10

   Sorry - Don't have time for a reply today.(-:
   One of these days I'm going to have to start listening to my own advice. [John Dobbin]

1. 
   txlandlord | Mar 18, 2006 07:52am | #11

   Right on time, I just got back form the airport picking up the Master of Architecture student. Thanks and adios Wheel Chair Ramp.