ADA Ramps Engineer

The US Access Board is a federal agency responsible for developing the guidelines implemented under The American with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities.  It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, transportation and much, much, more. 

The ADA on ramps engineer ing has been developed to enable society to lead more productive lives allowing people to get from one place to another with less risks and obstacles. 

ADA on ramps engineer ing has been broken down into the following 3 main categories;

1.  Perpendicular Curb Ramps (1104.2.1)

Consistent with ADAAG, curb ramps must have a maximum running slope of 1:12. The draft guidelines specify a minimum running slope of 1:48 for perpendicular ramps (and parallel ramps) in order to distinguish them from blended transitions, which cannot have a slope of more than 1:48. Requirements specific to perpendicular curb ramps address the cross slope (1:48 maximum), level landings at the top (48 by 48 inches minimum), and side flares (1:10 maximum slope). Sidewalks are permitted to follow the running grade of the adjoining roadway, which determines the cross slope of perpendicular ramps and landings at mid-block crossings. Exceptions are provided for ramps located at mid-block crossings that permit the cross slope of the ramp and landing to be greater than 1:48 so that the ramp can transition smoothly to the street crossing. Otherwise, maintaining a 1:48 cross slope at streets with a steeper grade would result in a warped transition from the ramp to the road, which is problematic for wheelchair maneuvering.

2.  Parallel Curb Ramps (1104.2.2)

Parallel ramps are especially suited to narrow rights-of-way where there is insufficient space for the top landing of a perpendicular curb ramp. In this case, the bottom landing usually serves as the direct connection to the street crossing. Criteria for parallel curb ramps address the running slope (1:12 maximum and 1:48 minimum),cross slope (1:48 maximum), level landings at the bottom (at least 48 by 48 inches), and barriers at drop-offs. The running slope of parallel curb ramps will be affected by the slope of the sidewalk, which is permitted to be as steep as the adjacent roadway. Thus, a maximum slope of 1:12 may not be achievable due to the road grade. In recognition of this, an exception limits the required length of a parallel ramp to 15 feet, regardless of the slope. The landing required at the bottom of the ramp is not permitted to slope more than 1:48 in any direction, but an exception is also provided for mid-block crossings where compliance with this specification may be affected by the roadway grade. Where parallel curb ramps do not span the full width of a sidewalk, a barrier is required along the drop-off created by the ramp to prevent tripping hazards.

3.  Blended Transitions (1104.2.3)

Blended transitions are to have slopes parallel and perpendicular to the curb no greater than 1:48. Transitions with a slope greater than 1:48 are to be treated as a curb ramp.

For more information on ADA ramps engineer ing visit;             

www.access-board.gov/adaag/dws/update.htm

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