Truncated Tiles Detectable Surfaces

In my line of work, I often hear the term, truncated tiles or detectable surfaces.  I also hear single-word terms such as, mats, domes, bumps, warnings, or tiles.  The terms used to describe truncated dome detectable warnings are quite varied.  When meeting with public works officials, city / county inspectors, and contractors, I also hear much confusion about when detectable warnings are required, exactly where and how to place them, what color they must be, what alignment of domes is required, what the dome spacing should be, and how to go about selecting a detectable warning product.

You can find a wealth of information on product quality, requirements, legislation, durability, installation, and much, much more at www.armor-tile.com.  The website also contains many useful links where relevant information can be found.  Such links include the Draft Guidelines for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way from the US Access Board, Memorandum from the UD DOT Federal Highway Administration, the Public Rights of Way Final Report: Building a True Community, Detectable Warnings: Synthesis of U.S. and International Practice, Accessible Design for the Blind: Detectable Warning Surface Information from www.accessforblind.org, an many more.

Call them what you will; truncated tiles, detectable surfaces, mats, domes . . . whatever.  The important things to consider when sorting through all the available options are DETECTABILITY, DURABILITY and COST EFFECTIVENESS.  Armor-Tile, manufactured by Engineered Plastics, provides the top-rated option in all these categories, for both their Cast-in-Place system, and also their Surface-Applied retrofit system.

By Mark Heimlich

Back to Articles