Wheelchair Ramp Definition – Common Terms

The ADA defines a ramp as an access route that has a slope greater than 1:20 (elevation of 1 inch for every 20 horizontal inches). There are several ADA requirements for businesses, including providing ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps that must follow particular guidelines. These guidelines discuss various parts of the ramp, and some people may not be familiar with all the terms. Below are the wheelchair ramp terms defined and their ADA requirements outline.

Balusters

Vertical posts that are located every 4 inches (or closer) along the sides of a ramp. The balusters are close together to keep small children from slipping through or getting stuck.

1. Withstand a load of 50 pounds in the horizontal direction applied in one square foot.
2. Minimum of .75″ x .75″ square tube.

Curb

Also known as a kick plate or wall, a curb is on either side of the ramp to prevent peoples’ feet from slipping over the edge.

Footings

Typically made of concrete with rebar reinforcement, and is placed under each ramp leg to provide stability. 

Guardrail

The outer rail runs along both sides of the ramp at 42 inches above the ramp section. The guardrail’s purpose is to keep people from falling over the edge of the ramp.

1. Withstands a concentrated load of 200 pounds applied in any direction on the top of the rail.
2. 42 inches handrail height measured vertically from the walking surface to the top of the rail.
3. Provided on all open sides of each platform.

Handrail

A smooth, continuous tube that runs along the edges of a ramp and extends at least 12 inches beyond the top and bottom platforms. Its purpose is to support and stabilize people walking on the ramp. (See Figure A)

1. Withstand a concentrated load of 200 pounds applied in any direction on the top of the rail.
2. Handrails must be located on both sides of all ramp sections.
3. Must be continuous along ramp runs even when the ramp makes a 90- or 180-degree turn.
4. It must be 36 inches high from the walking surface to the top of the rail.

Platform

The word ‘platform’ is interchangeable with ‘landing.’ They may be placed at the top and bottom of a ramp. Depending on the length of the ramp, additional platforms may be required. (See Figure B)

1. Carry a uniform live load of 100 pounds per square foot and a concentrated vertical load of 300 pounds in one square foot.
2. Designed to allow at least a 60 inches diameter area of clearance for a wheelchair to turn around.

Ramp Run

A specified length of a ramp or ramp section. For example, a resting platform is needed after 30 feet of the ramp run. 

Ramp Section

Prefabricated ramps come in ramp sections that are put together to form the whole ramp. Typical ramp sections come in 8 or 10-foot sections. (See Figure B)

1. Carry a uniform live load of 100 pounds per square foot and a concentrated vertical load of 300 pounds in one square foot.
2. Have a coefficient of friction no less than 0.50 in the average direction of travel.
3. Allow a maximum slope of 1:12.

Slope

The incline of a ramp. Typically, ADA wheelchair ramps have a 1:12 ratio, which means that for every 1 inch of rise in the threshold, 12 inches of the ramp is needed.

Threshold

The bottom of a doorway.