Wheelchair Ramp Definition – Common Terms Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Tracy Mikulec Tracy Mikulec, a seasoned leader in the digital marketing realm, currently serves as the Director of Digital at SixAxis, a pioneering manufacturer of industrial and commercial safety products from renowned brands like SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside. With a career spanning over three decades, Tracy has been at the forefront of digital innovation, ecommerce, and technology strategy. Since January 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape at SixAxis, LLC, based in Andrews, South Carolina. His role involves leading digital strategies and overseeing technological advancements for SixAxis and its diverse portfolio of brands. Dec 16, 2019 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes 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. Withstand a load of 50 pounds in the horizontal direction applied in one square foot. 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. Withstands a concentrated load of 200 pounds applied in any direction on the top of the rail. 42 inches handrail height measured vertically from the walking surface to the top of the rail. 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) Withstand a concentrated load of 200 pounds applied in any direction on the top of the rail. Handrails must be located on both sides of all ramp sections. Must be continuous along ramp runs even when the ramp makes a 90- or 180-degree turn. 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) Carry a uniform live load of 100 pounds per square foot and a concentrated vertical load of 300 pounds in one square foot. 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) Carry a uniform live load of 100 pounds per square foot and a concentrated vertical load of 300 pounds in one square foot. Have a coefficient of friction no less than 0.50 in the average direction of travel. 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. Tools & Resources Stair and Walk Surface Glossary of Terms Read More » December 1, 2022 Ramps What is a Modular Wheelchair Ramp? Read More » January 11, 2024
Recommended ADA Ramp Landing Dimensions Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Tracy Mikulec Tracy Mikulec, a seasoned leader in the digital marketing realm, currently serves as the Director of Digital at SixAxis, a pioneering manufacturer of industrial and commercial safety products from renowned brands like SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside. With a career spanning over three decades, Tracy has been at the forefront of digital innovation, ecommerce, and technology strategy. Since January 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape at SixAxis, LLC, based in Andrews, South Carolina. His role involves leading digital strategies and overseeing technological advancements for SixAxis and its diverse portfolio of brands. Jul 25, 2019 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes ADA Ramp Landing Requirements Landings are required at the top and bottom of each ramp run.Ramp landings cannot have a slope greater than 1:48The ramp landing width should be as wide as the widest ramp run leading to the landing. For example, if you have an 8-foot wide ramp section that leads into a landing and then continues onto a 6-foot wide ramp section, the platform must be at least 8 feet wide.The minimum landing width between handrails is 36 inches.The minimum ramp landing length is 60 inches.If the ramp changes direction at a landing, the landing must have 60 inches clear width and 60 inches clear length. It does not matter if the ramp sections are narrower than 60 inches. If the ramp sections are wider than 60 inches, then the ramp landing must be as wide as the ramp section and at least 60 inches long.When the ramp changes direction at a landing, the handrails cannot intrude on the 60 inches by 60 inches landing area.When the landing is adjacent to a door, it must meet the minimum dimensions as stated above AND the maneuvering clearances depicted below. In summary, the handrails can impede on the minimum landing dimensions, but not the maneuvering clearances. View our typical ADA ramp layouts that comply with the landing requirements and maneuvering clearances. Maneuvering Clearances at Doorways Types of UseMinimum Maneuvering ClearanceApproach DirectionDoor or Gate SidePerpendicular to DoorwayParallel to Doorway (beyond latch side unless noted)From frontPull60 inches18 inchesFrom frontPush48 inches0 inches 1From hinge sidePull60 inches36 inchesFrom hinge sidePull54 inches42 inchesFrom hinge sidePush42 inches 222 inches 3From latch sidePull48 inches 424 inchesFrom latch sidePush42 inches 424 inches 1 . Add 12 inches if closer and latch are provided.2 . Add 6 inches if closer and latch are provided.3 . Beyond hinge side.4 . Add 6 inches if closer is provided. Source: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design* The term ‘approach’ means that the ramp run is angled upwards onto the platform from either the latch, front, or hinge side of the door. Our Recommended ADA Ramp Landing Sizes for Doorways View: entire ramp layouts Type of UseMinimum Maneuvering ClearanceApproach DirectionDoor or Gate SidePerpendicular to DoorwayParallel to Doorway (beyond latch side unless noted)From frontPull60 inches18 inchesFrom frontPush48 inches0 inches 1From hinge sidePull60 inches36 inchesFrom hinge sidePull54 inches42 inchesFrom hinge sidePush42 inches 222 inches 3From latch sidePull48 inches 424 inchesFrom latch sidePush42 inches 424 inches 1. Add 12 inches if closer and latch are provided.2. Add 6 inches if closer and latch are provided.3. Beyond hinge side.4. Add 6 inches if closer is provided. Source: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design Our Recommended ADA Ramp Landing Sizes for Doorways View: entire ramp layouts Ramps California ADA Requirements for Access Ramps Read More » October 14, 2019 ADARampsTools & Resources ADA Ramp Requirements Outline Read More » December 6, 2017
