Concrete Wheelchair Ramp 1

[SinStrucEng]

Good day folks,

We are being asked to provide a concrete ramp design for wheelchair access; this is a first for us. Not complicated obviously but just wondering if there are any standards or resources that could be glanced at to ensure that we is specified is "common"? For reference the ramp is for one rise only, to access a raised patio. Thank you in advance.

 

[Enable]

From an accessibility point of view? You'll want to utilize whatever governing standard the authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Here we generally use CSA B651 - Accessible Design for the Built Environment. If you're asking about the concrete design itself then I am not aware of anything (outside of usual state / provincial sidewalk ramp standards), but it's no different than any other typical wall/slab design.

 

[SinStrucEng]

Thanks for the reply Enable, I should have been more clear - not asking from an accessibility perspective, but from a construction detailing perspective. Particularly foundation and side wall details. I hope that makes sense.

 

[Enable]

Shux, I am less helpful in the regard. No guides but you may find the details below useful.

In my experience I've found things run the gambit from complete independence (walls with footings founded below the frost line and slab on top) to completely floating / entirely on-grade systems. If you look at the project details below I think you'll find that people just kind of make up their own thing.

City of Winnipeg ramp detail

Details from a community housing project I bid on as a concrete contractor a few years back

Details from a project I was awarded where we put a ramp on a suspended parking garage roof deck

A few other details from other misc projects

 

[SinStrucEng]

Enable, this was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you, the examples are excellent - in particular the 4th picture. We're in Ottawa so our winters are usually harsh (not this last one, however) so I am worried about heaving. I will go with walls and footings extending below frost depth over any floating versions. Thanks again.

 

[JoelTXCive]

Picture 4 looks good. Picture 5........not so much. Picture 5 looks like a wall without a footing to me.

 

[dik]

Grades are normally limited to 1:20 depending on the jurisdiction. Other than flat areas... designed like a regular ramp.

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-Dik