Acceptable Surfacing that meets ADA Standards
Acceptable Surfacing that meets ADA Standards
(OP)
Does 3/4" minus gravel base material meet the requirements of Section 4.5.1 of the ADA Standards for a "firm, slip-resistant surface"? My client would like to build an ADA compliant pathway in his subdivision using gravel as the final top surface.





RE: Acceptable Surfacing that meets ADA Standards
I have a project under construction (north Florida)that was designed and permitted with a 3/8" minus (technically fine aggregate) crushed granite mix.
There was some discussion with the AHJ during design to get them to sign off on the crushed granite.
RE: Acceptable Surfacing that meets ADA Standards
I would not use gravel on an accessible route.
As jgailla notes, the AHJ would have local interpretation; but if you want the design to be fully defensible without local interpretation (sometimes erroneous interpretation), use a stable material for the accessible route.
Remember, the ADA is civil rights legislation. It's dimensional and design considerations have generally been codified by inclusion in building codes; however, claims under the ADA are not building code issues...they are accessible rights issues, with interpretation often exceeding the bounds of simple building code requirements.
RE: Acceptable Surfacing that meets ADA Standards
Tim Grote - The Irrigation Engineers.
www.irrigationengineers.com
RE: Acceptable Surfacing that meets ADA Standards
It seems to me that a 3/4" stone isn't much different in shape and size of a truncated dome...and a blind person may have trouble sensing the difference.
I wouldn't risk it.
RE: Acceptable Surfacing that meets ADA Standards
RE: Acceptable Surfacing that meets ADA Standards