ADA Curb Ramps
ADA Curb Ramps
(OP)
A common situation in site and roadway design for new construction is the standard 6" vertical curb with a 2% cross-sloped sidewalk above, and an ADA-compliant pedestrian ramp is needed to transition from street/gutter level up to the sidewalk. Per the ADA guidance, any total rise in a ramp over 6" requires handrails:
2010 ADA: 405.8 Handrails. Ramp runs with a rise greater than 6 inches (150mm) shall have handrails complying with 505.
However, with a 6" curb and ANY slope (greater than zero) to the sidewalk above, the ramp would by definition exceed the 6" rise limit. Often these are constructed at 6' length because they are quickly calc'd at 1:12 longitudinal slope just for the height of the curb, ignoring the additional rise to catch the surface above. E.g. typical 0.50' curb + 0.02*6'ramp = 0.62' > 0.50' max rise (and in truth violates the 1:12 max longitudinal slope, the ramp should be almost 8' to catch a 2% sidewalk at 1:12 max). So how do jurisdictions justify omitting the handrail in curb ramps?
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2010 ADA: 405.8 Handrails. Ramp runs with a rise greater than 6 inches (150mm) shall have handrails complying with 505.
However, with a 6" curb and ANY slope (greater than zero) to the sidewalk above, the ramp would by definition exceed the 6" rise limit. Often these are constructed at 6' length because they are quickly calc'd at 1:12 longitudinal slope just for the height of the curb, ignoring the additional rise to catch the surface above. E.g. typical 0.50' curb + 0.02*6'ramp = 0.62' > 0.50' max rise (and in truth violates the 1:12 max longitudinal slope, the ramp should be almost 8' to catch a 2% sidewalk at 1:12 max). So how do jurisdictions justify omitting the handrail in curb ramps?
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RE: ADA Curb Ramps
the example you put out there looks very similar to the example "Case Study—Parallel Curb Ramps and Road Grade" about half-way down the page at this link which the access board doesn't say anything about handrails. interestingly enough, suggests you can exceed the 1:12 ramp slope maxes if you can't get there in 15 ft because the road grade is so aggressive.
https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standa...
RE: ADA Curb Ramps
Check your state DOT requirements. This is a link to NYSDOT standards for sidewalk ramps.
https://www.dot.ny.gov/main/business-center/engine...
RE: ADA Curb Ramps
https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standa...
RE: ADA Curb Ramps
RE: ADA Curb Ramps
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