MAXIMIM WALKWAY SLOPE

[cenk53]

I'm trying to grade a walkway from first floor level to basement level. Site is very flat. Originally stairs were proposed by the architect to create an outside access from first floor level to basement level. Elevation difference is 14 feet. It does not have to be ADA compliant. Any ideas on maximum slope i can use? What should i do to prevent skid hazard when it snows? Thank you.

 

[CarlB]

I'd say about 10%. If you expect only fit able-bodied people using it then maybe 20%. When trail is icy, even 2% could be untraversable. Will need to be maintained when snowy-shoveled, sanded, maybe snowmelt chemicals. For skid resistance, concrete with a rough broom surface would help.

 

[Hoagie]

For starters, don't use any slopes over 8.0%. There are requirements for landings, max slope/rise, handrails a/o guardrails for NON-ADA routes.

Check with local building official and ask him if what code they've adopted. Check that code.

You may want to 'option' an idea of mixing ramps with stairs.

 

[jonathanhicks]

I agree with Hoagie, the first place to start when setting grades is to check the local codes. This may be more of a question of limiting liability rather than designing a walkway that works well (unfortunately it's come to this!). Of course good engineering pratice and judegment needs to applied when designing but in front of the Judge a defense based on following the applicable code goes a long way. With that said, for conceptual layout and design I'll use 8% and make up the rest of the difference with steps. Concerning snow and ice, I would make sure the hand & guard rails are properly designed and specify enhanced stair treads. As an aside, several of the big guard/hand rail suppliers provide code charts on their websites that are very helpful, they compress most of the codes so they are easy to read and reference. I really like Carlb's comment about maintenance, does anyone have any thoughts on a note in the site plans that specifies the owner of the facility is responsible for walkway maintenance and clearing?
Thanks!

 

[civilperson]

Use stairs and enclose against the weather for a less obtrusive footprint.

 

[cenk53]

thanks a lot guys, it helped

 

[gpssurveyor]

I am doing so earth work designs for a sports complex and have been told ramps onsite need to be no steeper than 1 in 21 for disabled access. I'm not entirely sure this is 100 percent correct but may help.

 

[CarlB]

I think you have a typo, the maximum slopes for ramps is 1 in 12, also stated as 8.33% as mentioned above.

The maximum walkway slope for an ADA accessible route is 1 in 20, or 5%. Steeper than this is a ramp, so handrails are required both sides; and maximum rise is 30" before a flat landing is required, etc.