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C. Explain the relevant ADA guidelines and show how your ramp meets these

guidelines.
Submit your portfolio after completing Day 1 and Day 2. When you are ready to submit your
portfolio, you will include all of these items:
• the completed ADA Ramp Portfolio worksheet
• for Day 1 Part B: Sheet of paper with your labeled rough sketch of a ramp(s)
for an entrance between 12 and 30 inches above ground level and the
calculations you made to determine the horizontal run and vertical rise of your
ramp(s)
• for Day 2 Part A: Sheet of graph paper with a side view scale drawing of the
ramp you designed in Day 1, with all side lengths and angle measurements
neatly labeled

1 answer

ADA Guidelines for Wheelchair Ramps

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides detailed guidelines to ensure ramps are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Here are the key guidelines relevant to ramp construction:

  1. Slope:

    • The maximum slope for a wheelchair ramp is 1:12 (for every inch of vertical rise, there must be at least 12 inches of horizontal run). For example, if the ramp rises 1 foot (12 inches), it must be at least 12 feet long for a 1:12 slope.
    • For shorter ramps (less than 6 inches in rise), a slope of 1:10 is generally accepted.

  2. Width:

    • Ramps must be at least 36 inches wide for wheelchairs to pass through comfortably.

  3. Landings:

    • Each ramp must have a landing at the top and bottom of the ramp. The landing must be at least 60 inches long and at least as wide as the ramp.
    • If the ramp changes direction at the landing, it must be at least 60 inches x 60 inches.

  4. Surface:

    • The surface of the ramp should be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.

  5. Height:

    • Ramps used for a rise greater than 30 inches must be designed to include landings and cannot be constructed without such safety measures.

Ramp Sketch and Calculations

Step 1: Determine Ramp Specifications

  • Vertical Rise: Let’s assume the ramp height is 24 inches (2 feet).

  • Ramp Length Calculation: \[ \text{Ramp Length} = \text{Vertical Rise} \times 12 = 24 \text{ inches (rise)} \times 12 = 288 \text{ inches (run)} \] Convert inches to feet for easier understanding: \[ 288 \text{ inches} = 24 \text{ feet} \]

Step 2: Rough Sketch

  • Ramp Sketch (Imagine a rough schematic):
    • A rectangle that is 24 feet long and rises at a 1:12 slope.
    • Label the vertical height as 24 inches and the horizontal distance as 24 feet.

Sketch Example:

                  Top of Ramp
                     |        
                     |  24 in (Rise)
                     |  
                     |
                     ---------------------- (Landing)
                    /     
                   /
     [Ramp]     /
                 ---------------------- (Ground Level)
                      24 ft (Run)

Step 3: Calculate Measurements

  • Ensure that the ramp width is at least 3 feet and the surface is slip-resistant.

Day 2 Part A: Side View Scale Drawing

Creating the Scale Drawing

  • Use graph paper to draw the ramp with:
    • A vertical rise of 24 inches.
    • A horizontal run of 24 feet.
    • A landing at the top and bottom of the ramp (minimum 5 feet long for safety).

Labeling the Drawings:

  • Label the height as "24 in".
  • Label the length as "24 ft".
  • Include all measurements and angles.

Example Side View:

     --------------------                   Top View Landing
     |                   |                  60 in
     |                   |
     |                   |
     |  24 in (Rise)    |
     |                   |
     --------------------                   Bottom View Landing
     
                (Ramp)

Conclusion

With these guidelines and plans, the ramp design is compliant with ADA standards for accessibility, ensuring it serves its intended purpose for wheelchair users effectively and safely.

Ensure to complete the ADA Ramp Portfolio worksheet with all calculations and drawings before submitting. Submit the following items:

  • Completed ADA Ramp Portfolio worksheet.
  • Labeled rough sketch.
  • Side view scale drawing with all measurements labeled.