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Michigan has no state Barrier-Free
Construction Code for residential sites, but each City and County
has codes that must be followed. Contact the Wyandotte Engineering
and Building Department for details. Although the dimensions of
your ramp will depend on the size of your lot and you mobility
needs, some commonly used guidelines for building safe ramps are
outlined below.
Slope
The recommended slope for a residential ramp is 1:12. This means
that for every 1 foot of rise, the ramp should extend 12 feet in
length. The ramp should never be steeper than 1:8.
Width
The width of the ramp should be at least 36 inches. This width
provides adequate room to safely maneuver a wheelchair without
scraping your knuckles.
Guardrails/Handrail
A low guardrail 6 inches above the surface of the ramp or a 4-6
inch curb that runs the entire length of the ramp is recommended
to prevent a chairs wheel or a walkers leg from going over the
edge, If the ramp exceeds 30 inches above grade, then a 36 inch
high guardrail with balusters not to exceed 4 inches apart is
required. The balusters should not have an ornamental pattern
that would create a ladder effect. Handrails should be 30-38
inches from the surface of the ramp and narrow enough to grasp
easily. Handrails should be smooth, unobstructed and extend 1
foot beyond the top and bottom of the ramp.
Landings
Landings must be provided at all turning points, entrances, exits
and at doors. For long ramps, landings should be provided at least
every 30 feet. Each landing should have a minimum length of 60
inches in the direction of travel, and the bottom landing should
have a length of 72 inches in the direction of travel. The
landing at the door should be level with the doorsill and provide
at least a 42 inch clearance from the door swing.
Materials
Ramps can be made out of concrete or wood. Concrete, although more
expensive, is more durable. We recommend that wood be treated for
weather resistance and supporting posts be buried 42 inches in
cement for durability. Portable ramps, made out of aluminum or
fiberglass can be purchased for more temporary situations.
Surface
Ramps should have a non-slip surface. This can be done by brushing
a concrete surface or mixing sand into the paint or varnish for a
wood surface.
h/wheeramp.doc * April 10,
2000 |
