HomeMy WebLinkAboutBuilding Code Section on RampsZ",.kP'.
ICC All7.1-2009 COMMENTARY
Chapter 4. Accessible Routes
405 Ramps
❖ The intent of this section is to address ramps that are part
of an accessible route. Ramps that are not part of an acces-
sible route, such as those 4n portions of assembly seating
that are not required to be accessible, may have steeper
slopes. Specific use ramps (vehicle, utility, service access,
etc.) may not be required to comply with the provisions for
accessible ramps when specifically addressed by the model
codes adopted by the authority having jurisdiction,
The model codes also include provisions for guards at
drop-offs as an issue of safety. These would be applicable
to all ramps, including accessible ramps. Although this
section does include requirements for edge protection and
handrails, it does not include information on guards. See
Commentary Figure C405 for an example of a ramp with a
required guard.
405.1 General. Ramps along accessible routes shall
comply with Section 405.
EXCEPTION: In assembly areas, aisle ramps adja-
cent to seating and not serving elements required'to
be on an accessible route shall not be required to
comply with Section 405.
❖ According to the definition for "Ramps" in Section 106.5,
a sloped walking surface with a rise of more than 1 inch
per 20 inches (1:20) of run is considered a ramp. If eleva-
tors or platform lifts are not available to connect different
levels, ramps are essential for a person using a wheelchair
or scooter.
A gradual slope of 1:20 or less is treated as essentially
level. However, many persons who use manual wheel-
chairs cannot travel long distances on such a slope. There-
fore, even if the sloped walking surface does not qualify as
a ramp, level areas should be provided in a path of travel at
intervals of not more than 200 feet (61 mm) to provide rest
areas (see Section 403.5.2, Passing space).
Sloped aisles in assembly seating areas that are not
intended or not required to provide an accessible route are
not regulated by Section 405.
405.2 Slope. Ramp runs shall have a running slope
greater than 1:20 and not steeper than 1:12.
EXCEPTION: In existing buildings or facilities, ramps
shall be permitted to have slopes steeper than 1:12
complying with Table 405.2 where such slopes are
necessary due to space limitations.
❖ The ability to manage an incline is related to both its slope
and its length. Persons using wheelchairs with disabilities
affecting arms or with low stamina have serious difficulty
using inclines. Most ambulatory people and people who
use wheelchairs can more easily manage a slope of 1:16
and runs of 20 feet (6100 mm). Many people have diffi-
culty managing a slope of 1:12 for 30 feet (9150 mm). A
FIGURE C405
RAMP WITH GUARD
TABLE 405.2--ALLOWABLE RAMP DIMENSIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION IN EXISTING SITES, BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Slope1
Maximum Rise
Steeper than 1:10 but not steeper than 1:8
3 inches (75 mm)
Steeper than 1:12 but not steeper than 1:10
6 inches (150 mm)
iA slope steeper than 1:8 shall not be permitted.
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Chapter 4. Accessible.Routes., [CC Al17.1-2009 COMMENTARY
i
wa.ikin sp,rfA; a having a slope of 1:20 or less is not regu-
Iated amp;. Ramps should be straight, not curved,
,•i,it1ess, ntleeiing analysis has been performed to ensure
th'it.thi slo}ie of the curved ramp is not steeper than 1:12
aiiy�y}ierc along the line of travel and the maximum cross
s(iipe in ,Section 405.3'is not exceeded. Al}four wheels of a
;wheelchair must remain in contact with -the ramp surface at
all times.'
405.3 Cross Slope. Cross slope of ramp runs shall not
be steeper than 1:48.
+.•The slope of a ramp in the direction perpendicular to the
path of travel can greatly affect the use of a ramp. Where
the "cross slope" of the ramp is too great, it can make mov-
ing on the ramp in a straight direction very difficult. If
severe enough, it may create situations in which persons
using a wheelchair are concerned with tipping or could
prevent them or persons using a walker from being ade-
quately supported. A larger cross slope can also affect any
pedestrian by causing their feet and ankles to tip to unsta-
ble angles.
The cross slope of a curved ramp should be carefully
designed and chcciced: A curved ramp is likely to have a
difference in elevation from the inside to the outside of the
curve, which creates a cross slope steeper than 1:48 and a
curved surface on which only three of the four wheels of a
wheelchair rest at any one time. Dangerous handlim, prob-
lems are therefore created for the person using a wheel-
chair. It is not possible to maneuver a wheelchair to
precisely follow the curvature of the ramp. A curved ramp
is negotiated by a series of rectilinear movements, with
intermittent "corrections" to compensate for the curvature
of the ramp. All portions of the. curved ramp must also
comply with the general slope provisions of Section 405.2.
405.4 Floor Surfaces. Floor surfaces of ramp runs
shall comply with Section 302.
Because the movement on a ramp is difficult enough, it is
important that the surface of both the ramp and landings
comply with the provisions of Section 302. This will
assure that the surface provides a firm base of support
without excessive cushioning, changes of Ievel or open-
ings.
405,5 Clear Width. The clear width of a ramp run shall
be 36 inches (916 mm) minimum. Handrails and hand-
rail supports that are provided on the ramp run shall not
project into the required clear width of the ramp run.
:• The required ramp width corresponds to the minimum
width for a passageway longer than 24 inches (610 mm)
(see Section 403.5). Based on the effort and types of move-
ment needed to maneuver on the ramp, the 36-inch (915
mm) width makes the ramp easier to use for persons in a
chair or using a walker or cane/crutches. Although hand-
rails are penmitted to protnide from the walls along an
accessible route (see Section 307.2, Exception 1), in order
for the handrails to not be an obstruction, the clear width of
it ramp is determined by the clear horizontal space between
opposing handrails and/or between any posts, fittings or
supports for the handrail, whichever results in the lesser
width (see Commentary Figure C405.5),
405.6 Rise. The rise for any ramp run shall be 30
inches (760 mm) maximum.
:• The ability to manage an incline is related to both its slope
and its length. A person using a wheelchair with disabili-
ties affecting arms or with low stamina has serious diffi-
culty using inclines. Therefore, the code establishes a
maximum rise of 30 inches (765 mm) for any ramp
between landings or floor levels. Though accepted by the
standard, some people may have difficulty managing a
slope of 1:12 for 30 feet (9 in). Therefore, a smaller rise
and lower slope would generally improve access. Most
ambulatory people and most people who use wheelchairs
can more easily manage a slope of 1: 16 and runs of 20 feet
(6 m) versus the permitted 1:12 slope and a 30-inch (765
nun) rise that would be obtained over a 30-foot (9 m) run,
405.7 Landings. Ramps shall have landings at the bot-
tom and top of each ramp run. Landings shall comply
with Section 405.7.
4- Landings provide an area for resting, turning or passing
another wheelchair. They are, therefore, an important part
of creating accessible ramps that permit the triinsition from
one level to another along an accessible route. The individ-
ual features of slope, width, length, change in direction and
doorways are addressed by the referenced subsections (see
Figure 405.7 and Commentary Figure ('405, 7.4),
405.7.1 Slope. Landings shall have a slope not steeper
than 1:48 and shall comply with Section 302.
*e The general intent of this provision is to require that land-
ings be level or have only a very low slope. The 1:48 slope
is intended to match the cross slope provisions found in
Sections 403.3 and 405.3. Providing a level landing where
a ramp changes direction precludes the creation of a cross
slope greater than 1:48, which could otherwise result from
the simultaneous sloping and turning plane of the ramp
surface. The 1:48 maximum slope will also permit sloping
an exterior landing enough for drainage and yet still have it
flat enough to be usable as an accessible route.
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ICC All17.1-2009 COMMENTARY
Chapter 4. Accessible Routes
405.7.2 Width. Clear width of landings shall be at least
as wide as the widest ramp run leading to the landing.
+,+This provision simply ensures that the landing is at least as
wide as any ramp that it serves and therefore does not nar-
row or reduce the available route of travel. If the ramp is
wider than the minimum width required by Section 405.5,
the landing width must also be increased even though the
ramp is in excess of the minimum required width. This
provision does not deal with the "required" width but is
instead tied to the actual width of the ramp that the landing
serves. The width of the landing may need to be increased
from that specified by this section if the landing is being
used to change the direction of travel (see Section 405.7.4).
405.7.3 Length. Landings shall have a clear length of
60 inches (1625 mm) minimum.
•:+A length of 60 inches (1525 mm) provides a stopping dis-
tance, which is greater than the length of the wheelchair.
This will also provide additional space to allow a chair user
to maneuver before approaching another ramp, door or other
object because the landing is longer than the wheelchair.
405.7.4 Change in Direction. Ramps that change
direction at ramp landings shall be sized to provide a
turning space complying with Section 304.3.
❖ The minimum landing where a ramp changes direction
provides maneuvering space for the person using a wheel-
chair (see Commentary Figure C,405.7.4). The 60-inch
(1525 mm) turning space may result in a landing that is
larger than the width that is required by Section 405.7.2.
This size landing can provide for a turning space in com-
pliance with Section 304.3 or can allow passage of two
chair users at the landing similar to the requirements of
Section 403.5.2.
Providing a landing where a ramp changes direction pre-
cludes the creation of a cross slope greater than 1:48,
which could otherwise result from the simultaneous slop-
ing and turning plane of the ramp surface (see Sections
405.3 and 405.7.1).
405.7.5 Doorways. Where doorways are adjacent to a
ramp landing, maneuvering clearances required by
Sections 404.2.3 and 404.3.2 shall be permitted to
overlap the landing area. Where a door that is subject to
60 min 60 min 60 min
1525 1525 f - 1525
landing ramp run landing ramp run LO
landing E u
at least as wide as ramp run co
ramp
run
(b)
FIGURE 405.7
RAMP LANDINGS
TURNING TURNING
SPACE SPACE
(A) (B)
CHANGE OF DIRECTION REVERSE OF DIRECTION
FIGURE C405.7.4
RAMP LANDINGS
HP1.1
Chapter 4. Accessible Routes
ICC Al17.1-2009 COMMENTARY
locking is located adjacent to a ramp landing, the land-
ing shall be sized to provide a turning space complying
with Section 304.3.
❖ This section serves to remind designers that the landing
may be used for the dual purpose of also providing the
maneuvering space adjacent to a doorway [see Commen-
tary Figure C405.7.5(a)]. One aspect of this section that is
important to note, but is very subtle, is the fact that the
doors are permitted only adjacent to the ramp landing and
not adjacent or on the ramp itself. This wording about
"adjacent to a ramp landing" can also be considered as sup-
porting or reinforcing the provision of Section 404.2.4.5
that requires a level landing.
It is not possible for a person in a wheelchair to travel
backwards down a ramp and maintain adequate control. If,
the door at the top or bottom landing of a ramp could be
locked, a turning space must be provided at that top or bot-
tom landing to allow the person to turn around and go back
along the ramp when necessary [see Commentary Figure
C405.7.5(b)]. '
405.8 Handrails. Ramp runs with a rise greater than 6
inches (150 mm) shall have handrails complying with
Section 505.
2610+
Handrails on ramps provide a graspable object for guid-
ance and support while negotiating a ramp. Although
handrails on ramps serve many of the same functions as
-----------------
t SLOPE
54 MIN � t
0
1370
WITH CLOSER
-----------+----------------
------------------------------
60 MIN
I� 1525
I RAMP LANDING
FIGURE C405.7.5(a)
RAMP LANDINGS AT DOORS
_24 MIN
1525 TURNING SPACE
�610
`
�n II �r
Z 1� \ '0
SLOPE _ RAMP LANDING I �� �� ��� O
I
� --------- r---' —
FIGURE C405.7.5(b)
RAMP LANDINGS ADJACENT TO LOCKABLE DOORS
I!
Is
In
In
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ICC Al17.1-2009 COMMENTARY
Chapter 4. Accessible Routes
s, those on stairs, the need for a handrail on a stairway is rec-
ognizably more critical because of the greater degree of
difficulty involved in traversing a stairway as compared to
a ramp. Handrails are nonetheless necessary for ramps
because the ramp is not d flat, level surface and the user
must exercise caution to avoid a slip or fall. The handrail
provides a solid, stable element to grasp that can help
arrest a fall. This is especially important for individuals
with varying degrees of mobility impairments. A handrail
can also be used to propel a wheelchair forward, to control
forward descent and to control backward descent. The
exchision for ramps with a rise of 6 inches (150 mm) or
less recognizes that most users would be able to easily
manage a climb or descent of such heights and lengths.
Handrails may protrude over an accessible route, but
along a ramp they must not reduce the clear width of the
ramp to less than 36 inches (915 mm) between the hand-
rails (see Section 405.5).
Commentary Figures C405, C405.9.2.1 and
C405.9.2.2(a) and (b) also illustrate how the handrail and
edge protection options work together.
405.9 Edge Protection. Edge protection complying
with Section 405.9.1 or 405.9.2 shall be provided on
each side of ramp runs and at each side of ramp land-
ings.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Edge protection shall not be required on ramps
not required to have handrails and that have
flared sides complying with Section 406.3.
2. Edge protection shall not be required on the
sides of ramp landings serving an adjoining
ramp run or stairway.
3. Edge protection shall not be required on the
sides of ramp landings having a vertical drop -
off of V, inch (1.3 mm) maximum within 10
inches (255 mm) horizontally of the minimum
landing area specified in Section 405.7.
4. Edge protection shall not be required on the
sides of ramped aisles where the ramps pro-
vide access to the adjacent seats and aisle
access ways.
❖ Handrails, curbs, walls and extended edges serve to pre-
vent wheels of wheelchairs from dropping off the edge of a
ramp and stranding or injuring the user. They also serve a
similar purpose for persons using other walking aids.
Handrails and walls are also used by some persons using
wheelchairs to slow their rate of descent if necessary. This
section provides the reference to the two sections that pro-
vide the specific details of how edge protection is to be
obtained. Commentary Figure C405.9 provides examples
of alternate options and different views.
The four exceptions address situations where either the
ramp or landings are not required to have edge protection.
Exception 1 allows the use of flared sides adjacent to the
ramp similar to those used for curb ramps. Literally, if a
ramp has a rise of 6 inches (150 nun) or less (i.e., no hand-
rails required by Section 405.8), there is an option of using
flared sides similar to a curb ramp. Exception 2 addresses a
case that should be self-evident, but will ensure that a curb
or other type of edge protection is not placed between the
ramp and the landing and at the location where a stairway
may be using the same landing as the ramp. Exception 3,
illustrated in Figure 405.9, acknowledges that ramps and
landings essentially following adjacent ground or floor lev-
els do not pose a drop-off hazard. Exception 4 exempts
edge protection where sloped or ramped aisles adjoin aisle
accessways (i.e., the aisles between rows of seats).
�10�� 1�2 max
2'I 13 --
OR
max
10 13
255
Ramp run or
landing
_.�
i
-- Edge protection
not required
(exception 3)
FIGURE 405.9
EDGE PROTECTION —LIMITED DROP OFF
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Chapter 4. Accessible Routes ICC A117.1-2009 COMMENTAgy
12 MIN
305
12 MIN
305
CURB 36 MIN
915
36 MIN
915 4 MIN
100
WALL
36 MIN
915
RAILING WITHOUT 36 MIN
EXTENDED PLATFORM 915
12 MIN
305
RAILING WITH EXTENDED
PLATFORM
FIGURE C405.9
EDGE PROTECTION OPTIONS
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ICC Al17.1-2009 COMMENTARY
Chapter 4. Accessible Routes
405.9.1 Extended Floor Surface. The floor surface of
the ramp run or ramp landing shall extend 12 inches
(305 mm) minimum beyond the inside face of a railing
complying with Section 505.
44 By extending the surface of the ramp or landing beyond the
railing or by being at the same level as the floor or ground
surface, a person using a wheelchair will be less likely to
get near any edge where a wheel could drop over. This is
also beneficial for persons using walkers, canes or crutches
(see Figure 405.9.1 or the "extended platform" shown in
Cormmentary Figure C405.9).
405.9.2 Curb or Barrier. A curb complying with Section
405.9.2.1 or a barrier complying with Section 405.9.2.2
shall be provided.
4• Where edge protection is required, there are two basic
options for edge protection on ramps: curbs or barriers.
Any type of curb or barrier that can prevent the passage of
a 4-inch-diameter (100 mm) sphere at this low height will
be adequate to keep the wheels of a chair or the tip of a
crutch from getting to the edge of the ramp or landing (see
Commentary Figure C405.9.2).
Extended Floor Surface
FIGURE 405.9.1
EXTENDED FLOOR SURFACE
4 min
100
Curb (a)
lin
i
405.9.2.1 Curb. A curb shall be a minimdm of 4 inches
(100 mm) in height.
:• Figure 405.9.2(a) and Commentary Figure C405.9.2 illus-
trate a solid curb -type barrier. The 4-inch (100 mm) height
is considered equivalent to the language "prevents the pas-
sage of a 4-inch (100 mm) diameter sphere," but is specific
to curb configurations. Commentary Figures C405,
C405.9.2.1 and C405.9.2.2(a) and (b) also illustrate how
the handrail and edge protection options work together.
405.9.2.2 Barrier. Barriers shall be constructed so that
the barrier prevents the passage of a 4-Inch (100 mm)
diameter sphere where any portion of the sphere is
within 4 Inches (100 mm) of the floor.
❖ A wall can serve as the barrier on the side of a ramp. Alter-
natively, the barrier can be a part of a guard or ornamental
feature, H a guard or ornamental feature is used, the bottom
edge must be no more than 4 inches (100 rnprl) above the
floor of the ramp surface. Figure 405.9.2(b) shows how bars
or rails elevated above the ramp or landing surface can pro-
vide equivalent protection to that provided by a curb.
Another alternative would be pickets spaced so that the
openings between pickets are less than 4 inches (100 mm).
Commentary Figures C405, C405.9.2.1 and C405.9.2.2(a)
and (b) also illustrate how the handrail and edge protection
options work together.
Barrier (b)
FIGURE 405.9.2
RAMP EDGE PROTECTION
Edge protecgon prevents
4' MIN crutch Ups and smell
casterwheals from
slipping off edge
of surface
Curb Detail At Walk
FIGURE C405.9.2
CURB DETAIL AT WALK
Barrier prevents passage of
4 inch (100 mm) sphere with
any portion within 4 inch
(100 mm) of floor.
4
100
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Chapter 4. Accessible Routes ICC A117.1-2009 COMMENTARY
HANDRAIL
12"MIN �
12" MIN
C
N
N EDGE PROTECTION (CURB)
AT i
LLn
A p
o _ FINISHED FLOOR
OR GROUND
FIGURE C405.9.2.1
RAMP EDGE PROTECTION —CURB OPTION
HANDRAIL
12- MIN.
12' NON.
W
a
r�
^ FINISHED FLOOR
G, OUND
FIGURE C405.9.2.2(a)
RAMP EDGE PROTECTION —WALL OPTION
HANDRAIL
12' MIN.
w �
EDGE PROTECTION (BARRIER)
v
v
n
u.
LL
o O
c7 O
^ O
O FINISHED FLOOR
— —OR GRCKND
FIGURE C405.9.2.2(b)
RAMP EDGE PROTECTION —ORNAMENTAL BARRIER OPTION
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ICC Ali7.1-2009 COMMENTARY
Chapter 4. Accessible Routes
Q06.10 Wet Conditions. Landings subject to wet condl-
tions shall be designed to prevent the accumulation of
water.
;.+This is a universally sound -design principle that has many
benefits beyond the accessibility perspective. The concern
of this standard is the potential safety hazard that would
exist. Standing water can render a ground surface signifi-
cantly more slippery for both foot traffic and crutch tips. In
freezing climates, water that accumulates can freeze, creat-
ing an extremely dangerous condition for all pedestrians,
including people in wheelchairs. Standing water at building
entrances can be tracked inside the building, increasing the
slipperiness of interior floor surfaces such as file and ter-
razzo. Under most circumstances, the allowable slope of
1:48 will be sufficient for drainage. Care should also be
taken to avoid drainage from overhead surfaces discharging
onto ramp surfaces and approaches. In situations where gut-
ters may freeze and overflow, it may be prudent to locate
ramps so that they are not under gutters so that ice will not
accumulate on the ramped surface. Wet conditions may also
be found in some -indoor spaces, such as adjacent to pool
areas.
406 Curb Ramps
406.1 General. Curb ramps on accessible routes shall
comply with Sections 406, 405.2, 405.3, and 405.10.
•3 Curb ramps are a unique type of ramp construction suited
for use at curbs between sidewalks and vehicular ways or
any other similar location wherein a change in level occurs
along an accessible path. Curb ramp construction can coin -
ply with minimal provisions in Section 405 for ramps and
yet be fully functional. For example, it would be impracti-
cal to require handrails (Section 405.8) or guards or other
edge protection (Section 405.9) because of the obstructions
such features would present to the surrounding areas,
which are typically a circulation path or public way. The
attributes that are unique to curb ramps make them suitable
for their purpose primarily because of the limited rise (curb
height) that they serve.
By the references to Sections 405.2 and 405.3, the pri-
mary sloped segment of a curb ramp is required to have a
running slope of 1:12 maximum and a cross slope of 1:48
maximum, the same as for all other pedestrian ramps. It is
appropriate to provide a slope that can be negotiated by a
wheelchair without great difficulty and is also consistent
with Section 303.4, which effectively establishes that the
slope of the transition between changes in level greater
than '/, inch (13 mm) is a critical consideration.
adjoining surface
maximum slope
Because curb ramps are most often located outside, they
should be constructed so water does not accumulate at the
approach to or along the curb ramp. Water on approach
surfaces could cause slick conditions, so these surfaces
should be minimally sloped to drain (see Section 405,10).
406.2 Counter Slope. Counter slopes of adjoining gut-
ters and road surfaces immediately adjacent to the curb
ramp shall not be steeper than 1:20. The adjacent sur-
faces at transitions at curb ramps to walks, gutters and
streets shall be at the same level.
4-In general, this provision results in a transition across a
curb that is reasonably and smoothly usable by a wheel-
chair while minimizing the impact of its presence on other
pedestrian traffic. Counter slopes typically occur at the
bottom of curb ramps because of the beveling of gutter
sides or the crown of the road surface. Counter slopes
steeper than 1:20 pose a risk that the footrest of the wheel-
chair could catch on the ascending slope of the gutter or
road crown, ultimately tipping the person out of the wheel-
chair (see.Figure 406.2).
406.3 Sides of Curb Ramps. Where provided, curb
ramp flares shall comply with Section 406.3.
Careful consideration should be given to the location of
curb ramp placement in relation to cross -pedestrian traffic.
It would be preferable to locate curb ramps so that they do
not extend perpendicular into a primary path of pedestrian
travel. If they are not located out of the main circulation
path, pedestrians are then faced with traveling perpendicu-
lar across a portion of the curb ramp and stepping onto the
flared side or onto the sloped portion of the curb ramp.
406.3.1 Slope. Flares shall not be steeper than 1:10.
:• The standard does not require a curb ramp to have flared
sides if the expected traffic pattern would not involve
pedestrians crossing the curb ramp (Le., 36 inches past the
top of the ramp). In alterations, where there is not space for
anadequate landing, Section 406.7 provides specific provi-
sions to account for that condition. Commentary Figure
C406.3.1(a) illustrates when flared sides are provided. If
flared sides are not provided, and if the pedestrian routes
would cross the curb ramp, this might be considered a trip-
ping hazard. One option to avoid this situation is for a curb
ramp to cut through a parkway, as in Commentary Figure
C406.3.1(b)].
Whether or not they are required, where flared sides are
used, they are limited to a maximum slope of 1:10 to mini-
mize the hazard to perpendicular traffic. Locating curb
FIGURE 406.2
COUNTER SLOPE OF SURFACES ADJACENT TO CURB RAMPS
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