9 replies to this topic

[Chilepepper]

We are thinking of having a custom concrete wheelchair ramp put onto our house. Do any of you guys and girls out there know of any website sites that have pictures of some of the different wheelchair ramp designs? I looked but could not really find anything with my while.

[jetski]

Hi Guy. Here is a link on Google that will take you to a whole page on how to build wheel chair ramps, even a concrete one.

http://www.essortmen...ildwhe_rjwa.htm

Bill of Illinois

[Chilepepper]

jetski, on Jun 27 2008, 09:25 PM, said:

Hi Guy. Here is a link on Google that will take you to a whole page on how to build wheel chair ramps, even a concrete one.

http://www.essortmen...ildwhe_rjwa.htm

Bill of Illinois

Hi Bill,

Well I looked at the site and could not really find anything to what I am interested in. Though I did find this site but only has one ramp design. But this would be the type of ramp that I am looking for. So I will keep on searching.

http://images.google...htt...l=en&sa=N

[Apparelyzed]

Here's a bit of technical info which may be usefull.

Wheelchair Ramp Design

There's many factors involved in the design. The ADA provides codes and guidelines that apply to public places and government funded projects, however, we incorporate these guidelines for all applications, including residential homes. Why? Because it works!

Slope and Rise

When built to provide an accessible entrance, the slope of the ramp should be as small as possible. The maximum slope in new construction is 1:12, (every inch of rise will require one foot of run). Example: A step that is 6" high would require a ramp 6' long. The maximum rise for any run is 30".

Clear Width

The minimum clear width of a ramp is 36" between railings. This can be a little tight, especially for a long run. We prefer about 40" wide.

Landings

Level landings are required at the top and bottom of each run. This seems to be overlooked by many builders. Imagine trying to open a door, in a wheelchair on an incline. Not easy!

If the run is over 30' long, you'll need a level landing 5' long and as wide as the ramp. For an L shaped turn, a 5' x 5' landing is required. For a switch back turn, 5' x 8' is minimum.

Handrails

If a wheelchair ramp has a rise greater than 6", or a horizontal run greater than 72", it requires handrails on both sides. A 12" extension is required but can not project into another path of travel.

Edge Protection

Ramps and landings with a drop off require edge protection to prevent people and wheelchairs from slipping off. This can be accomplished with curbs that must be a minimum of 2 in. in height. You can also install the protection using the lower rail of your handrailing.

Curb Ramps

The maximum slope of a curb ramp is 1:12 the flares is 1:10. An alternative to flares can be a 2" curb.

Slip Resistance

Slippery surfaces can be a real problem, especially for the elderly. Concrete is easy, a rough broom finish. That's just one of the reasons I prefer concrete.

Wood can be very slippery when wet and will create a hazard (and liabilities). Wood ramps have not been clearly addressed by TAS or the ADA. Possible solutions include sand grit strips and additives to paint. We use 36" wide, white asphalt, rolled roofing.

[NewDisability]

This article about Wheelchair Ramps may be useful for you. Various styles and designs are discussed there.

[benstephens2001]

NewDisability, on Jul 11 2008, 09:46 AM, said:

This article about Wheelchair Ramps may be useful for you. Various styles and designs are discussed there.

has anyone ever used any of the wheelchair ramps from these guys www.theramppeople.co.uk I am thinking of buy one

[Apparelyzed]

I've not heard of them, but there are loads of places in the UK that sell wheelchair ramps.

Just Google "wheelchair ramps uk".

Shop around for the best price.

Simon

[jules]

I've just had a new ramp built at my house, I was using a roll up type ramp before. We incoroprated the ramp into the pathway leading up to our house, so it is a very gradual slope leading up to a level landing at the top. We had ours made of paving slabs rather than concrete because it looks nicer. I am really pleased with it. My hubby is a surveyor so he came up with the design himself. We bought the slabs which cost £80 from a local supplier and the builder cost £450 for 2 days solid work.

Hope this helps
Jules

[edlee]

Chili,, what were you looking for? Beyond the standards for width and pitch, the variations are endless. With concrete, if you can imagine it, you can pour it.

Half the fun of building something, or having it built,, is designing it. Just use the examples at the sites above as hints,, then let your imagination guide you.

I have found that my visualizing is made easier by drawing a plot plan (looking down on the area),, then drawing different shapes within those confines. Once you do that, you can start on the elevations ( looking from the front or side)

The only thing to remember about concrete forms, is that straight ones are easier (read cheaper) to build than curved ones,,, but both are possible.
ed

[4tun8]

When I came home from the hospital my wife had a wooden ramp. After 3 yrs, we were putting in a retaining wall and I had the mason cut into the existing walk. He then created a slope of concrete with a PVC electrical chase underneath. After this, he topped it off with brown and red paving bricks. The current ramp doesn't warp or seperate and flows with the original sidewalk to a landing level to the bottom of the front door's threshold. I reccomend someone that does both block and brick and is a member of the BBB. Mark