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What is a 1 in 12 gradient?

1:12 slope ratio (ADA Recommended) means that for every inch of rise, you will need one foot of ramp. As an example, a 12 inch rise would require a 12 foot ramp to achieve a 1:12 ratio.

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To determine the length of ramp for your application, you need to determine the rise. The rise is the vertical measurement between the ground and where the top of the ramp is going to be. Disability Systems recommends a 1:12 slope on most applications. Residential applications can use a 2:12 slope ratio if space is an issue but only if an assistant is present to help push the wheelchair or to help a person walking on the ramp. For commercial public access, a 1:12 ratio is required, check your local codes. 1:12 slope ratio (ADA Recommended) means that for every inch of rise, you will need one foot of ramp. As an example, a 12 inch rise would require a 12 foot ramp to achieve a 1:12 ratio. 2:12 slope ratio means that for every two inches of rise, you would need one foot of ramp. As an example, take the total amount of rise in inches and divide by 2. If you have a 12 inch rise divide by 2 and the resulting number would be 6, this is the length of ramp which is required in feet to achieve a 2:12 ratio. 3:12 slope ratio means that for every three inches of rise you would need one foot of ramp. As an example, take the total amount of rise in inches and divide by 3. If you have a 12 inch rise divide by 3 and the resulting number would be 4, this is the length of ramp which is required in feet to achieve a 3:12 ratio. This slope ratio is only used to move an unoccupied wheelchair, never an occupied wheelchair and should never be used for walking.

NOTE: *** Check Your Local Code to Ensure Compliance

For ADA compliance, any ramp that is used on a rise of 6 inches or more, must have handrails and be 36" wide. Any ADA compliant ramp longer that 30 feet (30 inch rise) must include a resting platform and have guardrails (Baulusters spaced 3.5" - 4" apart) to prevent a child from falling through.Contact Disability Systems, Inc. at 1-877-258-7423 for pre-fabricated ramp information or email at info@disabilitysystems.com

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How long should a wheelchair ramp be for 2 steps?

This means that for every 1 inch of rise, 12 inches of ramp are required. For example, if an entryway is 36 inches high, you will need a ramp that is at least 36 feet long.

How Long Should a Wheelchair Ramp Be?

Posted on 10/5/2017 by John Burfield

If you plan to add a wheelchair ramp to your entryway, you may be wondering how long it needs to be. Some people might think a shorter ramp is better because it takes up less space and may cost less money. However, if you add a ramp that is too short for the rise of the entryway being ramped, it can be both hard to use and a safety hazard. This often results in a very steep ramp that may resemble a ski jump! The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a 1:12 slope ratio for commercial ramps (ramps used in public spaces). This means that for every 1 inch of rise, 12 inches of ramp are required. For example, if an entryway is 36 inches high, you will need a ramp that is at least 36 feet long. The 1:12 slope ratio reduces the steepness of a ramp to 5 degrees of incline and makes it both easier and safer to traverse. While the ADA requirements only apply to commercial ramps, many home access professionals adhere to the 1:12 slope ratio for residential ramps as well. However, a slope ratio of 2:12 is also acceptable for residential ramps if space is limited. This means 12-inches of ramp for every 2-inches of rise and 9.5 degrees of incline. If you have limited space, you may think that a ramp that meets the proper slope guidelines will not fit on your property. However, a modular aluminum ramp can be configured in many ways to maximize your space. A qualified ramp or home access provider will be able to evaluate your space and determine what configuration and length of ramp will work best.

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