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Ramp – Every kind of Ramp wiki

Ramp – spend management software, corporate cards, accounts payable automation, exit ramps, boat ramps, wheelchair accessibility, ecological crossings, skateboarding structures, botanical wild onions, and much more.

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What is a Ramp?

A ramp refers to anything from spend management solutions, corporate card software, and entry level accounts payable platforms like Ramp, to physical inclines such as wheelchair ramps, boat ramps, highway ramps, and ecological crossings. Additionally, ramps encompass structures in entertainment and sports, scientific and mathematical models, financial and economic growth stages, and even botanical species like the wild onion known as Ramp.

In the physical world, a ramp is an inclined surface that connects two different levels, making it easier to move between them. Whether you’re talking about wheelchair accessibility, loading trucks, launching boats, or hitting skateboard tricks, ramps serve the fundamental purpose of bridging height differences safely and efficiently.

The beauty of ramps lies in their simplicity. Instead of forcing a sudden vertical change, they spread that change over a longer horizontal distance. This basic principle applies whether you’re dealing with a simple wooden wheelchair ramp, a massive highway interchange, or a Ramp software to serve as your entry level accounting solution.

Basic Ramp Physics

Every ramp has three key measurements that determine how it works:

  • Rise – The vertical height the ramp covers
  • Run – The horizontal length of the ramp
  • Slope – The angle created between the ramp and the ground

The relationship between these three elements determines everything from whether a ramp meets accessibility standards to how much effort it takes to use it. A gentler slope (longer run for the same rise) makes the ramp easier to use but requires more space.

Types of Ramp Measurements

Ramp slopes get expressed in several ways, and understanding them helps you choose the right specifications:

  • Ratio format (like 1:12) – For every 1 unit of rise, you need 12 units of run
  • Percentage (like 8.3%) – The rise divided by the run, multiplied by 100
  • Degrees (like 4.8°) – The actual angle measurement

Most building codes use the ratio format because it’s easier to visualize and measure during construction.

Ramp Software Solutions

Ramp software provides early stage businesses with spend management, corporate card solution, and accounts payable automation functionality. This digital ramp is prime for small organizations looking to have visibility into their expenses. While Ramp can be considered a good fit for early stage companies, Ramp customers looking to scale or those that are in the mid and enterprise markets – typically look for other players in the market. Below are a few resources:

Software review sites

AP or accounting softwares:

 

Here’s what to look for if you’re in the market for growth or if your organization is in the mid-market or enterprise segments:

Spend Management Platform

Modern spend management software offers real-time visibility into company spending, automated expense categorization, and intelligent budget controls. These features help businesses optimize their financial operations while reducing manual oversight requirements.

Corporate Card Solutions

Corporate cards integrate seamlessly with spend management platforms, providing automatic transaction categorization, receipt matching, and real-time spending controls. This eliminates the traditional friction between corporate spending and expense reporting.

Accounts Payable Automation

Accounts payable features streamline vendor payments, invoice processing, and approval workflows. This automation reduces processing time and improves accuracy in business financial operations.

Integration Capabilities

These softwares integrates with popular accounting systems, ERPs, and business tools, creating a seamless financial ecosystem that reduces data entry and improves reporting accuracy.

Wheelchair & Accessibility Ramps

Accessibility ramps represent one of the most important applications of ramp technology. These structures provide independence and dignity for millions of people with mobility challenges, and they’re heavily regulated to ensure safety and usability.

ADA Requirements – The Gold Standard

The Americans with Disabilities Act sets strict standards for accessibility ramps, and these requirements have become the benchmark worldwide. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Maximum slope: 1:12 ratio (8.33% grade)
  • Maximum rise per run: 30 inches before requiring a landing
  • Minimum width: 36 inches clear width
  • Landing requirements: 60 inches long at top and bottom
  • Edge protection: 2-inch minimum curb or rail system

These aren’t arbitrary numbers. They’re based on extensive research into what wheelchair users can safely navigate independently. A steeper slope might seem like it saves space, but it can make the ramp unusable for many people.

Common Accessibility Ramp Materials

Aluminum Modular Systems

The most popular choice for residential installations. These systems bolt together without permanent modifications to your property. They typically cost $100-150 per linear foot installed and can be reconfigured or moved if needed. The non-slip surfaces work well in most weather conditions.

Pressure-Treated Wood

A budget-friendly option at $50-100 per linear foot. Wood ramps require regular maintenance to prevent rot and ensure the surface stays slip-resistant. Many people choose wood because it blends better with residential architecture, but it needs replacement every 7-10 years depending on climate.

Concrete

The most permanent and durable option at $200-300 per linear foot. Concrete ramps last decades with minimal maintenance, but they require professional installation and can’t be easily modified. They work best for commercial applications or homes where the ramp will be a permanent feature.

Installation Considerations

Building Permits

Most jurisdictions require permits for permanent ramps, especially concrete installations. Temporary modular ramps sometimes get exemptions, but check with your local building department. The permit process usually takes 2-4 weeks and costs $50-200.

Professional vs DIY Installation

While modular aluminum systems are designed for DIY installation, hiring professionals ensures compliance with local codes. Professional installation typically adds 30-50% to material costs but includes warranties and code compliance guarantees.

Site Preparation

The area under your ramp needs proper drainage to prevent ice formation and structural settling. This might involve grading, installing gravel bases, or adding drainage systems. Poor site prep is the leading cause of ramp problems down the line.

Maintenance Requirements

Monthly Inspections

Check for loose bolts, damaged decking, and obstructions. Snow and ice removal requires special care – use plastic shovels and ice melt products that won’t damage the ramp surface.

Annual Professional Inspections

Have a contractor check structural connections, especially on wood ramps. Look for signs of rot, corrosion, or settlement that could affect safety.

Surface Treatments

Non-slip surfaces need periodic renewal. Aluminum ramps might need new grip strips every 3-5 years, while wood ramps need regular staining or sealing to maintain traction.

Boat Ramps

Boat ramps are specialized structures designed to get watercraft from dry land into the water safely and efficiently. They seem simple, but good boat ramp design involves complex considerations around tides, bottom conditions, traffic flow, and environmental protection.

Boat Ramp Design Fundamentals

Slope Requirements

Most boat ramps use slopes between 12-15%. This angle provides enough grade to launch boats efficiently while preventing vehicles from losing traction. Steeper slopes work for smaller boats but can strand larger vessels during low tide conditions.

Surface Materials

  • Concrete – The premium choice for high-traffic ramps. Poured concrete with a broom finish provides excellent traction and durability. Expect to pay $15-25 per square foot installed.
  • Concrete Planks – Pre-cast planks install faster than poured concrete and allow for easier repairs. They cost slightly more initially but reduce construction time significantly.
  • Gravel – The budget option for low-traffic areas. Properly graded gravel costs $3-5 per square foot but requires regular maintenance and doesn’t work well for larger boats.

Construction Planning

Site Selection

The best boat ramp locations have gradual underwater slopes extending well beyond the ramp surface. Avoid areas with soft bottoms that will trap trailers or create ruts. Consider prevailing winds and currents that might push boats away from the ramp during loading.

Width Specifications

Single-lane ramps need 14-16 feet of width minimum. Two-lane ramps require 24-26 feet plus a center divider. Popular ramps often benefit from wider approaches to allow boat rigging without blocking launch lanes.

Environmental Permits

Boat ramp construction typically requires permits from multiple agencies. Environmental reviews focus on impacts to water quality, fish habitat, and wetlands. The permitting process can take 6-18 months, so plan accordingly.

Boat Launching Best Practices

Preparation Before the Ramp

Do all your boat preparation in the parking area, not at the ramp. This includes loading gear, checking equipment, and installing drain plugs. Other boaters will appreciate your consideration.

Vehicle and Trailer Requirements

Your vehicle needs enough power to pull the loaded trailer up the ramp slope. Four-wheel drive helps but isn’t always necessary if your vehicle has adequate power and weight distribution.

Tidal Considerations

On tidal waters, check tide charts before heading out. Low tides can expose rocks or create conditions where you can’t get deep enough to float your boat off the trailer.

Maintenance and Safety

Regular Inspections

Look for cracks, erosion, or settlement that could create hazards. Ice damage is common in northern climates and might not become apparent until spring thaw.

User Safety Features

Good boat ramps include courtesy docks for temporary boat holding, adequate lighting for early morning or evening use, and clear sight lines to spot approaching boats.

Highway & Transportation Ramps

Highway ramps are the arteries of our transportation system, allowing vehicles to safely enter and exit high-speed roadways. These structures represent some of the most complex engineering in everyday infrastructure, dealing with traffic flow, safety, and space constraints simultaneously.

Types of Highway Ramps

On-Ramps (Acceleration Lanes)

These ramps allow vehicles to reach highway speeds before merging with traffic. The design speed typically matches the highway speed limit, requiring careful attention to sight distances and merge areas. Most on-ramps include acceleration lanes that extend 500-1,500 feet beyond the gore point where the ramp meets the highway.

Off-Ramps (Deceleration Lanes)

Exit ramps provide space for vehicles to slow down after leaving the main highway. The deceleration lane begins before the actual exit, giving drivers space to reduce speed safely without affecting through traffic.

Loop Ramps

These curved ramps handle left-turn movements at highway interchanges. The tight curves require reduced speeds, typically 25-35 mph, and banking to help vehicles navigate safely.

Ramp Metering Systems

Many urban highways use ramp meters – traffic signals that control how quickly vehicles enter the highway. These systems can reduce overall congestion by preventing the stop-and-go conditions that occur when too many vehicles merge simultaneously.

How Ramp Metering Works

Sensors on the highway detect traffic density and speed. When congestion reaches predetermined levels, the ramp meters activate to space out merging vehicles. This typically allows one or two vehicles per green light cycle.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Ramp metering can increase overall highway capacity by 5-10% and reduce accidents at merge points. However, it creates backups on surface streets and can frustrate drivers who don’t understand the system’s benefits.

Design Standards and Safety

Geometric Design

Highway ramps must accommodate large trucks while maintaining safety for passenger vehicles. This requires careful attention to curve radii, sight distances, and cross-slopes for drainage.

Signage and Markings

Clear wayfinding prevents last-minute lane changes that cause accidents. Sign placement follows strict federal standards, with advance notice signs appearing 2 miles, 1 mile, and 0.5 miles before exits in urban areas.

Loading & Commercial Ramps

Commercial loading ramps are the workhorses of logistics and warehousing operations. These structures need to handle heavy loads repeatedly while providing safe working conditions for employees operating forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.

Loading Dock Ramps

Hydraulic Dock Levelers

The premium solution for high-volume operations. These units adjust automatically to match truck bed heights and can handle loads up to 60,000 pounds. They typically cost $3,000-8,000 installed but pay for themselves through improved efficiency and reduced worker injuries.

Mechanical Dock Levelers

A more affordable option using spring-loaded mechanisms instead of hydraulics. These units require manual operation but cost 40-60% less than hydraulic systems. They work well for facilities with consistent truck types and moderate volume.

Portable Loading Ramps

Aluminum ramps that can be moved between locations as needed. These units handle loads up to 20,000 pounds and cost $500-2,000 depending on capacity and features. They’re ideal for facilities that don’t justify permanent dock equipment.

Weight Capacity Calculations

Static Load Ratings

This represents the maximum weight the ramp can support when stationary. Most commercial ramps are rated for loads 3-4 times their working capacity to provide safety margins.

Dynamic Load Considerations

Moving loads create additional stress through impact and vibration. Factor in the weight of handling equipment plus the load being moved. A 4,000-pound forklift carrying a 2,000-pound pallet creates 6,000 pounds of dynamic load.

Distributed vs Point Loads

Ramps handle distributed loads (spread across the surface) better than point loads (concentrated on small areas). Forklift wheels create high point loads that require reinforced ramp construction.

Safety Features and Regulations

OSHA Requirements

Commercial loading ramps must meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for workplace safety. Key requirements include slip-resistant surfaces, appropriate load ratings, and safety chains or restraints to prevent truck movement during loading.

Edge Protection

Ramps need curbs or railings to prevent equipment from running off the sides. OSHA requires 4-inch minimum curbs for areas where vehicles operate.

Surface Treatments

Anti-slip surfaces are crucial for safety, especially in wet conditions. Options include diamond plate aluminum, abrasive coatings, and textured concrete. The treatment must balance traction with ease of cleaning.

Skateboard & Sports Ramps

Skateboard ramps transformed from backyard DIY projects into sophisticated recreational infrastructure. Whether you’re building a simple quarter-pipe or planning a full skate park, understanding ramp geometry and construction techniques ensures safe and enjoyable riding.

Basic Ramp Geometries

Quarter-Pipes

The foundation of most skateboard ramps, quarter-pipes provide a curved transition from horizontal to vertical. The transition radius determines how the ramp feels to ride – tighter radii create snappier, more technical riding, while larger radii feel smoother and flow better.

Half-Pipes

Two quarter-pipes connected back-to-back create the classic half-pipe configuration. The spacing between transitions affects the riding experience. Closer transitions create more technical, vert-style riding, while wider spacing allows for more flowing, street-style tricks.

Mini-Ramps

Smaller versions of half-pipes, typically 3-6 feet tall, designed for backyard use. These ramps offer most of the half-pipe experience in a more manageable size and cost.

Construction Materials and Techniques

Framework Construction

Most ramps use 2×4 or 2×6 lumber for framing, with studs spaced 16 inches on center for adequate support. The transition curves require either bent plywood or specially cut ribs that follow the desired radius.

Surface Materials

  • Skatelite – The premium surface material used in professional skate parks. It’s expensive ($8-12 per square foot) but provides unmatched durability and riding characteristics.
  • Marine-grade plywood – A more affordable option at $3-5 per square foot. Multiple layers with staggered joints create smooth, strong surfaces. Requires regular maintenance and eventual replacement.
  • Masonite – The budget option for temporary or indoor ramps. It provides a smooth surface but doesn’t weather well and needs frequent replacement.

DIY Construction Guide

Planning and Design

Start with proven designs rather than creating your own geometry. Websites like OC Ramps provide free plans with detailed measurements and cut lists. Consider your available space, skill level, and intended use when selecting a design.

Tools Required

Basic carpentry tools handle most ramp construction: circular saw, drill, level, chalk line, and measuring tape. A jigsaw helps with transition cuts, and a router creates smooth edges on riding surfaces.

Assembly Tips

Build the framework first, ensuring it’s square and level. Take time to get the foundation right – problems here will show up in the final product. Use appropriate fasteners for your climate and expected use level.

Safety Considerations

Protective Equipment

Always wear helmets, knee pads, and appropriate protective gear when riding ramps. The consequences of falls increase significantly on ramps compared to street skating.

Ramp Inspection

Check bolts, screws, and surface conditions regularly. Look for loose fasteners, cracked plywood, or protruding hardware that could cause injuries.

Riding Progression

Start small and work up to larger ramps. The physics of ramp riding differ significantly from street skating, and the learning curve can be steep for beginners.

Construction Guide

Building a ramp requires careful planning, proper materials, and attention to detail. Whether you’re constructing a simple accessibility ramp or a complex loading facility, following proper construction practices ensures safety, durability, and code compliance.

Pre-Construction Planning

Site Assessment

Evaluate drainage, soil conditions, and accessibility. Poor drainage leads to ice formation and structural problems. Soft soils might require additional foundation work or different construction approaches.

Code Research

Building codes vary by location and ramp type. Contact your local building department early in the planning process. Some jurisdictions have specific requirements for ramp construction that go beyond basic building codes.

Material Selection

Choose materials appropriate for your climate, expected use, and maintenance capabilities. Higher initial costs often pay off through reduced maintenance and longer service life.

Foundation Requirements

Concrete Footings

Most permanent ramps require concrete footings below the frost line. Footing size depends on the ramp size and local soil conditions. Generally, footings should be at least 12 inches wide and extend to undisturbed soil.

Gravel Bases

Provide stable support and drainage for ramp foundations. Use crushed gravel rather than rounded stone for better compaction. A 4-6 inch base works for most residential applications.

Drainage Systems

Prevent water accumulation under ramps through proper grading and drainage. French drains or perforated pipes might be necessary in areas with poor natural drainage.

Framing Techniques

Lumber Selection

Use pressure-treated lumber for all structural components exposed to weather. Southern pine and Douglas fir provide good strength-to-weight ratios for ramp construction.

Connection Methods

Galvanized bolts and screws prevent corrosion and provide strong connections. Avoid nails for structural connections – they don’t handle the dynamic loads that ramps experience.

Spacing Requirements

Frame members typically space 16 inches on center for residential ramps, with closer spacing for heavy-duty applications. Consult engineering tables for your specific load requirements.

Surface Installation

Decking Materials

  • Composite decking – Low maintenance but expensive. Good for residential accessibility ramps where appearance matters.
  • Pressure-treated lumber – Traditional choice with proven performance. Requires regular maintenance but costs less initially.
  • Aluminum grating – Excellent for industrial applications. Provides good traction and drainage but can be slippery when wet.

Fastener Selection

Use stainless steel or galvanized fasteners to prevent corrosion. Pre-drill hardwood decking to prevent splitting. Countersink screws slightly below the surface for safety and appearance.

Handrail Installation

Height Requirements

Most codes require handrails 34-38 inches above the ramp surface. Some applications need dual-height rails to accommodate different users.

Mounting Methods

Handrail posts need secure attachment to the ramp structure. Through-bolts provide the strongest connection, while surface-mounted brackets work for lighter-duty applications.

Grip Requirements

Handrails should provide a comfortable grip for extended use. Round or oval profiles work better than rectangular shapes. The rail should be easy to grasp without wrapping completely around.

Ramp Calculators

Understanding ramp calculations helps you design safe, functional, and code-compliant structures. These tools and formulas work for everything from simple accessibility ramps to complex commercial installations.

Basic Slope Calculations

Rise and Run Method

The most straightforward approach: divide the total rise by the total run to get the slope percentage. For example, a ramp that rises 24 inches over 288 inches has a slope of 24÷288 = 0.083 or 8.3%.

Ratio Format

Express slopes as ratios by dividing both numbers by the rise. The same 24-inch rise over 288 inches becomes 1:12 (288÷24 = 12). This format makes it easy to see code compliance at a glance.

Angle Calculations

Convert slopes to angles using trigonometry: angle = arctan(rise÷run). The 1:12 slope equals arctan(1÷12) = 4.76 degrees.

ADA Compliance Calculator

Maximum Length Calculations

ADA allows maximum 30-inch rise per ramp run. For a 1:12 slope, this means maximum 30 feet per run. Taller rises require intermediate landings and multiple ramp runs.

Landing Requirements

Landings must be at least 60 inches long and as wide as the ramp. For ramps that change direction, landings must be at least 60×60 inches to allow wheelchair maneuvering.

Total Length Estimator

Calculate total project length by adding ramp runs plus landings. A 60-inch total rise requires two 30-inch runs (30 feet each) plus three landings (5 feet each), totaling 75 feet of structure.

Load Capacity Calculations

Distributed Load Ratings

Most residential ramps are designed for 40 pounds per square foot live load plus the structure’s dead weight. Commercial applications might require 100+ pounds per square foot depending on intended use.

Point Load Considerations

Wheelchair wheels create point loads of 200-300 pounds over small areas. Ramp surfaces and framing must handle these concentrated loads without excessive deflection.

Dynamic Load Factors

Moving loads create additional stress through impact and vibration. Multiply static loads by 1.5-2.0 for dynamic loading calculations, depending on the speed and type of use expected.

Material Quantity Estimators

Lumber Calculations

Calculate board feet needed for framing: multiply length x width x thickness (in inches) and divide by 144. Add 10-15% waste factor for cuts and mistakes.

Decking Requirements

Multiply ramp length x width to get square footage. Account for board spacing and waste – typically add 15-20% to the calculated area.

Hardware Quantities

Estimate 2-3 pounds of fasteners per 100 square feet of decking. Include extra fasteners for framing connections and handrail installation.

Cost Estimation Tools

Material Cost Calculators

Regional material costs vary significantly. Use local supplier pricing for accurate estimates. Consider delivery charges for large quantities – they can add 10-20% to material costs.

Labor Cost Factors

Professional installation typically costs 50-100% of material costs for simple ramps, more for complex installations requiring specialized equipment or techniques.

Permit and Inspection Fees

Budget $200-500 for permits and inspections on most residential ramps. Commercial projects might require engineering stamps and additional fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Software and Digital Solutions

What is Ramp software used for?

Ramp software provides comprehensive spend management, corporate credit cards, and accounts payable automation for businesses. It helps companies gain visibility into spending, automate financial processes, and maintain better expense control.

How does Ramp software compare to traditional expense management?

Ramp software automates many manual processes, provides real-time spending visibility, and integrates directly with corporate cards and accounting systems, eliminating much of the paperwork and delays associated with traditional expense management.

What businesses benefit most from Ramp software solutions?

Companies of all sizes benefit from Ramp software, particularly those looking to scale their financial operations, improve spend visibility, or reduce manual expense management processes.

Accessibility and ADA Compliance

What is the maximum slope for a wheelchair ramp?

The ADA requires a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33%) for accessibility ramps. This means for every inch of rise, you need 12 inches of run. Steeper slopes are difficult or impossible for many wheelchair users to navigate safely.

How long can a ramp be before requiring a landing?

ADA standards limit ramp runs to 30 inches of rise before requiring a level landing. At the maximum 1:12 slope, this translates to 30 feet of ramp length. The landing must be at least 60 inches long and as wide as the ramp.

Do I need a permit for a wheelchair ramp?

Most jurisdictions require permits for permanent ramps, especially those attached to buildings. Temporary modular ramps sometimes get exemptions, but check with your local building department. The permit process usually takes 2-4 weeks and costs $50-200.

How wide does an accessibility ramp need to be?

The minimum clear width is 36 inches between handrails. For ramps wider than 72 inches, handrails are required on both sides plus an intermediate handrail.

Construction and Materials

What is the best material for outdoor ramps?

For accessibility ramps, aluminum modular systems offer the best combination of durability, low maintenance, and adjustability. They cost more initially but last 20+ years with minimal upkeep. Pressure-treated lumber costs less but requires regular maintenance and replacement every 7-10 years.

How do I prevent my ramp from getting slippery?

Use materials with textured surfaces designed for traction. Aluminum ramps often include grip strips or perforated surfaces. Wood ramps can be treated with anti-slip coatings or have grip strips added. Avoid smooth surfaces like painted wood or plain concrete.

Can I build a ramp myself?

Simple, straight ramps using modular systems are designed for DIY installation. More complex ramps or those requiring significant structural work should involve professionals. Consider your skill level, available time, and the consequences of mistakes when deciding.

How much does a ramp cost?

Costs vary widely based on materials, size, and complexity. Simple aluminum modular ramps cost $100-150 per linear foot installed. Custom wood ramps run $50-100 per linear foot. Concrete ramps cost $200-300 per linear foot but last much longer.

Boat Ramps and Marine Applications

What slope should a boat ramp have?

Most boat ramps use slopes between 12-15% (roughly 1:8 to 1:7 ratio). This provides enough grade for efficient launching while maintaining vehicle traction. Steeper slopes work for smaller boats but can create problems with larger vessels.

How wide should a boat ramp be?

Single-lane ramps need 14-16 feet minimum width. Two-lane ramps require 24-26 feet plus space for a center divider. Consider adding extra width at popular ramps to allow boat preparation without blocking launch lanes.

What permits do I need for a boat ramp?

Boat ramp construction typically requires multiple permits including environmental reviews, water quality certifications, and sometimes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval. The permitting process can take 6-18 months, so plan accordingly.

Commercial and Industrial Ramps

What weight capacity do I need for a loading ramp?

Calculate the combined weight of your heaviest equipment plus its maximum load. Add a safety factor of 50-100%. For example, a 4,000-pound forklift carrying 3,000 pounds needs a ramp rated for at least 10,000-14,000 pounds.

How do I choose between fixed and adjustable loading ramps?

Fixed ramps cost less and require less maintenance but only work with trucks of consistent height. Adjustable ramps handle various truck types but cost more and have more mechanical components that can fail.

What safety features are required for commercial ramps?

OSHA requires slip-resistant surfaces, appropriate load ratings clearly marked, and edge protection to prevent equipment from running off the sides. Some applications need safety chains or wheel chocks to prevent truck movement during loading.

Maintenance and Safety

How often should ramps be inspected?

Perform monthly visual inspections looking for loose bolts, damaged surfaces, or obstructions. Have annual professional inspections for structural integrity, especially on wood ramps where rot and insect damage can occur.

How do I maintain traction on ramps in winter?

Use ice melt products designed for your ramp material. Avoid salt on aluminum ramps as it can cause corrosion. Keep plastic shovels available for snow removal – metal shovels can damage ramp surfaces. Consider heating systems for frequently used commercial ramps.

When should a ramp be replaced?

Replace ramps when structural integrity is compromised, when they no longer meet current codes, or when maintenance costs exceed replacement costs. Wood ramps typically last 7-10 years, aluminum systems 20+ years, and concrete ramps can last 30+ years with proper maintenance.

Design and Planning

How do I calculate how much space I need for a ramp?

Measure the total rise from the lower level to the upper level. Multiply by 12 for ADA-compliant ramps (1:12 slope). Add space for landings – 60 inches at the top and bottom, plus 60 inches for each intermediate landing if needed.

Can ramps turn corners?

Yes, but turning ramps require larger landings (minimum 60×60 inches) at the turn points. The ramp sections on either side of the turn must meet all standard requirements for slope and width.

What’s the difference between temporary and permanent ramps?

Temporary ramps are typically modular systems that don’t require permanent attachment to buildings. They’re easier to install and remove but may have limitations on height and configuration. Permanent ramps are built in place and can handle more complex situations but require permits and professional installation.

This guide represents general information and best practices for ramp design and construction. Always consult local building codes, professional engineers, and qualified contractors for specific projects. Building codes and accessibility requirements vary by location and change over time.