RAMPS

Ramps are sloping surfaces that join two floors. These are provided where large numbers of people or vehicles or equipment have to be moved from floor to floor. Now-a-days, ramps are specially provided in all public places like hospitals, railway stations, etc., for movement of aged and physically challenged persons. Multi-storey car parks that are generally provided at the heart of the cities have ramps.

Ramps should be provided with a non-slippery surface. They occupy much larger space than stairs. It should be provided with a uniform sloping surface.

Ramps may be located either externally from the general building line or internally (i.e., inside the building). Based on the intended use, it can be located internally or externally. For movement of heavy equipment’s, it may be preferred outside.

The ramp size evidently depends on its use. However, the following factors are taken into account in designing a ramp:

1. The general slope of ramp is 15%. But a slope of 10% is preferred.
2. The width of ramp depends on the use. Minimum width of pedestrian ramps is 75 cm and a minimum slope of 1 in 10 cm is adopted.
3. Level landings with a length of at least 1.1 m in the direction of travel should be provided at door openings and where ramps change slope or direction abruptly.
4. The shape of ramp need not be straight but it may be of any geometrical shape.
5. Ramp and landing should be designed for a live load of at least 21.2 kg/cm².
6. Powered ramps may operate on slopes up to 8° at speeds up to 60 m/min. and/or slopes up to 15° at speeds up to 47 m/min.
7. For carrying car and other machinery, a minimum of 4 m and a maximum width of 8 m is provided. A gentle slope of 1 in 10 cm is given. Here a straight or curved type can be provided.
8. For external location, ramps are constructed with two retaining walls with rising tops on either side. The central portion is suitably filled with rising surface.
9. If the ramp is provided inside the building, it may be designed as an inclined RCC slab or as slab supported as columns or stingers.
10. Ramp surfaces may be rough cement or granolithic surface. Surface patterns or transverse grooves may be formed to improve slip resistance.