HomeMy WebLinkAboutramp installation MCIL Ramps--Minnesota Building Codes file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
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A review of the building code requirements for the modular wheelchair ramp.
�. A LETTER FROM
} '``' •. THE STATE OF MINNESOTA,
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION,
BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS DIVISION, SEPTEMBER 24,1992
Building Permits: Uniform Building Code (UBC) section 301(b)7 exempts "platforms,
walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade" from the requirement for a building permit.
However,this section makes it clear that the work must still comply with the applicable provisions of the
building code as well as any other laws or ordinances of the jurisdiction.
Land Use/Zoning Permits: Local government regulates land use through zoning codes. There may be
restrictions on distance to property lines,maximum area and height, etc. Specific requirements will vary
among jurisdictions so it is necessary that the appropriate local government department be contacted prior
to beginning construction. Permits, including a site plan showing the location of the proposed ramp, may
be required to verify compliance with zoning code provisions.
Guardrails: UBC 1711 states in part that open and glazed sides of stairways, landings and ramps,which
are more than 30 inches above grade shall be protected by a guardrail. When a guardrail is required on a
ramp or landing serving a single family dwelling,the guardrail must not be less than 36 inches high with
intermediates spaced such that a sphere six** inches in diameter cannot pass through. The dimensions
must be on the plan when this requirement is applicable.
** As of March 20, 1995, the Minnesota State Building Code changed to require intermediates to be
installed to prohibit passage of a 4" sphere
Ramps: According to UBC 3307,ramps used as exits from the building shall comply with this section.
Subpart(c) states that: the slope of the ramp shall not be steeper than 1 vertical to 8 horizontal. The
slope should be identified on the plans. (Note: this vertical to horizontal slope is not recommended
because it is too steep. Steepest recommended slope is 1-12).
Subpart(e) states that when the slope of the ramp is steeper than 1 vertical to 15 horizontal, a handrail
must be installed. The handrail must comply with Section 33060) and be mounted not less than 34 inches
nor more than 38 inches above the ramp surface. The handrail must be dimensioned on the plan.
Subpart(g) states that the surface of the ramp shall be roughened or shall be of slip-resistant materials.
This should be identified on the plan.
Weather Exposure:UBC 2516(c)I I requires that the members which form the structural supports be of
approved treated wood(or of natural resistance to decay). It appears that this has been clearly covered in
the plans.
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MCIL Ramps--Minnesota Building Codes file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
Footings: UBC 2907(b) exception 1 permits a one-story wood building not over 400 square feet in area
to be supported on a wood foundation plate when approved by the building official. In our opinion, the
support of this ramp should be considered adequate provided that(1)the design engineer has accounted
for anticipated frost and thaw action, (2)the ramp is secured to the house landing or threshold, and(3)
wood in contact with the ground is pressure treated to at least .401 bs/cu. ft. of retention.
Other: As long as these ramps serve only single family, R-3 occupancies,they are not required to comply
with the requirements of Chapter 1340, Facilities for the Handicapped.
The completed plans for the ramp should include compliance with all applicable code provisions,the
detailed specifications and the certification of the Minnesota registered engineer.
V 4e •
Scott D. McLellan, Building Code Representative
NO Last year we built a ramp with the new system of support beam footings.
FOOTINGS Our ramp hasn't shifted in the least. We have used it daily throughout all kinds of
ARE Minnesota weather without a problem. It was ideal for a residential setting and
REQUIRED construction was relatively easy.
We organized a "ramping bee" and because we didn't need cement footings we were
able to be more flexible in the construction and placement of the ramp."
-Gregory Knox-Carr
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MCIL Ramps--Rudin Letter on Footing Requirements file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
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Engineer's Letter on Footing Requirements
This letter was received in October, 1992 from the engineering firm of Rudin Structures regarding footing
requirements.
We have reviewed your letter from the State of Minnesota Department ofAdministration regarding your
compliance with the State Building Code.
At your request, we are furnishing this letter to substantiate our professional opinion that the handicap
ramp will not be adversely affected with mud fills located at grade, in lieu of providing footings to the
required frost depth. It is our opinion that wood structures of this type are inherently provided with
adequate flexibility in their connections to alleviate any additional stress that might be incurred through
frost heaving. The cross bracing evaluated by our office did not require the use of frost footings to provide
adequate lateral stability. We do recommend, however, that it would be appropriate to review the
construction of the ramp on an annual basis to determine if additional shimming below the mud fills is
required to maintain the proper slopes of the ramp.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey S. Rudin, P. E.
Senior Structural Engineer
Rudin Structures
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MCIL Ramps--58"-long x 60"-wide Landing Module file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
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58"-long x 98 1/2"-wide Landing Module
(for 42" modules)
(use 92 1/2" wide module if using 39" ramping modules)
Used for level landings in 180-degree switchback ramps and sometimes at doorway
Components:
7 2x6 by 55" Joists (Order four 2x6x10 and cut seven joists)
2 2x6 by 98" End Pieces (Order two 2x6x10 and cut two endpieces)
10 5/4x6 by 98" Decking (Order ten 5/4x6 by 10 and cut ten pieces)
140 2 1/2" Deck Screws (10 per decking plank)
28 2 1/2" Deck Screws (to attach end pieces to joists)
14 2x6 Joist Hangers
112 Joist Hanger Nails
Construction Notes:
1. Cut joists and end pieces to length and assemble on flat surface. Space joists 16" apart on center.
2. Screw end pieces to the ends of joists with 3" screws.
3. Insure landing is square and nail on joist hangers.
4. Bend outside flange of four corner joist hangers flat against end pieces of landing.
5. Decking may be attached at this point or after landing frame is placed in a ramp. Decking adds
significant weight to landing. If decking added,you will need to remove decking end pieces when
assembling ramp.
6. 3/8" holes to allow connection to ramp modules will be drilled at time of ramp construction.
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MCIL Ramps-- 116"-long x 42"-wide Ramping Module file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
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116"-long x 42"-wide Ramping Module
Can be used to replace two 58" modules
Components:
4 2x6 by 113" Joists (Order four 2x6x10 and cut 4 joists)
2 2x6 by 42" End Pieces (Order one 2x6x8 and cut 2 end pieces)
20 5/4" x 6" by 42" Decking (Order 14' decking and cut 4 pieces
from each. Five 14' decking equals twenty 42" pieces. )
160 2 1/2" Deck Screws (8 per Decking Plank)
6 3" Deck Screws (To attach end pieces to joists)
8 2x6 Joist Hangers
64 Joist Hanger Nails (8 per hanger)
3 2x6 Blocking at mid-point of module (To maintain width and add
stability)
12 3" Deck Screws for blocking
1t
Construction Notes:
1. Cut joists and end pieces to length and assemble on flat surface. Space joists 14" apart on center.
2. Screw end pieces to the ends of joists with 3" screws.
3. Insure module is square and nail on joist hangers.
4. Bend outside flange of four corner joist hangers flat against end pieces of module.
5. Screw blocking in place. Blocking maintains 42"-width of module and adds stability to module.
6. Decking may be attached at this point or after module frame is placed in a ramp. Decking adds
significant weight to module. If decking added, you will need to remove decking end pieces when
assembling ramp.
7. Drill a 3/8" hole centered on the end pieces and drill two 3/8" holes 6" from each side. All three
holes to be centered vertically on the end piece.
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MCIL Ramps--Shorter Support Structure file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
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Shorter Support Structure
(for 42" modules)
Used when distance between top of cross support and 1'xl'x3/4" pad is 12" to 21"
Components:
2 4x4 Support Posts (Length determined by height requirements of ramp
2 1'x 1' by 3/4" Treated Plywood Pads (Will be screwed to bottom
of 4x4 with three 3" deck screws)
2 2x6 by 49 1/2" Cross Supports
4 2x4 Trimmers (Length equals distance between bottom of cross
support and plywood pad. ) (Trimmers will be screwed to 4x4. )
4 3/4"-thick Treated Plywood Gussets (see drawing for dimensions)
(Gussets will be screwed to trimmer and cross supports
with seven screws per gusset. )
2 1/2" x 8" Carriage Bolts with nuts and washers (9/16" holes
will be drilled in support structures for these bolts)
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Construction Notes:
1. During construction, determine the length of the 4x4s by measuring from a string line that equals
the height and slope of the ramp you are building.
2. A standard guardrail height of 36" can be obtained by having 34" of 4x4 extend above the: ramp
surface. Compute the length of each 4x4 upright by measuring down from ramp surface to plywood
pad on the ground and add 34" to that number.
3. The two legs are often not the same length due to uneven terrain.
4. The cross supports are an extra 1/2" long to allow space to easily set modules in place.
5. During construction, be sure that 4x4s are plumb and cross supports are horizontal before installing
carriage bolts,trimmers, gussets and bracing. Temporarily attach cross supports with screws to
allow for adjustments and place bolts, bracing and gussets after all modules are in place.
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MCIL Ramps--Tall Support Structure file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
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Tall Support Structure
(for 42" modules)
Used when distance between top of cross support and plywood pad exceeds 21"
Components:
2 4x4 Support Posts (Length determined by height requirements of ramp
2 1'x 1' by 3/4" Treated Plywood Pads (Will be screwed to bottom
of 4x4 with three 3" deck screws)
2 2x6 by 49 1/2" Cross Supports
4 2x4 Trimmers (Length equals distance between bottom of cross
support and plywood pad. ) (Trimmers will be screwed to 4x4. )
2 2x4 Diagonal Braces (Length will be determined by height of
cross support)
4 1/2" x 10" Carriage Bolts with nuts and washers (9/16" holes
will be drilled in support structures for these bolts)
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Construction Notes:
l. During construction, determine the length of the 4x4s by measuring from a string line that equals
the height and slope of the ramp you are building.
2. A standard guardrail height of 36" can be obtained by having 34" of 4x4 extend above the: ramp
surface. Compute the length of each 4x4 upright by measuring down from ramp surface to plywood
pad on the ground and add 34" to that number.
3. The two legs are often not the same length due to uneven terrain.
4. The cross supports are an extra 1/2" long to allow space to easily set modules in place.
5. During construction, be sure that 4x4s are plumb and cross supports are horizontal before installing
carriage bolts, trimmers, gussets and bracing. Temporarily attach cross supports with screws to
allow for adjustments and place bolts, bracing and gussets after all modules are in place.
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MCIL Ramps--Ramp Widths file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
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Choosing the width of your ramp
Proper width of the ramp is important for the person using the ramp. A minimum of 36" of clearance is
needed and sometimes wider widths are advisable. The ramp modules can be made to the width that best
meet the users needs. 39" and 42" wide modules have been described. If a wider ramp is desired, such as
48" wide, you need to adjust the materials ordered
36'claar 35'clear
width %width
42'wide
3 9"wife module
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46 1/2' 49 V2'
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Please refer to page 34 for more guardrail/handrail information!
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MCIL Ramps--GUARDRAIL/HANDRAIL file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
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GUARDRAIL/HANDRAIL
Option A: Attach 2x4 boards to 4"x4"s parallel to ramp surface, 4"
above ramp surface. Attach 2x6 boards parallel to 2x4's so that top
of 2x6 is 36" above ramp. Cut 2x2 spindles to 30" lengths and
attach vertically to 2x4 and 2x6's with 4" space between each. Use
~� a 3 7/8" spacer to make spindles installation easier. 1 1/2" round
hand rail can be attached to the 4x4's or the 2x6 at a height that is
most convenient to the user.(The reason the 2x4 is placed 4" above
the ramp is to allow for easier snow removal.)
B Option B: Same as above, except that top rail consists of 2x6 board
that has been plowed for a hand grip. The plowed groove is placed
on the outside of the ramp.
When ordering lumber for guardrail, order the longest board
possible; Le 15' of guardrail from 2x6x16. You can get 3, 30"
spindles from an 8' length and you need 10 spindles per 59" section.
2 x 6
top rail
Note: The 30" 2x2 spindles can be cut with a 30 degree bevel on one end and installed as
shown at right.
2 x4
bottom
rail
Note: Type of guardrail/handrail selection is based on needs of the user. It may be easier for
someone to pull themselves up the ramp using the 1 1/2" round handrail rather than using the
plowed-style of 2 x 6 handrail.
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MCIL Ramps--Hanging Modules file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
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TO HANG MODULES:
• Drill 3/8" holes in landing to match the 3/8" holes pre-drilled in Module 1.
• Place 3/8"x 4" carriage bolts in the holes in the landing, slide module onto bolts. Support lower end
of module to approximate height of string line, add washers& nuts, and tighten(do not
over-tighten as this will pull end piece away from lower module).
• Match module slope to string line and insure module is level side-to-side. Temporary support with
bumper jacks is helpful in adjusting heights.
a
a
• Place 1'xl'pads beneath module corners
and measure to top of module. Add 34"
and cut 4x4s to this length.
i
• Attach pads to 4x4's and stand in place at lower end of
Module#1. Insure that 4x4's are plumb, and module is
level horizontally and at proper slope (by matching to
string line). o
• Attach beveled cross support with screws to each 4x4 _
at lower end of Module#1. This will hold cross
support temporarily. Trimmers and bolts will be
applied at lower end of Module #1 after all modules are z
in place. —
• At upper end of module, place beveled cross support 4.'
tightly beneath module and screw in place. Insure 4x4's
are plumb.
NOTE: Modules 1,2, and 3 could be replaced with a 58" and a 116" module.
• The cross support structures will always be 58" apart. When constructing the ramp,you will place
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MCIL Ramps--Hanging Modules file:///C:/Users/Andrew/Documents/My Documents/ramp/MODULA...
the first support structure at the lower end of the first complete module you are working with and
add remaining support structures later if the first module is 116".
• Attach Module#2 to Module #1 with 3/8" bolts and tighten firmly. Support lower end of Module
#2 with jacks and match slope to string line. Cut 4x4s to length, stand in place at lower end of
Module#2, and attach cross supports with screws.
• At top of Module#2, attach cross support to 4x4's with screws..
• Repeat process to add Module#3.
• The level landing is erected in the same manner as the sloped modules. In this example, a level
landing is shown because it is recommended that ramps 29' or more in length have a level resting
place.
r
s e
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