Constructing a concrete ramp can be a useful and long-lasting solution for a number of problems, such as enhancing accessibility, facilitating a seamless transition between levels, or offering a secure route for machinery and cars. Building a concrete ramp can be a do-it-yourself project that is manageable with the right supplies and some preparation.
Determining the purpose of the ramp and the precise specifications it needs to fulfill is the first step in creating a concrete ramp. For example, it is imperative to follow ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines if the ramp is intended for wheelchair access. These guidelines specify specific dimensions and slopes for safety and ease of use. On the other hand, depending on the anticipated load and usage frequency, a ramp for a car or garden equipment may have different specifications.
The next step is to prepare the site once the purpose and specifications of the ramp have been determined. This entails determining the area’s dimensions and marking it, clearing any necessary ground, and making sure the base is solid and evenly compacted. The longevity and durability of the ramp depend on proper site preparation, which helps avoid problems like shifting or cracking in the future.
When the site is prepared, work on the project actually starts. In order to hold the concrete in place while it sets, a frame, or formwork, must usually be constructed. Since the formwork will ultimately determine how the ramp looks, it needs to be level and strong. It is imperative to incorporate reinforcement, such as steel rebar, to fortify the ramp and enhance its ability to support weighty loads.
The last step is to pour and finish the concrete. A smooth, even surface is ensured through meticulous attention to detail in this process. Using instruments like a trowel, the concrete must be evenly spread and smoothed after it has been poured. It should be given enough time to cure properly once the surface is smooth, which usually takes a few days. To guarantee that the concrete reaches its maximum strength and durability, curing is an essential step.
Building a concrete ramp is a project that can significantly improve a space’s usability and accessibility. You can construct a reliable, long-lasting structure that suits your needs with careful planning and execution.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Plan | Decide on the ramp"s size, shape, and slope. |
| 2. Gather materials | Get concrete, gravel, wooden forms, and tools. |
| 3. Prepare the site | Clear the area and level the ground. |
| 4. Build forms | Create a frame with wood to shape the ramp. |
| 5. Add gravel base | Spread gravel inside the forms for a strong foundation. |
| 6. Mix concrete | Combine water, cement, sand, and gravel. |
| 7. Pour concrete | Fill the forms with concrete, starting from the bottom. |
| 8. Smooth the surface | Use a trowel to level and smooth the concrete. |
| 9. Let it cure | Allow the concrete to dry and harden for several days. |
| 10. Remove forms | Take off the wooden forms once the concrete is fully cured. |
- Requirements of regulatory documents
- Types of concrete ramps
- Features of preparing a concrete mixture for arranging a ramp
- Calculating the length of the "assistant" for a "disabled" person
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Requirements of regulatory documents
You should carefully read the regulatory documents (GOST R 51261-99; SNiP 35-01-2001; SP 30-102-99; SP 59.13330.2012), which outline the requirements for these auxiliary structures, before beginning to construct a concrete ramp on your own. The truth is that these were created by professionals who considered the dimensions of typical standard wheelchairs as well as the physical demands placed on a disabled person to enable them to independently and safely ascend and descend an inclined surface. The following fundamental guidelines ought to be adhered to when creating a project and then building a ramp:
- The length of the inclined part (L) of one flight should not exceed 9000 mm. Experts have established that this is the distance (although it is quite average) that people with disabilities can overcome without intermediate rest.
- The maximum height difference (H) of one flight should not exceed 80 cm.
- The width of the free surface of the ramp (excluding auxiliary handrails) is at least 90 cm. This value is due to the overall dimensions of standard wheelchairs.
- The angle of inclination (α) is calculated based on the proportion of the ramp length (S), which is the projection of the inclined part, to the height (H). That is, α = H / S = 1/20 (or 5%).
Note: If there is not enough available space to install a ramp, you can increase the angle of inclination by using the formula α = h/s = 1/12.5 (or 8%).
- On the sides of the inclined part, two-row handrails should be installed. Moreover, the distance from the ramp surface to their lower/upper row is 700/900 mm, respectively.
Naturally, you do not have to strictly follow the aforementioned guidelines if you are building a ramp on your own property to help your disabled loved ones move around. But keep in mind that all of the aforementioned guidelines and standards were created with the opinions of "low-mobility" population groups in mind. That’s why you ought to pay attention to this.
Types of concrete ramps
Ramps are classified as follows based on their height:
- Single-flight (with H ≤ 80 cm).
- Multi-flight (if H ˃ 80 cm). The dimensions of the platform for turning a wheelchair in such structures should be at least length/width – 150/180 cm.
Based on design elements, concrete ramps can be supported in the following ways:
- Directly on the ground (or rather on a gravel-sand pillow).
- On specially equipped load-bearing walls.
To ensure durability and safety, building a concrete ramp requires careful planning and execution. From preparing the site and building a strong formwork to mixing the proper consistency of concrete and smoothing the surface for traction, this guide will take you through all the necessary steps. Whether your goal is to increase accessibility or create a seamless transition between levels, you can build a dependable and durable concrete ramp with the help of this article’s helpful advice and detailed instructions.
Features of preparing a concrete mixture for arranging a ramp
Recall that creating a ramp requires a thicker solution than pouring a foundation or setting up a floor screed. If not, when leveling, the cement-sand mixture will just flow downward.
In order not to make a mistake with the amount of water when mixing the solution, it is better to conduct a trial test. To do this, you should make a small model (or rather formwork) of the future ramp (with the required angle of inclination). Then prepare a small portion of the solution (writing down the ratio in which the mixture was made). If after laying and leveling the surface, the mixture retains its shape, then you did everything correctly. If the solution flows down, then the process should be repeated, gradually reducing the percentage of water when preparing the solution, until you achieve the desired result. Having determined the required consistency of the concrete mixture empirically, you can safely begin to make an inclined ramp.
Calculating the length of the "assistant" for a "disabled" person
The design of the concrete ramp, naturally, will directly depend on the height of the platform in front of the entrance door relative to the ground surface. For example, let"s calculate the dimensions of a specific inclined structure. Let"s assume that the height difference (H) between the platform and the ground level is 40 cm. To calculate the optimal angle of inclination (5%), we will use the formula from regulatory documents H / S = 1/20. Then the length of the ramp will be: S = H × 20 = 40 × 20 = 800 cm = 8 m. If there is not enough free space in front of the porch of the house, then we increase the angle of inclination of the ramp to the maximum permissible value (8%). Based on the ratio: H / S = 1/12.5; we get S=H×12.5=40×12.5=500 cm=5 m.
Crucial! If the ramp’s length is further reduced, it may eventually become impossible for a nearby wheelchair user to get past the concrete "assistant" that was put up so laboriously. By the way, you can use an online calculator—which is easy to find on the Internet—to make the preliminary project preparation process easier.
Constructing a concrete ramp is a useful and efficient way to increase accessibility or incorporate useful design elements into your home. To guarantee durability and safety, the procedure calls for meticulous planning, accurate measurements, and close attention to detail. You can construct a reliable ramp that suits your needs by following the instructions, which cover everything from site preparation to concrete pouring and finishing.
It is crucial to select appropriate building materials and adhere to established construction methods. Using high-quality concrete mix, making sure the drainage and slope are correct, and allowing enough time for curing are all part of this. By taking these precautions, you can make sure that the ramp won’t break or develop other problems in the future.
Prioritizing functionality and safety is essential when building a ramp for a public area, commercial building, or residential area. When installed properly, a concrete ramp can be a useful addition that
