We talk about our commercial-grade ramp, the TITAN™ Code Compliant Modular Access System, a lot because there are so many ways to customize and configure the system to meet a wide range of access needs.
This three-part series details different ways you can combine and configure our versatile TITAN ramps, platforms, and steps to create an access solution that best suits your entrance.
Straight Ramp Run + Platform(s)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that a ramp needs to have a 1:12 slope to maintain safety for individuals using the ramp. This means that the higher the entrance, the longer the ramp needs to be to meet ADA standards.
The ADA also states that for every 30’ of ramp run, there needs to be a platform to serve as a resting spot. When you put those two guidelines together, you find that a straight ramp run with a platform is a great option for entrances that are higher off the ground. This might be necessary if the building was built before 1990 when the ADA was passed.
This is our most common configuration that is used to provide access to a variety of facilities such as portable classrooms, businesses, public buildings, etc.
Steps + Platform + Steps
This is another solution for an entrance that sits several feet off the ground. As we stated above, platforms act as a good resting spot when individuals are using an access system. If an individual chooses to stop on the platform, other people still have the opportunity to go around and maintain a steady pace if they choose.
This system works well as a parallel solution to a straight ramp run + platform. This set-up allows individuals with assistive mobility devices to use the ramp while others are free to use the steps.
Multiple Platforms Connected + Steps
We can connect our commercial-grade platforms for an elevated landing in virtually any space. Connecting platforms is a great way to allow individuals to travel from one elevated point to another. Once they reach their destination, they can use the steps to return to ground level. Otherwise, they would be required to go down a ramp or stair system and then back up in a small space. While it’s not the end of the world to travel up and down, it’s certainly not the best experience for anyone utilizing the space.
A great example of this type of configuration is a portable classroom project that we worked on this year. Several ramps, platforms, and steps were used to build a variety of solutions in order to provide ease of access into multiple portable classroom buildings at a high school. The largest system for this project is an expansive deck that spans a series of classrooms that was built using multiple platforms that are all connected together with a few sets of steps that allow students to exit the large deck.
If you’re looking for more ways to configure a commercial-grade ramp, check out Part 1 of this series!
If you’d like to talk about installing a custom configuration for your location, please feel free to reach out to our Customer Service team.