The construction of wheelchair ramps is intended to assist persons with disabilities in accessing private and public facilities. In Indonesia, the provision of access for persons with disabilities has actually been stated in the RI Law no. 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities, while for the technique of implementing the provision of accessibility, Ministerial Regulation No. 30/PRT/M/2006 concerning Technical Guidelines for Facilities and Accessibility in Buildings and the Environment. Therefore, the manufacture of wheelchair ramps is one manifestation of this commitment. A ramp can be permanent, semi-permanent, or portable. In the future, all new buildings will be encouraged to provide wheelchair ramps. Construction of a structural or permanent ramp will require technical expertise, special woodworking, and may require certain permits. On the other hand, temporary/portable ramps you can easily build yourself. If you or your relative is a person with a disability and needs a ramp for domestic needs, or if you are a business owner looking to make access to your building easier, learning how to build a wheelchair ramp will help you create a building that is accessible to people with disabilities.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Drawing up a Development Plan
Step 1. Determine the term of the ramp
Before you contact the authorities regarding building permits or collecting materials, you should determine whether the ramp you are planning to build is intended for temporary or permanent use. The construction of a temporary/portable ramp (which will be discussed in more detail in the next section) will be easier to carry out than the construction of a permanent ramp that requires the services of a construction expert or requires additional permits from the local government. It should also be noted that, in some areas, permits are still required even though the ramps are temporary.
Step 2. Plan the installation location
If there is a possibility that you will need special permits, present a plan for constructing a ramp that includes property boundaries, the size and location of the house, and where the ramp will be installed. Also include data on the height, length, and width of the ramp, as well as its distance from the sidewalk or road.
- In some areas, a ramp-up plan must be submitted before you can obtain a permit. Even if it turns out that the plan does not need to be attached, you should also still prepare it to be saved as one of the ramp-making records documents.
- In some areas, a ramp must be made by a professional engineer or carpenter in order to obtain a permit. Contact your local public works, building or government office to find out what documents are required.
Step 3. Compile a cost estimate
In addition to the costs of supplies, building materials, and contractor and carpenter salaries, you may also have to pay to obtain a permit. In most places, the permit fee is determined based on the estimated cost of building a ramp.
If you want to build a temporary/portable ramp, you will only need to estimate the cost of wood and other materials. If you are building a permanent ramp, you will need a carpenter or builder so the cost will increase significantly
Step 4. Get a development permit
In some places, a construction permit from the mayor's office must be obtained before the ramps begin construction. Licensing regulations will vary from region to region.
- In cities that require a construction permit, you can face legal problems and a heavy fine if you build a ramp without a permit.
- Find out the building codes for the city and county where you live. Contact the local public works, construction and government agencies for permits and regulations related to wheelchair ramps and/or disability access.
Part 2 of 3: Measuring Ingredients
Step 1. Choose the desired shape or design
There are three types of designs that are most often chosen by ramp builders. The first type is a straight line design (in-line ramp) that connects the ramp and the runway in a straight line. The second type is an L-shaped ramp (dog-legged ramp) that turns ninety degrees on the runway. Rampa L formed around the house is also referred to as rampa wrapped around. The third type is a reverse ramp which has a track turn of 180º on one or more of its anvils.
One of the main factors in choosing a ramp design is the visual aesthetic. However, sometimes, the size and shape of the page can also determine the shape and design of the ramp
Step 2. Make the right slope
The slope of the ramp, or the angle of inclination, is determined by the height to which the ramp must be connected. For most structures, the minimum ratio between ramp height and base is 1:12. The formation of the structure with this ratio is intended so that the ramp is not too tilted and can be used easily and safely.
- To calculate the ramp length, measure the total desired height and multiply that number by the total slope. For example, a ramp with a slope ratio of 1:12 and a height of 75 cm would require a length of 75 cm × 12 = 900 cm or 9 m.
- Ramps can be constructed with a slope ratio smaller than 1:12, such as 1:16, to reduce slope and increase safety and ease of access. The slope ratio of the ramp should not be greater than 1:12 as the angle will become sharper and may result in an accident and/or injury.
- Please note that if the ramp is built for a commercial location, the local government may provide different slope requirements between outdoor and indoor ramps. As a case in point, in Minnesota, USA, a ramp built indoors for commercial/public use may have a 1:12 slope, but an outdoor ramp (which may be referred to as a “footprint”, depending on local regulations) must have a moderate angle of inclination. smaller, at least 1:20.
Step 3. Calculate the base
Due to different angles, dimensions and uses (e.g. a person in a wheelchair traveling alone or a person in a wheelchair being accompanied), you may need to install a ramp on the ramp. There are three types of ramps that are frequently used: top, bottom, and middle runway (centre runway is optional).
- The top platform must measure at least 152.4 cm × 152.4 cm when in front of a door that swings outward. The platform must provide at least 30.5-61.0 cm of free space on the sides of the doorknob to ensure that a person in a wheelchair does not have to backtrack to open the door. The top base should blend with the floor. In addition, the gap between the runway and the door boundary should not be more than 1.3 cm. This is intended to prevent the wheelchair from snagging between the runway and the building floor and prevent people who walk out of the door from tripping over.
- Usually, the center platform is optional depending on the length and slope of the ramp. The size of the runway can vary, from 91.5 to 152.4 cm, depending on the slope. A ramp with a larger angle (such as a 1:12 incline ratio) will require more distance to stop a wheelchair moving down it.
- The bottom runway must have a width of at least the same as the width of the ramp with a length of approximately 122 cm if the ramp will be used by pedestrians or 152.4-182.9 cm if the ramp will only be used by wheelchair users.
- Make sure the ground and ground foundations have a nice transition. If the height difference between the runway surface and the ground reaches more than 1.3 cm, pedestrians using the ramp may stumble while wheelchair users may roll over.
- Many experts recommend locking the top base to the building's foundation. Otherwise, the ramp is at risk of changing height due to temperature fluctuations, endangering ramp users or causing doors to block.
Step 4. Install security features
Additional safety features such as handrails and guardrails are essential components of most wheelchair ramps. Handrails will help wheelchair users to keep themselves from rolling down the ramp. In addition, the guardrail will prevent wheelchair users from slipping off the ramp or runway.
- The size and placement of the handrails will depend on the height and arm strength of the main user of the ramp as well as the specific requirements of local authorities. As a rule, handrails are installed at a height of 78, 7-86.4 cm.
- The diameter of the handrails should be less than or equal to 3.8 cm for a good grip. The diameter should be smaller if the user is a child or an adult with a lower gripping ability.
- Some wood shops provide ready-made vertical handrails.
- The guardrail should be the same height as the knee height of the main user who is in a sitting position. Usually, the height is 45.7-50.8 cm, although you should also measure the distance from the ground to the knees of the main user who is sitting to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the guardrail.
- You can add a roof and/or drains if the ramp is very close to the building. This can prevent the flow of water from the roof of the building from falling onto the ramp surface and protect wheelchair users from other factors. Another alternative that can be done is to make an additional roof that extends from the roof of the building to protect the ramp.
Part 3 of 3: Building Ramps
Step 1. Select the treated wood
Wood that has been given special treatment to have high durability will be able to better deal with weather disturbances and seasonal changes. Even if you are only constructing a temporary ramp, the use of treated wood is standard in construction for user safety and structural durability.
In general, the wood used has a medium length class. For boards 38 mm × 89 mm and 38 mm × 140 mm, the required length is 4.88 m. For 89 mm × 89 mm pile beams, the length is 3.05 m
Step 2. Make a ramp with screws
Nails can be damaged over time and use, thus posing a threat to security. To make a wheelchair ramp that is stable, durable, and not easily damaged, use screws to attach the ramp parts. Nails should only be used for joist hangers.
Step 3. Dig the foundation for the piles if the ramp is going to be permanent
If the structure being built will be permanent, dig foundation holes for piles so that the ramps made are safe and stable. Ramps piles should be 89 mm × 89 mm in size. The distance between the piles should be 2.44 m, with an ideal interval of 1.83 m.
- Install the cross-brace of each post in at least one position in each direction. Cross braces will help provide lateral stability to the posts.
- Attach the beams to the posts with 8.9 cm screws. Use 0.64 cm × 10.16 cm high shear resistance screws on each load connection and to secure the sill parts.
- If the joist is not at or very close to the ground, install a joist hanger. To secure it, use hanger nails measuring 2.54 cm and 1.59 cm. For other fasteners, use screws instead of nails to keep the structure stable.
Step 4. Make a non-slip surface
Some areas require the installation of a non-slip surface along the ramp. If this is not required in your area, installation is still recommended by construction and security experts. There are many ways that can be done to create a non-slip surface that can be selected according to your preferences.
- For wooden ramps, you can use gravel tape, roofing or asbestos chips, or a polyurethane layer sprinkled with sand. All of these materials can be purchased at most hardware or building supply stores.
- For concrete ramps, you can brush the surface with a broom while the concrete is still drying to create a non-slip surface.
Tips
- Consider hiring a contractor who specializes in accessibility to install ramps.
- You can look up regulations regarding construction requirements at your local public works and building office, library, or the internet. Use your local telephone directory to find an information center regarding these regulations.
- Take a look at the photos, or come and see in person, some of the ramps in your area for ideas and inspiration. Talk to the owners, ask for input and advice, or ask for the names and contact numbers of the contractors they hire.
- Make sure you read the requirements listed in the existing regulations including all exceptions (which are usually found in the appendix) while checking the site and developing a manufacturing plan.
Warning
- You can be legally sued if someone is injured on the property you own or if the ramp you provide does not meet the exact required specifications.
- Also consider local conditions when selecting materials for ramp construction. For example, if it rains in your area all the time, install a roof and drains and create a tougher non-slip surface.
