What Is the Process for Installing an ADA-Compliant Concrete Ramp?

Accessible entryways matter for every visitor who walks through your doors. Commercial properties and public spaces rely on ADA-compliant concrete ramps to provide safe, dignified access for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility devices. Federal compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures safety, demonstrates inclusivity and fulfills legal requirements. Here are the most important steps for installing an ADA-compliant concrete ramp, from initial planning to final hand-off.

Step 1: Site Evaluation and Compliance Planning

An ADA-compliant ramp installation process should begin with a professional site evaluation. A construction team will visit your property to examine conditions and figure out what’s needed for an ADA-compliant design.

During this phase, professionals complete several tasks:

Total rise measurement: They measure the vertical height the ramp needs to cover.
Ramp length calculation: Using the ADA ramp slope requirements — a 1:12 slope ratio — they determine the necessary length. For every inch of vertical rise, the ramp requires 12 inches of horizontal length.
Traffic flow analysis: They identify the optimal ramp location that integrates with existing foot traffic patterns.
Site obstacle identification: Construction staff check for utility lines, drainage systems, landscaping and other obstacles that may affect installation.

Step 2: Designing the Ramp and Obtaining Permits

Construction professionals will develop detailed plans satisfying all ADA concrete ramp requirements. During the design stage, they will turn site measurements into formal specifications for width, slope, landings and safety features.

The design phase of concrete ramp construction includes:

Dimension specification: Plans detail exact measurements, including a minimum 36-inch width, 60-inch clear landing length and 60-by-60-inch turning landings.
Safety feature integration: Designers incorporate handrails and edge protection.
Permit application: Professionals submit design documents to local municipal authorities to secure necessary building permits.

Step 3: Site Preparation and Forming

The construction staff prepares the site for concrete work and creates a stable base to support the ramp structure for decades to come.

Construction teams handle these tasks:

Excavation and grading: Teams excavate the area and grade the sub-base to ensure stability and proper drainage.
Form construction: They build wooden or steel forms that serve as molds for the wet concrete.
Alignment verification: Teams verify forms match the design’s required slope and dimensions.

Step 4: Pouring and Finishing the Concrete

For an ADA-compliant ramp, professional teams pour, level and finish concrete using techniques that create durable surfaces.

Key steps include:

Concrete placement: Staff pours concrete of appropriate strength into prepared forms.
Surface leveling: Construction staff levels the concrete to achieve a consistent surface and proper slope.
Texture application: To meet ADA compliance requirements, they apply a nonslip broom finish. This textured surface provides essential traction for safe use in wet or icy conditions.

Step 5: Curing, Inspection and Handrail Installation

The concrete must cure before it can safely support traffic. During this stage, the material reaches full strength, and the construction staff completes finishing touches.

The completion process involves:

Proper curing time: Concrete needs several days to cure and develop the designed strength.
Form removal: Once curing is complete, workers remove the forms.
Handrail installation: Staff installs preplanned handrails on both sides of the ramp.
Final compliance inspection: Professionals conduct a thorough inspection to verify that every element meets ADA standards and local building codes.

Schedule Your ADA-Compliant Concrete Ramp Installation

A properly installed ADA-compliant concrete ramp is essential for property safety and accessibility. R. J. Potteiger Construction Services, Inc. is a trusted ADA ramp contractor serving New Kingstown, PA and the surrounding Central Pennsylvania communities. Our team handles all stages of ramp construction according to ADA concrete ramp requirements. With over 30 years of experience, we bring careful attention to accessibility requirements and long-term durability. 

Contact us today to discuss your industrial or commercial concrete ramp installation and request a detailed estimate.