Do you know which is the best free ramps for the elderly? In this article from humanhealthmag, we are going to talk about this issue. A ramp is called a ramp whose task is to connect places that are different in height from each other; The most important characteristics of the ramp based on standard ramp design criteria is the slope of the ramp. Usually, a standard ramp is checked based on its slope percentage.
The percentage of ramp slope is a subject that shows the height change number based on centimeters for each meter of ramp length. Places like Aspira Hunter Village Retirement Living have ramps so that elderly people can get around easily. In the following, we will learn more about the types of ramps.
All Kinds Of Free Ramps For the Elderly
In this section, we are going to talk about different types of free ramps for the elderly. In general, ramps are divided into three categories:
1- Car ramp:
This type of ramp is used for cars to access places that have different heights. For example, suppose a person lives in a residential complex and the parking lot of this complex is located in the basement. In order to be able to park his/her car in the basement, that person needs a vehicle to guide his/her car underground. This communication device is called car ramp. Car ramp design criteria:
- The maximum slope of the ramp is 15%.
- The minimum width of one-way ramp is 3.5 meters.
- The minimum width of the two-way ramp is 5 meters.
- The space used for turning the car is 5×5 meters.
2- ramp for people
You have definitely seen this type of ramp in places like pastry shops, government offices, banks, etc. Usually, because elderly and middle-aged people do not have the ability to walk up and down the stairs, this is why they design these types of ramps. To allow all people to use a place. Adam’s ramp design criteria:
- The ramp must have a maximum slope of 12.5% and its minimum width is 110 cm.
- The dimensions of the resting place (step) in the ramp should have dimensions equal to 150 x 150 cm.
- In any case, the distance between two steps should not exceed 9 meters.
- For every 9 meters of ramp length, one step should be considered at the starting and ending point of the ramp, at the entry and exit movement points of spaces, doors, etc.
3- ramp for disabled people
To use hotels, hospitals and other places, many disabled people need a communication device that they can use to move in the height of a building (moving between floors and transferring from the ground floor to other floors). In the national building regulations and municipal regulations, it is mentioned in writing that disabled ramps must be installed in architectural spaces for the use of physically disabled people. Disabled ramp design criteria:
- The minimum slope of the ramp is 8%.
- The dimensions of the resting place (step) in the ramp should have dimensions equal to 150 x 150 cm.
- The maximum length allowed without a footrest is 900 cm.
Important points of ramp design criteria:
- The ramp is not counted as part of the occupancy level.
- If the slope of the ramp is not more than 6.6%, there is no need for a footrest.
- on the car ramp so that the floor of the car does not hit the ground; The first 1 meter and the last 1 meter of the ramp are considered to have a 10% slope.
Important Points In the Implementation Of Ramps
All kinds of free ramps for the elderly can be used. because the car ramps are damaged due to the friction that cars create over time and due to heavy car braking and mechanical and hydraulic wear; It is suggested to use high quality concrete in the construction of ramps. Also, in public space ramps that are affected by search factors such as; Snow, rain and frost are placed. It is suggested that if a concrete ramp is used, the grade of concrete should be high, and if an asphalt type is used, bitumen with a very high level of permeability should be used.
The standards of pedestrian ramps are:
- It is mandatory to install a fence for pedestrians on the sides of the ramp.
- The height of the fence from the ramp floor is 75 cm for retired and middle-aged people, 85 cm for standing and adult people, and 60 cm for children and minors.
- It should be noted that for the convenience of users, at least 30 cm from the beginning and end of the ramp, the fence should be longer.
- The floor of the ramps should never be made of slippery materials.
- The diameter of the fence bar should not exceed 4 cm under any circumstances.
- Definitely in the design and implementation of ramps; Adopt proper drainage so that the water from snow and rain is transferred to a suitable place so that it does not prevent the proper use of the ramp.
Free Ramps For the Elderly: Using Wheelchair Ramps
In general, free ramps for the elderly are designed for the comfort of the elderly. Installing a wheelchair ramp at the entrance of the nursing home is the first step in adapting the environment to a wheelchair. Wheelchair ramps allow a wheelchair-bound senior to enter their home easily and are also easy to install and accessible to everyone. When choosing a wheelchair ramp, base your decisions on the personal needs of the elderly person.
Limit the amount of household items so that your senior has more freedom to move around in a wheelchair. If the house does not have an elevator or has two floors, move the bedroom and bathroom to the first floor to minimize the use of stairs.
Concluding Remarks
In this article, we talked about free ramps for the elderly. Ramps are inclined paths that allow the passage of people and vehicles at different levels. Ramps are used in many places such as buildings, bridges, parking lots, and public walkways. The design and construction of safe and efficient ramps requires compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Compliance with ramp standards in the design and construction of ramps is of great importance. Standard ramps make the passage of people and vehicles safe and easy. In this article, we conducted a comprehensive and specialized review of ramp standards and described their benefits for the elderly.
FAQs
What Is Ramp?
A ramp is a sloping path that is used to connect two levels with different heights.
What Is the Use Of A Ramp?
Ramps are used in various places such as buildings, bridges, parking lots, and public thoroughfares for the passage of people and vehicles.