National ramp ALUMINUM SOLID, Installation Manual

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[ 10 ] NATIONAL RAMP
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4. Ramp Terminology
MODULAR RAMP 
a ramp composed of smaller sections and platforms that are assembled on site,
with handrails and toe guards.
RAMP SECTION 
a sloped piece of ramping.
RAMP PLATFORM 
a level section for turns, resting, or entering a ramp.
ƒ
TURN PLATFORM 
a platform used to change direction, generally at 45° or 90°.
ƒ REST PLATFORM 
a 5’ level area that allows a self-ambulatory individual to rest. ADA
guidelines require a rest platform for every ramp run longer than 30’.
ƒ
SWITCHBACK OR TURNBACK PLATFORM 
a combination of platforms used to change
the ramp direction by 180°.
START OF THE RAMP 
the entrance of the ramp from the dwelling.
END OF THE RAMP 
where the ramp is exited onto a hard level surface such as a sidewalk or
driveway.
RISE OF THE RAMP 
the elevation of the ramp as measured from the bottom of the door to where
the ramp will end.
LENGTH OF THE RAMP 
the distance between the start and end of the ramp.
SLOPE 
angle of the ramp.
RAMP RUN 
the horizontal length of ramping. This term can refer to the overall ramp length, or a
section of the layout comprised of one or more continuous ramp sections.
GRADE 
topography of the ground.
GRADE VARIATION 
the amount that a property changes in elevation across the length or width
of the ramp.
ƒ UPGRADE 
an upward slope of the ground, from the ramp’s start to its end. If the measured
height at the ramp’s ending is less than the measured height at the start, that property has
an upgrade.
Below is a list of commonly used terms that are helpful to understand for the ramp process.