HC ramps frost protection

[fcllc]

Handicap ramps on the exterior of a new building, ramps will have a switch back and run against each other, so we will have a wall under the ramps. My question is do the walls need to be frost protected?

 

[fatboy]

Permanent installation? IMHO, yes frost protection should be taken into account.

 

[fcllc]

yes its a permanent installation, i wasn't sure if i needed frost protection on the wall under the ramp side since the 4" concrete ramp is on grade on the other side. thanks

 

[steveray]

Commercial or residential? Less than 600 square feet? Attached to the building and serving the means of egress?

 

[fcllc]

commercial, more than 600 sqft, attached, from the basement to parking lot

 

[steveray]

If it is attached to the building, then certainly yes.....the thing you don't want is one heaving and one not...

We don't have this in the IBC.......Just IRC

R311.5.1 Attachment. Exterior landings, decks, balconies, stairs and similar facilities shall be positively anchored to the primary structure to resist both vertical and lateral forces or shall be designed to be self-supporting. Attachment shall not be accomplished by use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal.

So if it is not "attached" physically to the building it might not need it, other than it sounds like there might be a retaining wall factor to consider....?

 

[fcllc]

once the ramp turns and we are away from the building would you continue frost protection?

 

[steveray]

If it is directly attached (not adjacent) it would have to be frost protected like the building to not cause damage to one or the other from heaving, any place after that (with a non-connected joint)would be fine to break the frost protection as long as there was not other structural concerns.....Not any different than a sidewalk other than the potential "retaining wall" issue mentioned above...

 

[fcllc]

that makes sense, so on the switch back portion of the ramp the tallest part of wall is 42" (2-21' ramp runs) i should consider that a retaining wall?

 

[steveray]

Possibly.....Tough to tell without seeing it....Less than 3' is exempt from permit here in CT per 105.2 unless supporting a surcharge....

 

[mtlogcabin]

Get a copy of ASCE 32 01 for frost protected foundations

It gives you a couple of different options

You need 3 things before frost heave will occur

1 Freezing temps

2 Moisture

3 Soils that hold moisture

You can use washed gravel to support your ramps and walls without having to excavate below frost

Here is a link to an article

http://www.concreteconstruction.net/Images/How%20to%20Prevent%20Frost%20Heave_tcm45-341398.pdf

 

[Msradell]

that makes sense, so on the switch back portion of the ramp the tallest part of wall is 42" (2-21' ramp runs) i should consider that a retaining wall?

What is the slope of the two runs for the ramps?

 

[fcllc]

slope is 1:12