Ramp width

[Codegeek]

Can a ramp be reduced in width provided the minimum required egress width is provided and maintained? Section 1010.5.3 of the 2009 IBC states that ramps cannot be reduced in width that serve as a means of egress. My question is that if the ramp, which is sized well over the required width, leading up to a landing, can be reduced beyond the landing to the minimum required width for egress or does the ramp need to continue in the same width regardless that it's well oversized for egress.

For example, the occupant load is a space is 180 and the ramp leading up to a landing is 44 inches in width but only required to be 36 inches in width. Can the ramp be reduced in width to 36 inches beyond the landing or does it have to be maintained at 44 inches?

I cannot find anything in ADA on ramp widths other than the minimum required width of 36 inches.

 

[globe trekker]

Codegeek,

If this ramp is a designated Accessible MOE, what is the required (calculated) width for your

occ. load for that MOE? That's the minimum width required for the ramp. Also, while the

min. of the ramp shall not be less than 36 inches (RE: Section 405.5 in the 2003, ICC/ANSI

A117.1), think of the ramp as (possibly) having wheelchairs and walking persons

navigating the same ramp, at the same time.

.

 

[mtlogcabin]

I don't see why not as long as you maintain the 36 inches between the handrails.

look at 1010.6.2 Width.

The landing shall be at least as wide as the widest ramp run adjoining the landing.

This would imply that you can have 2 different ramp widths serving the same landing.

However some plan examiners will throw 1003.6 and tell you tou cannot reduce the exit width along the direction of travel. I disagree it is the required capacity that has to be met not the largest provided width. Been through this discussion many times with DP's having trouble in other AHJ's territory.

 

[mark handler]

Yes but the clear width between handrails shall be 36 inches minimum.

 

[Codegeek]

Codegeek,If this ramp is a designated Accessible MOE, what is the required (calculated) width for your

occ. load for that MOE? That's the minimum width required for the ramp. Also, while the

min. of the ramp shall not be less than 36 inches (RE: Section 405.5 in the 2003, ICC/ANSI

A117.1), think of the ramp as (possibly) having wheelchairs and walking persons

navigating the same ramp, at the same time..

I agree, if the MOE is sized per the occupant load, then that's all the required width needs to be and anything above that would be a designer's option. Understand on the pedestrian and wheelchair traffic together.