ADA Ramp length and landings_PDD_ARE Handbook_Section 4_Sample Item 10
Answered
Hi,
There is a sample item in ARE Handbook PDD, Section 4, Sample Item 10 regarding ADA ramp system length which includes the length of bottom and top landings to calculate the length of the ramp system. My question is that do we always add top and bottom landings to the ramp length?
Thank you,
Yalda
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The short answer is yes.
Gang Chen, Author, Architect, LEED AP BD+C (GreenExamEducation.com)
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Hi Nick,
Thank you. Could you please clarify why in this specific sample the top and bottom landings are included? I understand the intermediate landing and that's what I initially included in my calculation but I don't understand if I'm missing something in the sample mentioning to add the top and bottom landings.
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Hey Yalda,
Sure, as an architect, you will need to understand that landings are a fundamental part of a ramp system. Per IBC, ramps shall have a landing at the bottom and top of each ramp. Overall, the question is assessing whether you understand how to appropriately design a ramp. The last line in the question tells you to include the top and bottom landings.
Let me know if you have additional questions on this item!
Edit: I just saw Rebecca's post, I agree!
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In every division of the ARE exams, there are “gift points” that NCARB gives out:
There are some of the exam questions that are very similar to the sample questions in ARE handbook, just with some minor modifications. They are like “gift points”. Make sure you nail all these questions.
If ARE handbook gives out a sample question that asks you to include top and bottom landing for a ramp, 99% of the times you will need to include the top and bottom landing for a real ARE exam question. It does not make any sense for ARE exam writers to play any silly tricks here.
Gang Chen, Author, Architect, LEED AP BD+C (GreenExamEducation.com)
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I have a kind of related question:
If I'm asked the minimum width of an egress stair in a building with occupant load > 50, what should I respond?
IBC 1011.2 says 44" min
IBC 1009.3 says 48" min for a ADA compliance
So which width would be a correct answer, considering that most of the egress stairs have to meet ADA nowdays,
but there might be exceptions I guess?
Thank you,
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Artem,
There's more in the code to this answer that needs to be considered. The 48" clear rule between handrails for ADA applies only under certain conditions. I don't have the code here in front of me but I believe that if the building is sprinkled, that 48" no longer becomes a requirement.
Here's my point: when asked this question on the exam, a) they are going to give you the code excerpt to reference this, and b) the question will also tell you things like "the building is sprinkled" or "there will be an emergency communication system in the stair." In doing that, you will then know when exceptions in the Code apply and can therefore make the determination whether or not the answer is 48" or 44". You'll also have to calculate the egress load using the occupancy you're given and multiplying it times the factor given to you in the code to truly answer this question.
So - there is no set answer here. It depends on other factors in the design identified by the Code.
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I agree with David, and I want to add: the most restrictive requirement applies.
You can expect questions like this in ARE exams because this is closely related to architectural practice and architects constantly have to deal with multiple agencies and different codes. The rule is: The most restrictive requirement applies.
Gang Chen, Author, Architect, LEED AP BD+C (GreenExamEducation.com)
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