pedestrian slope limit

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Frank Dong

June 04, 2022 15:51

Kaplan question states...

Under normal conditions, a steady slope of 10% is a desirable limit for which of the following?

1. Storm drainage flow

2. Pedestrian walks

3. Planted banks

4. Unretained earth cuts

5. Drainage ditches

the answer is:

The answer is II and V. Pedestrian walks should not exceed a slope of 10% (or 15% for very short ramps), and drainage ditches vary in slope from a minimum of 2% to a maximum of 10%.

Storm drains slope between 0.3% and 1%, so choice I is incorrect. Planted banks should not exceed a slope of 50%, so choice III is incorrect. The maximum slope of unretained earth cuts varies from 50% to 100%, depending on the type of soil, so choice IV is incorrect.

 

am I reading the question wrong but isn't the max pedestrian slope not to exceed 5%? Even a ramp slope is less than 10%, how can pedestrian slope be one of the correct answers?

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  bowermb June 10, 2022 19:08

  I took a minute to look for a source suggesting that 10% is a desirable limit for pedestrian walks and can't find anything. The section titled "Pedestrian Walkways" in chapter 5 of the Site Planning and Design Handbook (pg. 122) supports your conclusion of 5% being the maximum recommended longitudinal slope for walkways. Table 7.4 (pg. 231) also appears to contradict the answer...suggesting that planted slopes should not exceed 10% (but I've seen other sources use higher figures, closer to 50%).

  

  In any event, I agree with you and wouldn't worry too much about this one. If it's any consolation, I never came across a question this specific about recommended slopes on any exam. You should just become generally familiar with these ranges. The exception, however, is when it relates to ADA/universal design. It is worthwhile to memorize figures related to ramps, landings, curb cuts, stairs, handrails, etc.

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