Bldg Tech - Ramp: Dorf ARE Graphic Workshop Summary of Notes

(Note: This is MY summary of the notes notes from the Norman Dorf ARE Graphic Workshop, for complete notes, visit the areforum.com ftp site.)
Building Technology Division
General
- Don't tweak your designs if you have extra time - you will run out of time, most likely in the middle of tweaking.
- computer does not grade on quality of design, only check against code/program data

Accessibility Ramp

- Review Program & Code
o Make shorthand notes of specific requirements
o my last mock exam i made fatal flaw of doorswing from corridor to lobby drawing them based on the language in the program "provide wall and doors connecting the Lobby to the corridor". The swing was in the opposite direction of the egress path, FATAL FLAW.

- Keep solution simple, orthogonal

- Look for clues
o Doors, how many are shown
o Don't reduce exit clearance on ramp, keep all ramps same width

- Watch for obstacles in layout

- Use sketch tools to layout ramps and landings

- Consider exiting circulation

- Computer grader looks at residual spaces, make sure they are accessible
o this does not mean ADA, if you have solved correctly there won't be any wierd unusable leftover spaces.

- Don't overbuild: provide minimum requirements

- Changes in direction require 5x5 minimum landing, 60" circular clearance is under much debate on the forums, it's safer to provide the clearance between the railings and not let encroach.
two issues (90d turns & 180d turns):
o 90d turns require 60" square, ramps can be widened to 5'.
o 180d turns require 60" CLEAR circle, provide deeper landing at these locations.

Fatal Errors:
- Program
o missing elements, check all rails, include at landings +6" or less
o don't violate edge of existing slab

- Design Logic
o more than one stair/ramp
o residual space unusable
o Inefficient solution, incorrect slope, not meeting code minimum
o unclear circulation

- Code
o New doors swing in right direction
o Riser height and ramp slope
o stair/ramp too narrow
o missing railings
o missing railing extension
o Landings too small
o circulation obstruction
o Clearance at virtual landings, top and bottom

- Extra Notes
o Unclear issue, existing landing, do not reduce width of existing landing. Instead draw new landing up to it maintaining it's existing width.
o ie. don't have railings overlap existing landing
o See code note "No portion of the ramp or stairs may encroach on the existing upper level".
o there have been many discussions as to acceptability of utilizing the existing landing but it boils down to going safer route.
o Ref: REF LINK

o added door does not need to be double, wall with single door is deemed safest route by forum members.