Vertical circulation for differently abled people

Two methods that suit wheelchair users:

1. Ramp

A ramp is an inclined plane (without steps) connecting two floors at different levels; it carries wheelchairs, trolleys, bicycles, vehicles and stretchers.

• Slope: 1 in 12 for wheelchairs (up to 1 in 10 only for short lengths), and about 1 in 8 to 1 in 10 for goods trolleys and vehicles.
• Width at least 1.2 m (1.5 m in public buildings), with a level landing of at least 1.5 m x 1.5 m at the top, at the bottom, at turns and after every 9 m of ramp length (barrier-free design requirements).
• Handrails at 0.8-0.9 m on both sides, a kerb or edge protection, and a non-slip surface.
• Requires a long horizontal space: a rise of 1 m needs about 12 m of ramp.

        ______ upper level
       /|
      / | rise
 ____/__|
  length = 12 x rise

2. Lift (elevator)

A lift for wheelchair users should have a car of at least 1.1 m x 1.4 m with a clear door width of about 0.9 m, control buttons at 0.9-1.2 m height with Braille markings, a handrail in the car, voice announcements, and levelling accuracy of 10-12 mm at every floor. It is the best choice for high-rise buildings.

Another aid is the platform (stair) lift, a small motorised platform that moves along a stair and is used where a ramp cannot fit.