---
title: "Ladder and ramp for vertical transportation"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_6/building_technology:ladder-ramp"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/ladder-ramp
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Ladder and ramp for vertical transportation

Building Technology · Chapter 5: Stair, lifts and escalators

- Asked in: 2081 Chaitra, 3 marks
- Video: [VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION PART-1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXlQA3UfpnU) — JDT ISLAM ITI
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/ladder-ramp
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-5

## Question

Explain ladder and ramp for vertical transportation.

## Short answer

A ladder is a steep set of rungs (60–90°) fixed between side rails, used for access to lofts, roofs, and maintenance; it takes little space but is unsafe for regular traffic. A ramp is an inclined plane without steps, slope 1:12 for wheelchairs, width ≥1.2 m, with landings every 9 m and handrails both sides; it requires long horizontal space.

## Answer

A **ladder** is a set of rungs (steps) fixed between two side rails, set at a steep slope (60-90 degrees). It gives access to lofts, roofs, water tanks and manholes, and is used for fire escape or maintenance. Fixed ladders are made of steel, timber or aluminium, with rungs 250-300 mm apart. A ladder takes little space but is steep, unsafe for children and the elderly, and not suitable for regular traffic.

```text
   | |
   |=|  rung
   |=|
   |=|
   | |
```

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.

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

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Ladders are set at what slope?
   A. Steep, 60-90 degrees
   B. 10-20 degrees
   C. 25-40 degrees
   D. Exactly 45 degrees
   Answer: A. Ladders are steep and take little space but are unsafe for regular traffic. (Key point: Ladder slope)

2. What is the usual ramp slope for wheelchairs?
   A. 1 in 6
   B. 1 in 12
   C. 1 in 2
   D. 1 in 30
   Answer: B. Wheelchair ramps are 1 in 12; vehicles 1 in 6 to 1 in 8. (Key point: Ramp slope)

3. About how long is a ramp for a 1 m rise at 1 in 12?
   A. 1.2 m
   B. 6 m
   C. 12 m
   D. 24 m
   Answer: C. Length = 12 x rise, so ramps need long horizontal space. (Key point: Ramp length)

## Related in other subjects

- [Ladder equilibrium by virtual work](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_mechanics%3Aladder-virtual-work-friction) — Engineering Mechanics, chapter 1
- [Sliding ladder by instantaneous centre](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_mechanics%3Asliding-ladder-instantaneous-centre) — Engineering Mechanics, chapter 5
- [Vertical curve -3.5% and +4%, 250 m night](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Ftransportation_engineering_i%3An-78b-vc-night) — Transportation Engineering I, chapter 3, asked 2×
- [Vertical curve -3% and +4.5% at 320.8 m](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Ftransportation_engineering_i%3An-68m-vc-320) — Transportation Engineering I, chapter 3, asked 2×