According to Michigan Barrier Free ramp guidelines, what is the required ramp slope ratio for a 30-inch rise?

In Michigan's Barrier Free ramp guidelines, the required slope for a ramp is crucial for accessibility. The correct slope ratio for a 30-inch rise is 1:12. This means that for every inch of vertical rise, there should be a minimum of 12 inches of ramp run. This ratio is designed to ensure that ramps are not too steep, making them safer and easier for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

When considering a 30-inch rise, a slope of 1:12 translates to a total ramp length of 360 inches (or 30 feet). This allows for a gradual incline that can be navigated comfortably by those with disabilities. Ensuring compliance with this guideline is essential not only for safety but also for adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which promotes accessibility for all individuals.

The other slope ratios listed, such as 1:10, 1:14, and 1:15, do not meet the guideline's requirement for a safe and accessible slope for the specified rise. These steeper or shallower ratios would either make the ramp too steep, presenting a challenge for users, or too gradual, which would require an impractically long ramp for the necessary rise.