Accessibility is not a design choice, it is a code requirement. Every ramp and curb cut must meet slope, cross-fall, width, and detectable warning specs, verified during the pour and documented for inspection. Portland Concrete builds accessible concrete ramps and curb cuts to those exact standards, integrating them with adjacent site walks and parking surfaces. Free written estimate on every project.
An accessible ramp or curb cut is defined by five measurable elements: the running slope (the angle of the ramp itself), the cross-slope (how water drains across the width), the minimum width of the ramp, the level landing at the top and bottom, and the detectable warning panels (truncated domes) at every transition between pedestrian and vehicle zones. Each element has a tolerance. All five must be hit.
We design the ramp footprint to the applicable accessibility code, set forms with the engineered slope and cross-slope, embed the detectable warning panels in the concrete during the pour, and verify every dimension with a level before the slab cures. The result is a ramp that passes inspection on the first walk-through. Where an existing ramp is out of spec, we demolish and re-pour to current code.
Integration with adjacent site concrete is part of the scope. We coordinate with curb and gutter work and ensure the ramp lands flush at both ends. Documentation is provided for the accessibility consultant and the inspector.
Recent work
The build sequence
Building Accessible Ramps Step by Step
Confirm the accessibility code
We identify the applicable accessibility standard (federal ADA, state, or local code), confirm the running slope, cross-slope, width, and landing dimensions, and note where detectable warnings are required by the spec.
Excavate and grade the base
The ramp footprint is excavated to subgrade, with start and end elevations set so the running slope meets the code maximum. The cross-slope footprint is graded into the base so water drains off the side, not across the ramp.
Set forms and embed warnings
Forms are positioned with the engineered slope and cross-slope, reinforcement is placed, detectable warning panels are positioned in the form footprint at every pedestrian-to-vehicle transition, and the ramp-to-walk connection is detailed flush.
Pour, verify, and document
Concrete is placed and finished, slope and cross-slope are verified with a level on every section before cure, detectable warning panels are confirmed in position, and as-built dimensions are recorded for the inspector.
The most common failure
Why Slope Verification Matters Most
The single most common reason an accessible ramp fails inspection is slope, either the running slope is steeper than the code maximum, or the cross-slope does not drain off the side. Both are failures. Both require demolition and re-pour to fix, because slope cannot be adjusted on cured concrete. This is why verification during the pour, not after, is the only reliable method.
We place a level on every section of the ramp while the concrete is still workable. If the slope is off, we adjust the finish before the slab sets. The result is a ramp that passes inspection without revision. Coordinate with adjacent site concrete so the ramp lands level at both ends and the transition is flush.
Documentation of the as-built slope and cross-slope is provided to the accessibility consultant and the inspector. No surprises, no change orders.
Slope specs, detectable warnings, landings, and where accessible work is required.
The current ADA running-slope maximum is defined in the accessibility code; we follow the specific code version applicable to your project (federal, provincial, local). The cross-slope maximum is also specified separately and is just as critical.
Truncated dome panels (typically yellow, cast into the concrete or surface-mounted) at every flush transition between pedestrian and vehicular surfaces. They are tactile cues for the visually impaired. They are required at curb cuts, ramp bottoms at parking lots, and similar transitions.
Yes, ADA requires a level landing at the top and bottom of every ramp run, sized to the spec for that ramp's use. The landing has to be flat in both directions (running and cross-slope) within the ADA tolerance.
Modification rarely works because slope cannot be changed on cured concrete. Most non-compliant ramps need full replacement to bring them to current code; the quote will say which case yours is.
Most public-accessible commercial properties do, especially new construction and any renovation that triggers accessibility review. The exact scope depends on the property, the renovation work, and the local accessibility code; we coordinate with the accessibility consultant on every project.
Client reviews
What Portland Facility Managers Say About Accessible Ramps
They replaced four non-compliant curb cuts across our retail center. Each one to current ADA spec, detectable warnings cast in, accessibility consultant passed all four first walk-through.
Q. I.
Property Manager, Portland
★★★★★
Slope was verified during the pour, not after. They had a level out on every section. The inspector specifically commented on how clean the as-built dimensions were.
X. H.
Facility Director, Vancouver
★★★★★
Multiple ramp installations during off-hours so the mall stayed open. Coordinated with adjacent sidewalk pours, detectable warnings flush, ADA inspector signed off without a single revision.
Z. C2
Mall Operations, Hillsboro
★★★★★
ADA ramps at every entrance to our medical building. They knew the accessibility code cold, no improvisation, no surprises at inspection. Compliance was their first concern, not their last.
Y. M2
Healthcare Facility Director, Gresham
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