Thread: Pier Repairs

ADA Ramp Specifications
As defined by the ADA, a ramp is a sloping route constructed with a slope greater than 1:20 (1 inch of vertical rise for every 20 inches of horizontal length, or run) and must conform to the standard ADA specifications for ramps.

Ramps may have a maximum slope of 1:12.*
Ramps must be a minimum of 36 inches wide. Some areas require wider ramps.
All edges must be protected to keep anyone from slipping off.
All ramps shall have top and bottom landings as wide as the ramp itself and at least 60 inches long.
Landing size must be at least 5 feet square.
Ramps must have handrails on both sides if their rise is greater than 6 inches or their length is greater than 72 inches.
Cross slopes (areas where a ramp slopes sideways, perpendicular to the ramp's length) must be less than 1:50, and surfaces must be slip-resistant and stable.
A level landing is required at the bottom and top of the ramp.
Maximum threshold height (at building entry) is 3/4 inch (19 mm) for exterior sliding doors and 1/2 inch (13 mm) for other types of doors without modification.

[* Recommended Ramp Slope
While the maximum slope allowed by ADA guidelines is 1:12, the ADA recommends a more gradual slope of 1:16 to 1:20, whenever possible. A 1:12 ratio is too steep for some people to navigate, and a lower slope may be required for some public buildings. Depending on the slope and the material used to build the ramp, the surface may need some extra anti-slip texture to help prevent slipping.]

A ramp to a 10' observation platform would be 120" times 12-20 inches long per inch rise. Not counting landings, that ramp extends 120'-200' down the pier if straight. Most of that pier space would be unusable except possibly to park carts under. It would be at least 3' wide with railings and handrails on both sides. A cork-screw ramp creates a wider footprint on the end itself, plus landings at each leg.

To me, however, the key ramp problem would be making it hurricane wind-proof and wave-proof. It would have the aerodynamics of a billboard.

Think of this , With no one fishing maybe the Sharks will go find easy meals some place else .

Gentlemen please, from a most unreliable source it was learned that consideration is being given to affixing stair lift chairs to the railings to provide a seated full panoramic viewing of the GSP surroundings. This would include stops at the octi for guided tours up the observation deck that will sit some thirty feet above the pier floor. Charges are believed to begin at five bucks a seat with an additional five for those adventurous souls wishing to visit the observation deck. Rumor has it that U Tube videos of Haywire's Danglers will be an added attraction. Discounts for groups of ten or more.
Revenue is certain to far exceed that is now collected for mere fishing. Pedestrian traffic is to remain at current levels.
Your government is always willing to help.

I may not be a part of that attraction because they only want to give me a tiny percentage of the take for letting the tourists get a look at my Rootin' Tootin' Revolvin' Remoras. For that insignificant amount, I wouldn't even show off my Fabulous Floppin' Flobs of Fat. My lawyers are negotiating the rates as we speak.

Originally Posted by Haywire

I may not be a part of that attraction because they only want to give me a tiny percentage of the take for letting the tourists get a look at my Rootin' Tootin' Revolvin' Remoras. For that insignificant amount, I wouldn't even show off my Fabulous Floppin' Flobs of Fat. My lawyers are negotiating the rates as we speak.

If you want more money you may need to break out the baby sea turtle pasties...

An elevator at the end of the pier? Terrible idea. Salt will eat it up.

Has anyone ever seen a pier add nice "notches" a foot or two apart on the front of the rail so it keeps people from carving V's with their knife?
Might be something for the builders/designers to think about.
Would look a lot nicer and possibly keep the carvers from butchering the new set-up.
Doesn't have to be deep, just enough to hold a pole from sliding away.

Originally Posted by OBWolf

An elevator at the end of the pier? Terrible idea. Salt will eat it up.

Not to mention that adding height and wind/wave loading to the upper portion of a structure that has to withstand hurricane forces doesn't make a lot of sense.

Originally Posted by fordguy

Not to mention that adding height and wind/wave loading to the upper portion of a structure that has to withstand hurricane forces doesn't make a lot of sense.

Ding-ding-ding
WE HAVE A WINNER!