Don’t get disabled by ADA requirements for sidewalk cross-slopes

by Ward R. Malisch, P.E. and Bruce Suprenant, P.E.
Created: June 6, 2011

Tips for concrete contractors building sidewalks to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA.

These levels measure sidewalk cross-slope over 8-, 24-, and 48-inch lengths. Of the three, which cross-slope measurement result should be used to accept of reject the contractor's work?
These levels measure sidewalk cross-slope over 8-, 24-, and 48-inch lengths. Of the three, which cross-slope measurement result should be used to accept of reject the contractor's work?

ADAAG should change its requirements so that the maximum sidewalk cross-slope is 3 percent and the minimum slope is 1.5 percent. Based on the research cited, the 3 percent maximum is reasonable.
The designer can then set a target value of 2.25 percent with a 0.75 percent tolerance which would reduce the constructability challenge.
Develop a standard method for measuring cross-slope, disseminate it to all agencies or testing firms charged with verifying compliance with ADA requirements and indicate that no action can be taken unless the standard measurement method has been used.

Until such steps are taken, contractors will continue to be unjustly penalized by the absence of reality-based requirements and arbitrary measurement methods.