Truncated dome tiles and wayfinding bars are specifically designed and installed to allow persons of all abilities to safely navigate public spaces. Required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), detectable warning surfaces provide a critical, non-visual warning of upcoming hazards, such as oncoming traffic or drop offs.
As a critical aspect of public safety and accessibility, truncated dome tiles and wayfinding bars must meet ADA detectable warning requirements. These ADA requirements vary from the size and spacing of truncated domes to the installation location of ADA tiles. ADA detectable warning requirements help to standardize accessibility across the nation.
Installation Location
ADA detectable warning requirements mandate that ADA detectable warning surfaces are installed in spaces open to the public. Locations required to have detectable warning pavers include pedestrian crossings, parking garages, escalator approaches, stair landings, wheelchair ramps, and transit platforms.
On curb ramps, the ADA detectable warning requirements state truncated domes tiles are to be installed on the surface of the bottom grade break, or the lower landing. Truncated domes within a detectable warning surface are to be aligned perpendicular or radial to the grade break between the ramp, landing or blended transition.
Truncated Dome Requirements
ADA detectable warning requirements regulate both the size and spacing of truncated domes within an ADA tile. The base diameter of truncated domes must be between 23mm and 36mm with a top diameter of 50% of the base.
Truncated dome spacing must allow for easy detectability without making it difficult for walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and other mobility aids to navigate. Center-to-center spacing of truncated domes within an ADA tile must be between 41mm and 61mm, with a base to base spacing of at least 17mm.
Contrast
Although most commonly seen in yellow, ADA detectable warning requirements do not require a specific color of ADA tiles. The AAD detectable warning requirements states that the detectable warning surface must provide a stark visual contrast with the adjacent surface. This means a dark-colored ADA tile must be installed on a light-colored surface and vice versa.
Size
To provide ample warning, ADA detectable warning requirements state the ADA detectable warning surface must extend at least 610mm in the direction of travel and extend the full width of the curb ramp, stair landing, blended transition, or transit platform.
ADA detectable warning requirements aid in the standardization of the installation, size, alignment and color of ADA detectable warning surfaces. ADA tiles provide a critical non-visual warning of any upcoming potential hazards and enhance both the accessibility and safety of public spaces.
Access® Tile provides the ultimate solution in detectable warning surfaces. With millions of square feet of our industry-leading, cost-effective tactile warning tiles installed across North America, we are confident Access® Tile is the right solution for your next project. Our replaceable cast in place ADA tiles are the ideal choice for new construction and install easily into wet-set cement and make replacement a breeze. For retrofitting existing products, our surface applied truncated dome tiles are light-weight and easy to install, without the need to disturb the surrounding surface. To make the installation of ADA detectable warning surfaces at curb ramps and pedestrian crossings a breeze, both our replaceable cast in place and surface applied tiles are available in a variety of radial sizes.
Rely on our code compliance expertise and work with Access® Tile to create a more accessible environment!
