Precision Matters: ADA-Compliant Concrete Ramp Correction at St. Luke’s Hospital

A Healthcare Accessibility Case Study

Ensuring seamless accessibility is paramount for any facility, especially healthcare institutions. At St. Luke’s Hospital, their commitment to providing safe, independent, and dignified access for every patient, visitor, and staff member is a core principle.

The expert team at DeChaine Concrete Systems was engaged to evaluate, correct, and install ADA-compliant concrete ramps where existing infrastructure no longer met current accessibility standards. Projects like this demand more than construction expertise—they require precise ADA code interpretation, exact grading calculations, and strict adherence to federal accessibility guidelines.

At DeChaine, ADA ramp correction is approached as a technical discipline. Every slope, landing, transition, and surface finish is engineered to meet ADA compliance standards while delivering long-term durability and safety. This project demonstrates how proactive compliance mitigates liability and reinforces an institution’s commitment to equitable access.

Executive Summary

This case study highlights how the specialized commercial concrete contractors at Dechaine corrected a non-compliant hospital ramp and delivered a fully ADA-compliant concrete ramp system—without full demolition. Through precise slope correction, feather-finish concrete resurfacing, and close coordination with the general contractor, the project achieved accessibility compliance while minimizing disruption in a high-traffic healthcare environment.

Project Overview

Facility: St. Luke’s Hospital

Concrete Contractor: Dechaine

Project Scope:

• Installation of two concrete ramps

• ADA code correction of an existing hospital ramp

• Preparation of a tile-ready, ADA-compliant substrate

Objective:Bring an existing ramp—built under outdated codes—into full compliance with current ADA Standards for Accessible Design while preserving the structure and minimizing downtime.

The Challenge: Outdated Codes in a Modern Healthcare Facility

The existing hospital ramp had been constructed under older building codes, which no longer met current ADA ramp guidelines. Key issues included:

• Slope too steep for wheelchair access

• Non-compliant landings and transitions

• Surfaces not suitable for high-traffic hospital use

Addressing these problems required intelligent, efficient, and highly precise ramp correction, prioritizing durability, ADA compliance, and minimal disruption to hospital operations (ADA.gov – Civil Penalties).

The Solution: ADA Ramp Slope Correction at St. Luke’s Hospital.

The Dechaine team:

• Raised the bottom half of the ramp to meet ADA slope requirements

• Snapped control lines at midpoint and ramp end for precise grading

• Applied a feather finish to fine-tune the ramp’s profile, creating a stable, slip-resistant surface suitable for tile installation (ADA Standards §405.4)

This ADA-compliant concrete ramp solution allowed:

• Fine-tuned elevation control

• Smooth, safe transitions

• A durable surface for high-traffic hospital use

ADA Technical Standards Applied

All work followed ADA Standards for Accessible Design:

Key Ramp Requirements:

• Maximum running slope: 1:12 ratio (8.33% maximum slope) (ADA §405.2)

• Maximum cross slope: 1:48 (approximately 2%) (ADA §405.3)

• Landings: Level at top/bottom; minimum 60 inches where direction changes (ADA §405.7)

• Surface conditions: Stable, firm, slip-resistant, suitable for tile (ADA §405.4)

The feather-finish concrete enabled precise slope correction while providing a durable substrate for downstream trades.

Seamless Coordination With Downstream Trades

Once ADA compliance was achieved:

• The general contractor installed tile on the properly pitched substrate

• The finished ramp met functional, regulatory, and aesthetic standards

This coordination reduced rework, avoided delays, and ensured long-term performance.

Results: Accessibility Done Right

• Fully ADA-compliant concrete ramp

• No full demolition required

• Minimal disruption to hospital operations

• Durable performance in high-traffic environments

Why ADA-Compliant Concrete Ramps Matter

For hospitals and large institutions, ADA compliance is more than regulation—it is safety, dignity, and universal access. Non-compliance exposes organizations to civil penalties of up to $75,000 for a first ADA violation and $150,000 for subsequent violations.

Projects like this highlight how experienced commercial concrete contractors can correct accessibility issues efficiently while extending the life of existing infrastructure.

Key Takeaways for Healthcare Facilities & GCs

• Many non-compliant ramps can be corrected without full replacement

• Precise slope control is critical for ADA compliance (ADA Standards)

• Feather-finish systems preserve structures while achieving compliance

• Early coordination with general contractors reduces risk and downtime

Conclusion

The ADA ramp correction project at St. Luke’s Hospital illustrates the importance of specialized concrete expertise in healthcare construction. From slope remediation to surface preparation, every detail matters to deliver safe, compliant, and durable accessibility solutions.

Partnering with a concrete contractor experienced in ADA ramp construction ensures compliance assurance, long-term durability, and peace of mind—done right the first time.

Ready to Ensure Full ADA Compliance?

Accessibility is more than a requirement—it’s a commitment to safety, dignity, and equitable access for everyone who enters your facility. Don’t leave your ramps to chance. Partner with DeChaine Concrete Systems, experts in ADA-compliant ramp correction and concrete construction, to ensure your facility meets current standards and performs flawlessly for years to come.

Take the next step:

• Schedule a Free Consultation: Let our experts assess your existing ramps and identify areas for ADA compliance improvement.

• Get a Quote: Learn how precise, durable, and cost-effective ADA ramp solutions can benefit your facility.

Contact Us Today📞 Phone: 774-644-8378

📧 Email: dechainecrete7@gmail.com

💻 Or fill out our online form to start your ADA compliant concrete project today.