A walking surface with a running slope steeper than one vertical unit in 20 horizontal units is commonly referred to as which feature?

A walking surface with a running slope steeper than one vertical unit in 20 horizontal units is commonly referred to as which feature?

• A. Stairway
• B. Walkway
• C. Ramp
• D. Incline

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that walking surfaces are classified by how steep they are. An inclined walking surface that carries you between elevations, without steps, is called a ramp. A ramp is designed to be a continuous slope for moving people, including those using wheels, rather than a set of steps. The given slope—one vertical unit for every twenty horizontal units—translates to a 5% grade, which fits the common sense of a ramp: not flat, but not stairs either. An incline is a generic term for any upward slope, but in fire inspection terminology this softer, continuous slope used for moving between levels is specifically called a ramp. A stairway would involve steps, and a walkway is typically flat or near-flat.

The main idea is that walking surfaces are classified by how steep they are. An inclined walking surface that carries you between elevations, without steps, is called a ramp. A ramp is designed to be a continuous slope for moving people, including those using wheels, rather than a set of steps. The given slope—one vertical unit for every twenty horizontal units—translates to a 5% grade, which fits the common sense of a ramp: not flat, but not stairs either. An incline is a generic term for any upward slope, but in fire inspection terminology this softer, continuous slope used for moving between levels is specifically called a ramp. A stairway would involve steps, and a walkway is typically flat or near-flat.