Table 4.

4 Maximum gradients for vehicle ramps

Ramp type Rise Maximum gradient

not greater than 1.50m 1:6 (Note 1)

Straight ramps
greater than 1.50m 1:10

not greater than 3.00m 1:10

Curved ramps (Note 2)
greater than 3.00m 1:12

Notes: 1. With transition gradients top and bottom

2. Gradient measured on centre-line

Table 4.5 Recommended outer kerb radii for one-way curved ramps

Option Radius (m) Structure clearance Structure clearance

outside kerb (m) inside kerb (m)

Recommended 12.00

Preferred minimum 9.00 0.60 0.30

Absolute minimum 7.50

Table 4.6 Recommended minimum widths for curved ramps and accessways

Width of Structure Structure

additional clearance clearance
Ramp type Ramp width (m) central raised outside kerb inside kerb
kerb (m) (m) (m)

One-way 3.65 N/A

0.60 0.30
Two-way 7.00 (Note 2) 0.50

Notes: 1. See Fig.4.7

2. For two-way ramps a central raised kerb of 0.5m is recommended

Table 4.7 Recommended minimum widths for one-way straight ramps and
accessways

Additional side
Ramp type Position Width (m) clearance to
structure (m) Fig 4.7 Two-way spiral ramp

Width for straight 3.00 should be equal to, or greater than, the maximum expected
arrival rate. Vehicle reservoirs are required between the
approach
One-way (Note 1) 0.30
Entry/exit section for public road system and the entrance barriers to store vehicles
during peak operations and provide a transition from the
turning approach 3.50

higher speed external highway network to the slower access

road configuration. The rate of flow from the car park should
Note 1: For two-way ramps a central raised kerb of 0.5m is recommended.

respect the highway and junction capacity, so that any

levels wherever possible. On ramps, kerbs are considered
essential to guide drivers and to protect edge details and
equipment. The use of central kerbs on ramps to separate
opposite flows of traffic is not generally recommended as
drivers on the falling ramp find the kerb difficult to see and
the kerb could unnecessarily restrict the movement of
vehicles.
When it is important that cars do not mount kerbs, the
recommended kerb height is 150mm above channel level; in
other cases the kerb height should not exceed 100mm. The
disabled and parents with pushchairs should be
accommodated by providing drop kerbs on designated routes.
4.3.11 Entry and exit arrangements
To prevent queuing at the point of entry, the entry capacity
queuing takes place off the highway. However, as it is likely
that queuing will occur at peak exit times, facilities should be
allowed for queuing within the car park on each side of the
barriers.
It may sometimes be appropriate to provide a facility for
vehicles to escape the car park system before passing the
barrier line on entry. Where required suitable turning
arrangements will need to be accommodated.
It may also be advantageous to site the entrance and exit
side by side, with one or more lanes made reversible. Then, if
peak inbound and outbound demands occur at different times,
a lane or lanes may be reversed as appropriate.
The entry and exit lanes within these reservoirs are
typically 2.75–3.0m wide. However, if this width is
maintained adjacent to ticket issue and reader machines, or at

IStructE Design recommendations for multi-storey and underground car parks (3rd Edition)
37