FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)

Lesson 16 : Design Directive Principles for Aged and Elderly

Walks and paths

• Walks should be smooth, hard level surface suitable for walking and wheeling. Irregular surface as cobble stones, coarsely exposed aggregate concrete, bricks, etc, often cause bumpy rides.
• The minimum walkway width would be 1200 mm and for moderate two way traffic it should be 1650 mm-1800 mm.
• Longitudinal walk gradient should be 3 to 5% (30 mm-50 mm in 1 metre)
• When walks exceed 60 metre in length it is desirable to provide rest area adjacent to the walk at convenient intervals with space for bench seats. For comfort the seat should be between 350 mm-425 mm high but not over 450 mm.
• Texture change in walkways adjacent to seating will be desirable for blind persons.
• Avoid grates and manholes in walks. If grates cannot be avoid then bearing bar should be perpendicular to the travel path and no opening between bearing bars should be greater than 12 mm in width.