Boat Ramps

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Cast-In-Place Ramps

It is important to select the correct concrete for ramp construction. The concrete should be 4,000 pounds per square inch (p.s.i.) and properly worked so that the aggregate is approximately 1/2 inch below the surface. Fiber reinforced concrete is available in many areas, and may be used as an alternative to in-place reinforcement. If non-fiber reinforced concrete is used, reinforce the slab using No. 4 (1/2 inch diameter)grade-60 rebar on 12-inch spacing along the length of the ramp and 18-inch spacing along the width of the ramp. The rebar should be 3 inches away from the edges, top, and bottom of the concrete, requiring a minimum concrete depth of at least 6 inches. Regardless of concrete type, the surface of the ramp should be roughened to provide traction when wet, muddy, or covered with algae. A garden rake with metal tines can be used to draw grooves in the ramp surface in a herringbone pattern (Figure 2). Grooves should begin at the center of the ramp and slope downwards to the edge of the ramp. This will help water quickly drain from the ramp. Additional gravel, crushed stone, or riprap may be added to the sides of the ramp to help prevent trailer wheels from running off of the pavement. If riprap is used on the sides of the ramp, it may be necessary to grout the surface of the rock to keep people and animals from stepping into large holes.