ramp

A ramp is an inclined plane or surface that connects two different heights, allowing people, vehicles, or objects to move between levels with less effort than lifting or carrying. Ramps are used in buildings, transportation infrastructure, and outdoor spaces to improve accessibility, loading, and mobility. They come in various forms, including wheelchair ramps, threshold ramps, loading ramps, and vehicle ramps.

Design and engineering considerations focus on the slope or rise over run, width, surface texture for traction, and the presence of landings at appropriate intervals. Building codes and accessibility standards often specify maximum slopes and features such as handrails and edge protection. For example, many jurisdictions use a maximum slope around 1:12 for wheelchairs, with landings required after certain lengths or vertical rises.

Materials vary by application and environment; common options include concrete, steel, aluminum, and wood. Surfaces are typically treated or constructed to be non-slip, and longer ramps may include handrails, guardrails, and intermediate landings to enhance safety. Threshold ramps are shorter surfaces designed to bridge small height differences at doorways.

In mathematics and computer science, ramp refers to the ramp function, defined as r(x) = max(0, x), which is a simple, non-decreasing activation or signal-shaping function used in various algorithms and models.