What Makes a Great Detectable Dome Tile for Mass Transit?
A great detectable dome tile for mass transit is determined by its durability, longevity, and ADA compliance. Detectable dome tiles function much like a STOP sign to alert those pedestrians who are visually impaired to the presence of a hazard in their line of travel such as an elevated platform edge. Moreover, the detectable dome tiles can offer tangible clues to individuals in lower and reduced light levels.
Mass Transit Detectable Warnings
Mass transit platforms withstand a continuous high volume of pedestrian traffic, mobility devices, and other machinery. This means that they must be durable and maintain ADA compliance throughout their lifetime.
Nano-Tech Materials
Durable detectable dome tiles for mass transit are created from nano-engineered polymer concrete. This nano-engineered polymer concrete maintains a high level of slip resistance while achieving perfect-to-specification domes with excellent color retention. Nano-tech materials achieve better quality in physical, chemical, and mechanical properties than other types of materials used in detectable dome tiles.
Void-Free Installation
Permanent attachment of the detectable dome tile is a key component to ensuring that the detectable dome tiles remain durable and has a long life cycle. ADA Dome tiles must be installed in a solid and uniform attachment to the substrate to ensure a monolithic structure that will withstand varying conditions.
Low Water Absorption Rate
Nano-engineered polymer concrete has an extremely low water absorption rate of less than 0.09%, which means that the detectable dome tile is less likely to degrade during extreme freeze or thaw conditions and/or retain water during inclement weather. Meanwhile, standard concrete has a water absorption rate of 4-10% depending on the type of concrete which can cause water to expand when it freezes causing cracking.
Compression Strength
Quality detectable dome tiles receive their rating of success based on their “compressive strength.” This means that the material must be put under pressure and its structural integrity is judged by its ability to withstand fracture or deformity. Outstanding compression strength withstands values greater than 16,800psi, which is modeled in TekWay detectable dome tiles. For scale, standard concrete has a compression strength of approximately 3,500psi.
ADA Regulations Compliance
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed to provide a wide range of disability standards, requirements, and protections for individuals with disabilities. Detectable warning dome tiles are required to be used on the edges of public transportation platforms and sidewalk curb ramps.
Platform Edge Standards
The platform edge detectable warning dome tiles must be 24 inches wide, extending the full length of public platform. Boarding platforms must have detectable warning surfaces where the edges are not protected by screens or guards. These standards are in place according to the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation ADA Standards and ABA Standards.
Mass Transit Options
Detectable warning dome tiles come in many styles and variations, meeting various needs for public transportation and corresponding public platforms.
- Platform Edge Tile Options with Rounded Edge
- Recessed Straight Edge Platform Configuration
- Navigational/Directional Bars
- Tactile Pre-Warning Strips
For StrongGo Tekway Detectable Dome Tiles, additional benefits include multiple configurations, colors and sizes, bull-nose edges, tile specific shop drawings, layout/design consultation, customer service, and on-site installation training.
StrongGo prioritizes creating an accessible world for all by designing durable, reliable, and ADA compliant detectable dome tiles for every project. Discover your options today by emailing csd@stronggo.com.