A small group of volunteers joined forces to design, gather materials for, and rebuild an exterior ramp, stair and guardrail system for the Blackmon Road Community Center in Rock Hill, SC. After the project was identified, the existing ramp and stair system was analyzed in November 2009. The ramp, except for the underlying structure, was in poor condition; wood planks were slightly warped and loosened from the structure, the wood guardrails were warped and poorly connected, and many of the wood pickets below the guardrail were broken or completely missing. The team therefore proposed to leave the existing ramp structure intact, but completely replace the planking and guardrail system.
The team then investigated two design options for the new guardrail system; 1) a wood post-and picket system, or 2) a wood post and steel cable system. The steel cable system was chosen based on its sleek, modern appearance, reasonable cost, ease of maintenance, and speed of constuction in relation to wood pickets. Donated materials were then gathered, detail drawings were made for specific conditions and cable connections, and a construction schedule was drafted.
The demolition and construction process took place over a six day period in late March 2010, with a small team of volunteers working tirelessly until the project was complete. The diligence and can-do spirit of the team helped overcome some unexpected findings during the construction process. When structural deficiencies were found at both the existing ramp center stringers and stair, the team installed new 2x8 beam supports at the middle of the ramp, and rebuilt the entire stair structure with new stringers and anchored posts. The wood posts at the ramp and landing were cut and predrilled for bolts and cables, then bolt-attached to the existing wood stringers. The top wood brace and guardrail were then attached via wood screws, while a second team installed the 1 1/4x6 wood planks. On the final days of construction, the cable was cut to length and installed using steel swage connections and a turnbuckle tensioning system. The installation/connection of the cables and swages, though tedious, was a great learning experience in finding the finding the most efficient means, methods, and tools for the job.
The project was completed on March 31, to great compliments from leaders of the community center and local residents. The project team was very appreciative of the patience, cooperation, and positive input from the people of the Blackmon Road Community, and looks forward to future projects at the Blackmon Road site.
