How Can I Create a Curved Ramp in Archicad 29?

Curved ramps in Archicad are created using a specific object available within the Object Tool, located on the left-hand panel. This procedure guides you step by step through locating, configuring and correctly placing a curved ramp in your Archicad 29 project.

1. Accessing the tool

1. Open your project in Archicad.
2. In the left-hand panel (Archicad toolbar), select the Object Tool (grey cube icon).
3. Open the object settings by clicking Object Default Settings at the top, or pressing Ctrl/Cmd + T.

2. Locating the curved ramp object

1. In the object selection window, make sure you are using the Archicad 29 Library.
2. Browse through the folders until you reach:
   04 Construction → Stairs and Ramps → Ramps.

3. Select the “Curved Ramp” object.

   

Note: If you can’t find the ramps folder, check that the Archicad 29 library is correctly loaded in your project.

3. Configuring the essential parameters

1. With the Curved Ramp selected, review the Geometry parameters:
   • Ramp type (circular or helical).
   • Inner radius and outer radius.

   • Usable width of the ramp.

     

2. Set the slope:
   • By entering the height difference between start and end, or
   • By entering the slope (%) directly, if the object allows it.

3. Adjust the segmentation of the curve by setting the number of segments to control how smooth the ramp looks in 3D.

   

4. Set the representation:
   • Surface materials.
   • Fills and floor plan line type.
   • Graphic symbols (arrows, outlines, etc.).

Tip: In the early stages of a project, use fewer segments to improve model performance. You can increase the curve’s resolution later for final drawings.

4. Placing the ramp on the floor plan

1. Make sure the Object Tool is active and the Curved Ramp object is configured correctly.
2. Position yourself on the storey where the ramp will start (for example, the ground floor).
3. Click the point where you want to set the origin of the ramp.
4. Move the cursor to define:
   • The direction of the curve.
   • The radius of the ramp.
5. Click again to set the length of the ramp, or enter precise numeric values if you prefer.

Note: Check that the final height of the ramp matches the level of the storey above, to avoid jumps or misalignments between elements.

5. Final adjustments in 3D

1. Switch to the 3D view to check the curved ramp in the model.
2. Use the hotspots to adjust:

   • The start or end height.
     

     

3. Check for clashes with other elements (slabs, walls, railings, etc.) using the 3D cutting and filtering tools.

6. Technical recommendations

1. For especially complex ramps (multi-turn helical ramps or very specific geometries), you can combine complex profiles with the Morph tool, only when the standard ramp object doesn’t cover the need.
2. Adjust the curve resolution according to the project phase: lower detail for initial sketches, higher detail for final documentation.
3. Always check that the slope and ramp width comply with applicable accessibility and safety regulations (for example, national accessibility standards).

Tip: Save a well-configured Curved Ramp object as an Archicad favourite so you can reuse it in future projects and keep a consistent design standard.