Hi Bob, Our loading dock has a small
decline (not sure of the grade), but it's over a distance of about 60 feet,
so is very gradual. It has not
been a problem here. It's deceiving to truck drivers backing in, though,
because there is the illusion that the box will hit the ceiling. As
long as there is true clearance (ideally 14 feet), backing in should be
okay.
If your ramp is slanted so the truck is
going "uphill" toward the cab, consider how you will be offloading very
large crates. We often have crates that just fit onto the truck, but when
placed on dollies may be too tall. If the ramp is angled but the dock is
not, the angle at which you are unloading may create a REAL barrier to offloading tall crates
(especially tall crates that are also long, not
to mention long and heavy).
My advice is to work it out on paper, and to
also visit a few locations with the same dock scenario if
possible.
I believe the TN State Museum in Nashville
has a very steep grade over a short
distance. You may want to call them.
Best of
luck.
Amie Geremia
Registrar
Frist Center for the Visual Arts
919 Broadway
Nashville,
TN 37203-3822
(615) 744-3243
(615) 744-3991 fax
ageremia@fristcenter.org
www.fristcenter.org
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My museum is working on plans for a new building. Due to site
constraints, it may be necessary for the loading dock to have a declined
approach of 9%. I would welcome feedback, particularly from those with
practical experience with such a situation. How big a problem is this? Is
loading or unloading a semi trailer at that amount of angle (a) of no concern,
(b) a minor inconvenience, or (c) worse? Thanks much.
Bob Hellier Designer/Preparator Tampa Museum of Art 600 North
Ashley Drive Tampa, Florida 33602 (813) 274-8718 FAX (813)
274-8732 E-mail: bob.hellier@tampagov.net
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that feature contemporary crafts, sculpture and photography: "Color: Ten
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74th Annual Awards Exhibition," July 21 – September 30, "The Big Picture: 2006
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"American Detritus: Andrew Junge," July 11 – September 16, 2007. For more
information, visit www.TampaMuseum.com.
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