Detectable Warning Surfaces

Also called truncated domes, detectable warnings, tactile ground indicators and tactile pavers, detectable warning surfaces were first used over 35 years ago by countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia. The United States instituted detectable warnings requirements in 1990 with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA 4.29).

Detectable warnings provide a distinctive surface pattern of truncated domes that serves as a “tactile” cue to persons with vision impairments, alerting them that they’re walking into a hazardous vehicular area or change of grade. Detectable warnings are installed on crosswalks, wheelchair ramps, by reflecting pools and on transit platforms. Detectable warnings may also be installed on stairway landings and escalator landings.

Truncated Domes

Truncated domes are a standard design requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 for detectable warnings (ADA 4.29, 4.29.2). Detectable warnings enable pedestrians with visual impairments to detect the threshold between a walkway and a busy roadway. Truncated domes are designed so they can be detected underfoot and by the sound of a walking cane. Truncated domes are found in a multitude of applications such as curb ramps, vehicular ways, parking ways, stairwells, reflecting pools, pedestrian crossings, escalator approaches and on transit platforms.

Our detectable warnings were designed to exceed the ADA standards for detectable warnings and surpasses the strict requirements of federal, state and municipal authorities. AlertTile is made from reinforced thermoset composites and is engineered for superior impact-resistance, slip-resistance, wear-resistance and long term durability.