5 TIPS FOR FRP GRATING SELECTION

Commentary by: Gregory R. Bond, P.E.

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Strongwell produces more than 100 different FRP grating series to meet a variety of customer needs. Applicable to both DURAGRID® pultruded and DURAGRATE® molded grating, the following advice will help select the most appropriate grating series for an application.

1. Determine Design Criteria

Find FRP grating design criteria in the project specifications under Section 06 74 13 &#;Fiberglass Reinforced Gratings&#;. If unavailable, refer to ASCE 7-16, Table 4.3-1 for minimum live loads.

Allowable deflection for FRP grating is usually limited to ¼" (6 mm) for pedestrian comfort. Larger deflections may be permissible for heavy, temporary loads. Deflection greater than ½" (12 mm) is not advisable due to prying action on hold down clips and potential loosening of fasteners. Long panels utilizing multi-span conditions reduce panel deflection.

Compare design loads to the grating Safe Load and you will find high Factors of Safety. Serviceability (not strength) generally controls FRP design. 

2. Identify Constraints

Bearing bar height and/or spacing may determine grating series selection. Issues such as existing supports, ADA compliance, high heels, dropped objects, drainage, sunlight penetration, ventilation, and even vehicular traffic could be a requirement for a particular installation.

With all these situations to consider, DURAGRID® I-1", I-1.5" and T-2" remain the most common pultruded series selected. DURAGRATE® 1.5" thick x 1.5" square mesh is the most common molded grating series. 

 3. Select Resin

Generally, polyester is suitable for most conditions; vinyl ester for harsh chemical exposure and additional corrosion protection; phenolic where fire / smoke / toxicity are of primary concern.

Most Strongwell load tables are based upon polyester resin (PE) since vinyl ester (VE) resin has only slightly greater mechanical properties. Phenolic grating does have unique properties and separate load tables.

As a visual indicator for grating resin, Strongwell cross rods are a light gray color for PE and black for VE.

Refer to the Strongwell Corrosion Resistance Guide for specific chemical environments and select the appropriate resin. 

4. Maximize Span

With your initial grating selection chosen, review load tables to determine the maximum span to meet load(s) and allowable deflection. Compare this to plan dimensions and determine support configuration.

Selecting a taller bar allows longer grating spans and reduces the frequency of beams. This increases the load on each support beam, but fewer slightly larger beams is often more economical than additional smaller beams.

If the beam spacing is considerably more/less than the maximum span, review load tables to see if other grating meets the design criteria.

5. Choose Appearance

A variety of bearing bar colors, surface grit and topcoat treatments are available for FRP grating. Yellow and light gray are standard bar colors. Fine grit is suitable for bare feet; standard medium grit for industrial uses; or coarse grit, if lubricants or debris collection are expected. A urethane top coat adds greater UV protection or custom colors.

Conclusion

With many geometric, material, assembly, and finishing options, FRP grating is able to meet the needs of nearly any application.

Rusty metal grating is unsafe and unsightly. At National Grating we believe FRP Grating is far superior!

At National Grating we believe Fiberglass Reinforced FRP Grating is far superior than steel grating. 

For decades National Grating has been providing FRP Solutions in the form of Molded, Pultruded, Mini Mesh and High Load Capacity Grating and FRP Structural Shapes like C-Channel, I-Beams, Tubing and Stair Treads to customers across North America. 

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Our years of experience in this industry provide the in-depth technical knowledge required to select the FRP material that meets the needs of your project.

We are continually improving our line of fiberglass products with the latest innovations to provide our customers with the most cost-effective, high quality FRP solutions.  We also take pride in superior technical support, giving you the information you need to confidently make the right choice.

Here is why we believe FRP Grating and FRP Solutions are far better than steel grating alternatives.

Strength:

Fiberglass grating offers comparable strength to steel but with added benefits like improved impact resistance and flexibility.

While comparable in strength, FRP grating is significantly lighter than steel, making it easier to install without heavy lifting equipment.

Corrosion Resistance:

FRP grating excels in corrosive environments as it does not rust or corrode like steel, making it ideal for use around chemicals or outdoor elements corrosive to steel.

Safety:

Fiberglass grating is non-conductive, providing safety benefits in electrically hazardous workplaces. It also offers slip resistance and is softer underfoot compared to steel, reducing worker fatigue.

Cost:

While the production cost of FRP grating is higher than steel, the long-term maintenance-free aspect of FRP can make it a more cost-effective choice over time.  Steel grating requires ongoing maintenance and replacement costs.

These outdoor entrance stairs were rusty and worn out looking. Newly installed FRP Stair Treads improved the first impressions for the business, and added safety for their clientele.

Long Life Span:

FRP does not rust or rot and does not degrade due to sun exposure, moisture and humidity, or extreme heat and cold. 

Maintenance Free:

FRP grating requires little-to-no maintenance costs post-installation, unlike steel grating that may need regular maintenance.

FRP Grating has optional colors that are added during the molding process which instills the entire product with a consistent color that does not wear out or rub off. Unlike steel grating that is painted that can wear off over time requiring maintenance.

The advantages of FRP grating over steel include its strength, lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, non-conductivity, safety features, and cost-effectiveness in the long run.

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National Grating prides itself on providing exceptional customer service to all customers, big and small.

Reach out to us today for your next FRP Project!

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High Load Capacity FRP Grating was used in this car wash facility to upgrade the metal grating that was bent and worn out due to heavy vehicle traffic.

National Grating Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Grating Solutions: