Jun. 09, 2022
Bar grating is a top choice for strength, safety, and long-term cost. The correct specification of a bar grating involves determining load conditions, effective unsupported clear span, floor surface, finish and finish. Proper consideration of these elements plus any features unique to their particular application will allow the specifier to select a product that will provide years of continuous service.
In grating nomenclature, span plays a dual role in defining two important features. Firstly, the unsupported span represents the net distance between the effective support points of the grating. Once the specifier has determined the design load and acceptable deflection criteria, the choice of the grating is determined by determining the maximum unsupported span and consulting the load table on the subsequent page. Secondly, the span indicates the total finished length of the grating panels (parallel to the load-bearing bars) supplied to the customer.
The overall dimensions of the steel grating panel measured perpendicular to the span of the load bar are specified as the width of the panel. Typically manufactured and stocked in nominal widths of 24" and 36", grating panels can easily be supplied in a variety of widths to meet the needs of any application. In addition, custom widths can be manufactured in the shop to maintain any specific tolerances.
Bar Grating
The excellent drainage and self-cleaning properties of the flat encoder make it suitable for most applications. Optional serrated surfaces should be considered if materials exist that may cause the top surface of the bar to become slippery. When specifying a serrated surface, the bearing bar depth must be increased by 1/4" over the dimensions shown in the load table and selection guide to provide strength equivalent to non-serrated bars.
To enhance the appearance of a building or to provide additional lateral stiffness, the open ends of grating panels can be tied together. This is achieved by welding flat bars of similar dimensions to the bearing bars to the cut ends of the grating panels. The strapping reduces impact stresses by transferring the load to adjacent bars that are not directly exposed to the applied load. Decorative strapping should always be considered when grating panels are designed for even infrequent disassembly. In addition, strapping should always be specified when the ends of the bearing bars are not supported or when the grating is designed to serve vehicle loads. See examples of strips in our fabrication photo gallery.
Steel grating products usually come with one of three standard finishes, bare steel with a manufacturer's coat of red or black paint, or hot-dipped galvanized after fabrication in accordance with ASTM Standard A-123. Aluminum products are usually supplied as rolled products, but optional anodized finishes are also available. Manufactured stainless steel products usually require a secondary finishing process such as chemical cleaning, sandblasting, or electrolytic polishing. All our lenticular products can also be supplied with special bespoke finishes such as enamel or epoxy coatings. When considering such finishes, the specified material must be carefully evaluated and the coating manufacturer consulted.
If you want to know more information about the best bar grating, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.
Previous: Advantages of Welded Wire Mesh
