Custom Services
Metal Bar Gratings
Orsogril® Fencing
Fiberglass Gratings
Metal Safety Gratings
Perforated Metals
Expanded Metals
Wire Cloth
ACO Drain Systems
Stair Nosings and Treads
Algrip Safety Floor Plates
Architectural Grilles
Handrail Components
Construction Castings
FIBERGLASS GRATINGS
- Fiberglass Grating Introduction
- Molded Fiberglass Grating
- Pultruded Fiberglass Grating
- Grating Embed Angle
- Stair Solutions and Tread Panels
- High Load Capacity Gratings
- Grating Pedestals
- Fiberglass Floor Plate
- Handrail And Ladder Systems
- Fiberglass Structural Shapes
- Fabrication And Fasteners
- Chemical Resistance Chart
- Engineering Notes
Load/Deflection Tables Information
LOAD/DEFLECTION TABLES INFORMATIONFiberglass grating load and deflection tables are designed to be user friendly by separating uniform load information from concentrated load information.
SIMPLE BEAM SUPPORT: All data in our tables are based on simple beam support. Load and deflection for other types of beams, i.e., cantilever, fixed end support, continuous support, etc. can be estimated by using standard beam formulas.
LOAD VS. DEFLECTION: Load vs. Deflection is approximately proportional for a given span (i.e. if a concentrated 400 lb load deflects a 30" span 1/4", an 800 lb load would deflect the same span 1/2").
ULTIMATE CAPACITY
Fibergrate has tested its molded and pultruded grating product lines to their ultimate capacities. ULTIMATE CAPACITY represents a complete and total failure of the grating and is presented to illustrate the reserve strength of the grating at a given span. Ultimate capacities are not to be used for design: functionality of the grating is limited to Maximum Recommended Load. The designer should not exceed the MAX RECOMMENDED LOAD at any given span. MAX RECOMMENDED LOAD represents a 2:1 factor of safety on ULTIMATE CAPACITY.
LOADS
Walking loads, typically 50-65 PSF maximum, are recommended for pedestrian traffic. Deflections for personnel comfort are typically limited to the lesser of 3/8“ or CLEAR SPAN divided by 125. For a firmer feel, limit deflection to the lesser of 1/4“ or CLEAR SPAN divided by 200. The allowable loads in this table are for STATIC LOAD CONDITIONS at ambient temperatures only. Allowable loads for impact or dynamic conditions should be a minimum of ONE-HALF the values shown. Long-term loads will result in added deflection due to creep in the material and will also require higher safety factors to ensure acceptable performance. For applications at elevated temperatures, consult Grating Pacific. The designer is further referenced to ASCE Structural Plastics Design Manual.
Engineering Notes
The strength and corrosion resistance of FRP grating are related to the glass content, resin content, resin type and method of construction. Fibergrate molded products provide an outstanding balance of corrosion resistance, slip resistance and strength.There are three frequently used methods of support for molded fiberglass grating:
1) two continuous edge supports with bearing bars perpendicular to the supports;
2) continuous support around all sides;
3) four-corner support, or point support. (For example, pedestals are provided to support the grating a few inches above the existing floor when large volumes of liquids are flowing onto the floor and where a slip-resistant drainable floor surface is required because of operating requirements.)
Panels are normally supported around the perimeter to assure panel-to-panel alignment. In using Fibergrate’s grating, the principles are similar to metal grating usage, but you must keep in mind that the flexural modulus of elasticity of reinforced fiberglass bars is lower than that of steel. As a result, the allowable deflection is often the limiting consideration.
