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Bearing Bar Selection

Once the bar spacing is selected, the bearing bar size must be specified based upon the load and unsupported clear span to be served. The load tables provide the maximum clear span for our most popular products based on the traffic conditions defined on this page. These tables incorporate strict limitations where design deflection shall not exceed the lesser of L/400 or .125" for the spans indicated.

Heavy Duty Grating 15 Space Load Table
Heavy Duty Grating 19 Space Load Table
Heavy Duty Grating 22 Space Load Table
Heavy Duty Grating 30 Space Load Table
Heavy Duty Grating 38 Space Load Table

Cross Bar Selection

While bearing bar selection is critical for specifying a proper heavy duty grating, the life cycle of your installation will often be influenced by the selection of the appropriate cross bar. The table below details the variety of cross bar sizes available.

The cross bars listed for Standard Loads are the customary twisted square or round cross bars supplied by Grating Pacific for a particular bearing bar size and spacing. These sizes have been selected to maximize manufacturing efficiency and are best used when the grating is subject to intermittent traffic with occasional full capacity loading.

The cross bars listed for Severe Loads are optional and will provide superior durability when gratings are subject to intense, continuous, or repetitious traffic. Ideal for trench covers, highways, and inlet grates, these cross bars enhance lateral stiffness thereby extending the service life of the grating. When specifying gratings with bearing bars centered at 1-3/8", 1-7/8", or 2-3/8" on center, consideration of Severe Loading cross bars is highly recommended.

Note: In the event that a cross bar size is not specified, the cross bar shall be selected at the discretion of the manufacturer.

Banding Heavy duty gratings are commonly subjected to shock and impact loads and it is highly recommended that all open ends be banded. The welded band bar helps distribute impact loads and minimizes distortion when subjected to repetitive traffic patterns. Details here.	Serrated Surface Optional heavy duty serrated bearing bars enhance skid-resistance. Consider this surface for applications subject to the accumulation of liquids or lubricants or inclined installations.