Metal Bar Gratings

Metal bar grating can be defined as a series of metal bars positioned vertically, placed an equal distance apart and joined by cross members to form a rectangular or reticuline pattern. Typically manufactured from mild carbon steel, 6000 series aluminum and 300 series stainless steels, bar gratings are also available in specialty metal alloys to suit nearly any application.

BEARING BARS

The vertically positioned bars are designated as the bearing bars. These bars range in size from 3/4"x1/8" for light pedestrian traffic to 7"x1/2" for extreme vehicular loads. Typically, the spacing of the bearing bars is indicated in sixteenths of an inch, measured from the center of one bar to the center of the adjacent bar. This center-to-center or "on center" spacing ranges from 7/16" to 19/16"(1-3/16") on standard grating products. Standard gratings are also available with wider spacings providing even greater open area, but should not be specified without consulting the manufacturer. Heavy Duty grating products are commonly manufactured with bearing bar spacings ranging from 15/16" to 38/16"(2-3/8") on center.

CROSS BARS

The bars used to secure the position of the bearing bars are commonly designated as the cross bars. Cross bar profiles vary according to the method of assembly and material selected. As with bearing bars, cross bar spacing is measured as "on center" spacing. The customary cross bar spacing is 4" on center. On special order, 2" on center and other special spacings are also available.