Grating

Procuring grating for EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects is a crucial step in the construction process. Grating is used in a variety of applications, including flooring, mezzanines, platforms, stairways, and trench covers. The type of grating required will depend on the specific project and the intended use.

There are several types of grating flooring available on the market, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. we will compare four common types of grating flooring: galvanized steel floor gratings, stainless steel floor gratings, aluminum floor gratings, and FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) floor gratings.

Galvanized Steel Floor Grating

Galvanized steel floor gratings are made from carbon steel that is coated with zinc to protect against corrosion. This type of grating is affordable and readily available in a variety of thicknesses and sizes, making it a popular choice for industrial applications. Galvanized steel floor gratings are commonly used for flooring, walkways, and drainage covers in various industrial and commercial settings. Galvanized steel floor gratings are also strong and durable, making them suitable for heavy-duty environments. However, they are prone to rust and may not be suitable for environments where they are exposed to chemicals or extreme temperatures.

The following are some of the codes and standards that apply to galvanized steel floor gratings :

  1. ASTM A123/A123M – Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel Products: This standard covers the requirements for hot-dip galvanized coatings applied to steel products for corrosion protection. Galvanized steel floor gratings are often hot-dip galvanized to prevent corrosion and comply with this standard.
  2. ANSI/NAAMM MBG 531 – Metal Bar Grating Manual: This manual provides guidance on the design, selection, and installation of metal bar grating, including galvanized steel floor gratings. It covers topics such as load tables, spacing, deflection, and finishes.
  3. AS 1657-2013 – Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation: This Australian Standard specifies requirements for the design, construction, and installation of fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders. It includes guidelines for selecting materials, such as galvanized steel, and specifies minimum dimensions for floor gratings.
  4. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 – Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes: This Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation requires employers to guard floor and wall openings and holes to prevent falls. It provides guidelines for the construction of floor gratings, including requirements for strength, durability, and slip resistance.
  5. ISO 14122-2:2016 – Safety of machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery – Part 2: Working platforms and walkways: This International Standard specifies requirements for the design, construction, and installation of working platforms and walkways, including those made of galvanized steel. It includes guidelines for the selection of materials and specifies minimum dimensions for floor gratings.

It is important to note that the codes and standards that apply to galvanized steel floor gratings may vary depending on the specific application and location. It is recommended to consult with a qualified engineer to determine the appropriate codes and standards to follow.

Stainless steel floor gratings

Stainless steel floor gratings are made from a high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy that contains chromium and nickel. This type of grating is ideal for environments where hygiene is a concern, such as food processing plants and hospitals, as it is easy to clean and resistant to bacteria growth. Stainless steel floor gratings are also resistant to heat and chemicals, making them suitable for use in harsh environments. However, they are more expensive than galvanized steel gratings and may not be as readily available in certain sizes and thicknesses.

The following are some of the codes and standards that apply to stainless steel floor gratings:

  1. ASTM A240/A240M – Standard Specification for Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and for General Applications: This standard covers the requirements for stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip for use in various applications, including floor gratings. It specifies the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and other characteristics of stainless steel grades suitable for use in floor gratings.
  2. ANSI/NAAMM MBG 531 – Metal Bar Grating Manual: This manual provides guidance on the design, selection, and installation of metal bar grating, including stainless steel floor gratings. It covers topics such as load tables, spacing, deflection, and finishes.
  3. ASME A112.18.8-2017 – Floor and Trench Drains: This American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standard covers the design, construction, and installation of floor and trench drains, including those made of stainless steel. It specifies the material, design, and performance requirements for floor gratings, including load-bearing capacity, slip resistance, and durability.
  4. ISO 14122-2:2016 – Safety of machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery – Part 2: Working platforms and walkways: This International Standard specifies requirements for the design, construction, and installation of working platforms and walkways, including those made of stainless steel. It includes guidelines for the selection of materials and specifies minimum dimensions for floor gratings.
  5. FDA Food Code – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code: This code provides guidelines for ensuring food safety and sanitation in food service establishments. It specifies that floors, walls, and ceilings must be constructed of materials that are durable, smooth, and easily cleanable, such as stainless steel. Stainless steel floor gratings are commonly used in food processing facilities to comply with these requirements.

It is important to note that the codes and standards that apply to stainless steel floor gratings may vary depending on the specific application and location. It is recommended to consult with a qualified engineer to determine the appropriate codes and standards to follow.

Aluminum floor gratings

Aluminum floor gratings are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor applications and environments where weight is a concern. They are also easy to install and maintain, as they do not require coatings or special cleaning solutions. However, aluminum floor gratings may not be as durable as steel gratings and may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications.

The following are some of the codes and standards that apply to aluminum floor gratings:

  1. ASTM B221 – Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes: This standard covers the requirements for aluminum and aluminum-alloy extruded bars, rods, wire, profiles, and tubes. Aluminum floor gratings are often made from extruded aluminum, and this standard specifies the material properties and quality requirements for aluminum alloys suitable for use in floor gratings.
  2. ANSI/NAAMM MBG 531 – Metal Bar Grating Manual: This manual provides guidance on the design, selection, and installation of metal bar grating, including aluminum floor gratings. It covers topics such as load tables, spacing, deflection, and finishes.
  3. ASCE/SEI 7-16 – Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures: This American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) standard provides guidance on the minimum design loads and associated criteria for buildings and other structures, including those made of aluminum. It includes guidelines for the design of floor gratings to withstand various types of loads and stresses.
  4. ISO 14122-2:2016 – Safety of machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery – Part 2: Working platforms and walkways: This International Standard specifies requirements for the design, construction, and installation of working platforms and walkways, including those made of aluminum. It includes guidelines for the selection of materials and specifies minimum dimensions for floor gratings.
  5. IBC 2018 – International Building Code: This code provides guidelines for the construction and design of buildings, including requirements for floor gratings. It includes provisions for the use of aluminum in construction and specifies load requirements for floor gratings based on the intended use and occupancy of the building.

It is important to note that the codes and standards that apply to aluminum floor gratings may vary depending on the specific application and location. It is recommended to consult with a qualified engineer to determine the appropriate codes and standards to follow.

FRP floor gratings

FRP floor gratings are made from a composite material that consists of fiberglass reinforced with resin. This type of grating is lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. FRP gratings are also resistant to heat and chemicals, making them ideal for use in harsh environments. However, they may not be as strong as steel gratings and may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications.

The following are some of the codes and standards that apply to FRP floor gratings:

  1. ASTM D635 – Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position: This standard test method covers the determination of the burning characteristics of plastics used in FRP gratings. It specifies the test conditions, procedures, and criteria for evaluating the burning rate and extent of burning of plastics.
  2. ASTM E84 – Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials: This standard test method covers the determination of the surface burning characteristics of building materials, including FRP gratings. It specifies the test conditions, procedures, and criteria for evaluating the flame spread and smoke development of materials.
  3. ANSI/NAAMM FG 1 – Grating Manual: This manual provides guidance on the design, selection, and installation of metal bar grating, including FRP floor gratings. It covers topics such as load tables, spacing, deflection, and finishes.
  4. ISO 14122-2:2016 – Safety of machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery – Part 2: Working platforms and walkways: This International Standard specifies requirements for the design, construction, and installation of working platforms and walkways, including those made of FRP. It includes guidelines for the selection of materials and specifies minimum dimensions for floor gratings.
  5. OSHA Standard 1910.23 – Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes: This Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard specifies the requirements for guarding floor and wall openings and holes, including the use of FRP floor gratings. It includes provisions for the design, construction, and installation of floor gratings to ensure worker safety.

It is important to note that the codes and standards that apply to FRP floor gratings may vary depending on the specific application and location. It is recommended to consult with a qualified engineer to determine the appropriate codes and standards to follow.

Closing

In terms of cost, galvanized steel gratings are the most affordable, while stainless steel gratings are the most expensive. Aluminum and FRP gratings fall somewhere in between. In terms of longevity, stainless steel and FRP gratings are the most durable, while galvanized steel gratings are the least durable. In terms of weight, aluminum and FRP gratings are the lightest, while galvanized steel and stainless steel gratings are heavier. In terms of heat resistance, stainless steel and FRP gratings are the most resistant, while galvanized steel and aluminum gratings may not be suitable for high-temperature environments. In terms of chemical resistance, stainless steel and FRP gratings are the most resistant, while galvanized steel and aluminum gratings may be prone to corrosion.

When procuring grating for EPC projects, it is also important to consider the supplier’s reputation and track record. This will ensure that the supplier has a good history of providing high-quality grating and delivering it on time. It is also important to check the supplier’s certifications and accreditations, to ensure that they meet industry standards and regulations.

Finally, it is important to have detailed specifications and drawings of the grating required for the project, so that the supplier can provide the exact product that is needed. This will help to avoid any delays or complications during the construction process.

In summary, procuring grating for EPC projects is an important step in the construction process, and it requires careful consideration of several factors such as load-bearing capacity, slip resistance, corrosion resistance, cost, supplier reputation, and detailed specification and drawing of the grating.