FRP grating application and selection guide

When it comes to gratings for public or commercial walkaways, steel isn’t the only option – FRP gratings are stronger and lighter than traditional gratings. They are also easy to install and offer friction, preventing slips and falls.

Known for its strength and high strength-to-weight ratio, FRP grating is increasingly being adopted in many industrial and public applications.

This article provides an insight into FRP gratings and their applications, addressing the frequently asked questions.

What is FRP grating?

Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic or FRP grating is an alternative to steel with superior physical and chemical properties. Being made of fibreglass, it is lightweight, lighter than steel and also strong, with a high strength-to-weight ratio. These characteristics made it ideal for use in floorings, stairways and platforms, both in industrial and public spaces. 

In addition, the coarse quartz grits built into the surface provide enough friction and reduce the risk of slips and falls. This anti-slip finish makes for a comfortable walking surface.

Manufactured by combining fibreglass with resin, FRP grating gains its strength from the fibreglass and chemical resistance from the resin.

What are FRP grating panels?

FRP grating panels are composite materials made by interweaving fibreglass strands across resin, creating a strong and durable grid. The manufacturing process involves layering fibreglass across the loadbearing axis at a right angle in large moulds and then setting in resin.

The bidirectional strength of the moulded FRP grating panels eliminates the need for additional reinforcements, making them versatile. 

At Weldlok, we primarily use isophthalic polyester due to its good chemical and flame-resistant properties. We also use vinyl ester and phenolic, which are available upon request. Our FRP grating panels come in various colours, including green, yellow and grey, with standard slip-resistant coated surfaces.

How to cut FRP grating

Due to its inherent strength, cutting FRP grating requires specific tools and techniques to ensure clean and precise cuts. Weldlok recommends using a power saw with diamond-coated blades or masonry carbide with the panel set upside down when cutting FRP gratings.

After cutting, ensure the cut edges are ground until smooth to the touch. Following that, give a light coating of UV-stable 2-part resin. Alternatively, you can also give it a UV-stable urethane spray coating.

As always, ensure that you are adequately protected when cutting FRP gratings. Wear proper safety equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and dust protection masks, to protect against fibreglass dust.

Lastly, cut to the nearest load bar to ensure closed ends on all four sides. Cutting to exact measurements may result in open ends with exposed load bars.

How do you order FRP grating?

Selecting and ordering the correct FRP grating impacts your project’s efficiency and safety to a great extent. Follow these steps to ensure you get the right grating for your project:

• Choose the grating pattern and colour that best suits your application.

• Ensure the depth of the load bars match the clear span and load requirements of your project.

• Determine the type of surface your application needs. Options include plain, concave, or anti-slip grit surfaces.

• Select the resin type that best fits your application. This ensures the FRP grating will perform optimally in your specific environment.

• Your options include isophthalic polyester, vinyl ester, and phenolic. Remember the properties and the chemical resistance change depending on the resin.

• Determine the panel sizes needed for your project, keeping in mind the installation tolerances. Ensure you allow space for a cut next to a load bar to avoid open ends.

Conclusion

FRP grating is a versatile and highly effective solution for various industrial and public applications. Its superior strength, lightweight nature, and excellent resistance to corrosion and chemicals make it an ideal choice for environments where traditional materials may fail.

By following the steps for selecting and ordering the right FRP grating, you can ensure optimal performance and safety for your project.