FRP Grating Design Guide
Selecting the Right FRP Grating
A practical methodology for engineers: environment → load → span → panel type → resin → surface.
1 · Define the Environment
Identify chemical exposure, temperature, UV and moisture. This determines the resin system and whether fire-retardant or UV-stabilized grades are needed.
2 · Determine the Load
Specify uniform load (kN/m²) or concentrated load (kN) per your standard. Classify per ISO, EN or your project spec.
3 · Choose Molded or Pultruded
Molded for bi-directional strength and impact; pultruded for 2× stiffness, long spans and heavy loads. See table below.
4 · Check the Span
Use load/span charts to confirm deflection limits (typically L/100 to L/200). Contact us for certified charts.
5 · Select the Surface
Grit-top for maximum slip resistance; concave/convex standard; smooth for cleanroom and food contact.
6 · Specify Accessories
Clips, screws, edge banding and cut-outs — specified together with the panel for complete supply.
Molded vs. Pultruded Grating
| Property | Molded Grating | Pultruded Grating |
|---|---|---|
| Glass content | ~33% | ~70% |
| Strength orientation | Bi-directional | Uni-directional (bearing bars) |
| Stiffness | Standard | ~2× molded |
| Typical span | Up to 1.2 m | Up to 3.0 m |
| Impact resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Anti-slip surface | Concave/Convex/Grit | Grit-top |
| Best for | Chemical, wet, impact zones | Heavy loads, long spans, traffic |
The Seven-Step Selection Process
The design guide follows the selection path a specifier actually walks: 1 · Define the environment (chemicals, moisture, UV) decides the resin; 2 · Determine the load fixes the uniform and concentrated cases; 3 · Choose molded or pultruded sets the construction; 4 · Check the span reads the load table at the actual support distance; 5 · Select the surface matches slip performance to the walking condition; 6 · Specify accessories fixes clips, hardware and covers. Each step links to the detailed guide, and the deeper technical pages — span calculation, thermal expansion, vibration, connections — sit alongside the process guides in this library.
Deeper Technical Pages
- Span & Load Calculation — worked example with section properties.
- Thermal Expansion — gap calculation and installation joints.
- Vibration & Natural Frequency — resonance checks for machinery decks.
- Connection Design — clips, bolts and bearing details.
- Span & Load Calculation — worked example with section properties.
- Thermal Expansion — gap calculation and installation joints.
- Vibration & Natural Frequency — resonance checks for machinery decks.
- Connection Design — clips, bolts and bearing details.
Need Certified Load Charts?
Our engineers provide load/span charts and structural calculations for your specific project free of charge.