Master Specification
Molded Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Grating
Master specification; adapt bracketed project notes before insertion into the project manual.
Project notes: Resin ______ · Thickness ______ mm · Mesh ______ · Surface ______ · Color ______ · Live load ______ kN/m² · Clear span ______ mm · Deflection limit L/______ · Fire rating ______ · Corrosive service ______.
PART 1 — GENERAL
1.1 Related Sections
Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and Division 01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section. Related Sections: Division 05 — Metal Fabrications; Section 05 51 00 — FRP Handrail; Section 14 22 00 — FRP Ladders.
1.2 Summary
This Section specifies compression-molded fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP/GRP) grating for walkways, platforms, stair treads and secondary containment. It covers materials, fabrication, surfaces, supports, fastening and acceptance.
1.3 Definitions
FRP/GRP: fiberglass reinforced polymer composite. Molded grating: bi-directional compression-molded panel. Bearing bar: load-carrying element. C-veil: resin-rich surfacing layer. G-clip: stainless fastener securing grating to support.
1.4 System Description
Provide molded FRP grating complete with panels, edge banding, clips, fasteners and sealants as shown. Design panels to carry specified live loads at the specified clear span without exceeding the deflection limit (typically L/200 for occupied areas, L/150 general, L/100 heavy industrial) and a safety factor of not less than 4:1 on ultimate flexural strength, per ZeAllgrate practice.
1.5 Submittals
Submit product data, certified load/span tables for the exact panel and resin, COA (glass content, Barcol, dimensions, batch), ASTM E84 fire report if Class A is required, and samples (300 × 300 mm) for color and surface approval.
1.6 Delivery, Storage & Handling
Deliver panels in factory packaging, marked with batch and grade. Store flat on dunnage, off the ground, covered. Lift with soft slings; do not drop or drag. Avoid point loading and sharp-edge support.
PART 2 — PRODUCTS (MATERIALS)
2.1 Panels
Compression-molded FRP grating, bi-directional, with continuous roving and chopped-strand mat. Glass content approximately 33% by weight. Standard panel size 1220 × 3660 mm; thickness 25, 30, 38, 40 and 50 mm; mesh 38 × 38 mm (other meshes by approved submittal).
2.2 Resin
Select from: orthophthalic (general, ~60 °C); isophthalic (dilute acids, brine, wastewater, ~70–80 °C); vinyl ester (strong acids/oxidizers, ~90–110 °C); novolac vinyl ester (hot concentrated service, ~120–150 °C); phenolic (fire/low-smoke, ~120 °C). Match resin to the worst-case chemical × temperature; provide a C-glass surfacing veil on both faces.
2.3 Surface
Choose: concave (standard, drains); convex (standard, firm footing); grit-top (embedded silica/carborundum for wet/oily slip resistance); micro-mesh (fine opening); smooth (hygienic). Specify grit-top on stairs, splash zones and wet decks.
2.4 Color
Standard green; gray, yellow, red, blue or Pantone-matched custom color by approved submittal.
2.5 Fasteners & Accessories
Stainless steel A2 (304) or A4 (316) G-clips and bolts; FRP flat-bar edge banding; matching resin sealer for cut edges. Use A4/316 in marine, chloride or wastewater service; do not use galvanized hardware in corrosive service.
PART 3 — EXECUTION (INSTALLATION)
3.1 Examination
Verify supports are level, within tolerance (±5 mm), and at the spacing shown. Confirm bearing-bar direction across the span. Do not install on defective framing.
3.2 Installation
Dry-lay panels before fastening. Provide not less than 50 mm bearing on supports. Fasten with one G-clip per bearing bar at each support and a clip at each panel corner; spacing not exceeding 300 mm along supports. Leave 6–10 mm expansion gaps at panel ends. Frame free edges with FRP angle.
3.3 Field Modification
Cut with carbide-tipped tools; round internal corners (≥ 10 mm radius); seal all cut edges with matching resin or banding; re-clip every support after cutting. Use PPE and dust control.
3.4 Adjusting & Cleaning
Remove sawdust from grit surfaces; touch up minor scuffs with resin; re-torque clips after thermal cycling (first 6–12 months).
PART 4 — QUALITY
Manufacture under an ISO 9001:2015 quality system. Verify, by submittal and on-arrival inspection: glass content ~33% (±3%); Barcol hardness ≥ 40 (polyester) or ≥ 35 (vinyl ester); dimensional tolerance ± 3 mm thickness, ± 5 mm length/width; no surface voids, delamination or exposed glass. Load certification traceable to test panels at the design span. ASTM E84 Class A (FSI ≤ 25, SDI ≤ 450) where specified. Reject panels with crushed ends, cracked bars or delamination.
Standards & Sources
- ZeAllgrate — Guidelines for the Engineer/Designer (ACMA) — safety factors, deflection, connection practice.
- Industry molded grating engineering guide (manufacturer PDF) — panel sizes, resins and surfaces. Manufacturer technical data available upon request.
- ASTM E84 (fire), D638 (tensile), D790 (flexural), D2583 (Barcol); OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23; ISO 14122.
Supplementary Design Considerations
For molded grating, specify the panel construction (38 mm / 50 mm / 65 mm), the mesh opening and the surface finish (concave, convex or grit-top) against the walking and drainage requirements of each deck zone. Resin grade follows the chemical list — isophthalic for the common plant range, vinyl ester for strong acids, oxidizers and heat. Loads are checked against the deflection-limited table at the project's limit (L/200 walkway default) in both uniform and concentrated columns, and openings interrupt bearing capacity — verify the remaining section and reinforce edges per the cutting guide. Fire class, where required, is confirmed against the ASTM E84 report for the exact grade.
For molded grating, specify the panel construction (38 mm / 50 mm / 65 mm), the mesh opening and the surface finish (concave, convex or grit-top) against the walking and drainage requirements of each deck zone. Resin grade follows the chemical list — isophthalic for the common plant range, vinyl ester for strong acids, oxidizers and heat. Loads are checked against the deflection-limited table at the project's limit (L/200 walkway default) in both uniform and concentrated columns, and openings interrupt bearing capacity — verify the remaining section and reinforce edges per the cutting guide. Fire class, where required, is confirmed against the ASTM E84 report for the exact grade.Get This Spec in Word
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