Choose the Right Bar Grating - Metal Construction News

There are many bar gratings that are diverse in construction, material and purpose. With so many options available, determining the right fit for design and functional needs can sometimes be overwhelming.

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Tips on determining the right fit for bar grating design and functional needs

While always being used in new and creative ways, bar grating is most frequently seen in walkway applications. But how do you determine which type is best suited for your pathway? What are the benefits, usage and specifications of each?

Know the Application

Bar grating is an ideal option when high levels of strength and durability are required. Its high-performance, yet low-maintenance characteristics function well in rugged and severe environments. When determining the right bar grating item for your project, it is first helpful to envision exactly how the product will be used. Knowing the application will help guide you through the rest of the selection process.

For example, will it be carrying heavy vehicular loads, or will it be a walking surface for pedestrian traffic? In some cases, it may be a uniform load, where the full weight of a machine or object is resting on the entire span of the panel. Other times, the load being placed on the panels is a concentrated load, which simply means it covers a smaller area in relation to the grating and therefore changes the pounds per foot weight capacity when compared to uniform load. Always consult the correct load table before making your decision.

Grating Types

Once the intended application is known, the next thing to decide is the bar grating construction type: welded, heavy-duty welded, swage-locked or presslocked.

Tampa, Fla.-based McNICHOLS Co.’s welded bar grating is durable and versatile, and is therefore one of the most popular bar grating choices. For even more strength and carrying capacity, heavy-duty welded is the most durable and secure construction, and is often used in areas with vehicular traffic. Swage-locked bar grating is made from aluminum, and thus has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Press-locked bar grating is optimized with a flush surface and bearing bars that are close together. This low percentage of open area qualifies some press-locked items to be ADA-compliant.

Strength, weight, environment and aesthetics are all factors that determine the primary material, whether it be lightweight aluminum, durable carbon steel, or corrosion-resistant galvanized steel and stainless steel. Also, decide whether you would like a smooth, serrated or grooved surface depending on your traction needs. Confirm that your chosen grating will be able to handle application loads. Load tables are available that make it easy to calculate and confirm load capacity. There are many charts, lists and details that can provide more comprehensive information about various bar gratings.

It is important to note that these are just some of the considerations when specifying bar grating. Details such as series type, product spacing, bar size and shape, percent open area, and span are key to choosing the right product for your application.

Understanding the types of metal grating is essential when selecting the right material for your project. Each type has distinct characteristics and is suited to different applications. Below are the most popular types of metal grating.

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  Expanded Metal Grating

Expanded metal grating is produced by taking a flat sheet of metal and then stretching or expanding it to create a diamond-shaped pattern. This process ensures that the metal retains its strength and rigidity while providing an open mesh structure. It is commonly used in applications where a high level of visibility and ventilation is required.

• Perforated Metal

Perforated metal grating is made by punching holes into a sheet of metal in a pattern. This type of grating is frequently used in industries where filtration, drainage, or lightweight construction is necessary. The hole patterns in perforated metal grating can vary in size and shape, depending on the specific project requirements.

• Bar Grating

Bar grating is one of the most commonly used types of metal grating. It is made by welding or forging metal bars together to form a grid pattern. However, other methods also exist to join the bars together. The bars can be arranged in either a parallel or a perpendicular configuration, depending on the intended application. There are several bar grating types, including light-duty, heavy-duty, and custom options.

• Wire Mesh

Wire mesh grating consists of metal wires arranged in a grid pattern and typically welded at the intersections. This type of grating is ideal for applications that need a flexible and lightweight solution. Wire mesh is often used in fencing, screening, and industrial purposes where the strength-to-weight ratio is essential.

• Safety Grating

Safety grating is designed to prevent slip hazards, offering superior traction underfoot. It is often used in walkways, stair treads, and other high-traffic areas where safety is a top priority. This type of grating features a serrated surface to provide added grip, even in wet or slippery conditions.

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