Heavy Duty Bar Grating
Specification Criteria
Bearing Bar Selection
Once the bar spacing is selected, the bearing bar size must be specified based upon the Maximum Traffic Conditions and the unsupported clear span to be served. Consult the Load Tables for the maximum clear span of our most popular products.
For maximum durability, our load tables incorporate strict limitations where design deflection shall not exceed the lesser of L/400 or .125″ for the spans indicated.
Cross Bar Selection
While bearing bar selection is critical for specifying a proper heavy duty grating, the life cycle of your installation will often be influenced by the selection of the appropriate cross bar. The table below details the variety of cross bar sizes available.
The cross bars listed for Standard Loads are the customary twisted square or round cross bars supplied by Grating Pacific for a particular bearing bar size and spacing. These sizes have been selected to maximize manufacturing efficiency and are best used when the grating is subject to intermittent traffic with occasional full capacity loading.
The cross bars listed for Severe Loads are optional and will provide superior durability when gratings are subject to intense, continuous, or repetitious traffic. These robust cross bars increase lateral stiffness thereby extending the service life of the grating. When specifying gratings with bearing bars centered at 1-3/8″, 1-7/8″, or 2-3/8″ on center, consideration of Severe Loading cross bars is highly recommended.
Note: In the event that a cross bar size is not specified, the cross bar shall be selected at the discretion of the manufacturer.
Banding
Heavy duty gratings are commonly subjected to shock and impact loads and it is highly recommended that all open ends be banded. The welded band bar helps distribute impact loads and minimizes distortion when subjected to repetitive traffic patterns. For additional information, see Banding Details.
Serrated Surface
Optional serrated bearing bars enhance skid-resistance. Consider this surface for applications subject to the accumulation of liquids or lubricants or inclined installations.
How to Specify
- Select type of grating
- “W” for welded steel grating
- “WS” for stainless steel grating
- Select bar spacing from Table of Spacings
- Select bearing bar size from Load Tables
- Specify cross bar size from table above
- Specify plain or serrated surface
- Specify banding and any additional trim required
- Specify finish
- Bare steel (no finish)
- Painted (red, black, silver, other)
- Hot Dip Galvanized (per ASTM A123)
- Other
- Specify fasteners (if required) – see Bar Grating Fasteners
