FRP & Composite Grating
Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) grating—also referred to as composite grating—is a resin-fiberglass composite material used for the surfaces of walkways, stairs, platforms and other load-bearing structures. It is available in pultruded and molded forms, both of which can be customized to meet specific performance and safety requirements.
Pultruded Fiberglass Gratings VS. Molded Grating?
Pultruded fiberglass gratings are fabricated from corrosion-resistant I- or T- bars that are connected and secured through a unique notch and groove bar system. They are suitable for applications that require high strength and stiffness. Molded fiberglass gratings are molded and cured into the desired shape. They are ideal for structures that need extensive fabrication and cutting as well as applications that involve corrosive compounds or require a large open area.
How are Pultruded Fiberglass Gratings Made?
The fiberglass pultrusion process utilizes a caterpillar-like machine to pull the fiberglass material through the various steps. First, fiberglass strands are guided into parallel bundles that run across the length of the component. Then, fiberglass mat is added to provide multidirectional reinforcement. Next, resin is applied to the fiberglass materials, and a surface veil is wrapped around the entire assembly. Afterward, the composite is pulled through a heated die, which cures it. Finally, the cured material is cut to the desired lengths with a cut-off saw, and the individual bars are assembled to form grating panels.
Features & Benefits of frp grating
- Corrosion Resistance
- One-Piece Construction
- Bi-directional Load Bearing
- UV Resistance
- Maintenance Free
- Long Life
- Electrical and Thermal Insulation
- Lightweight
- Ease of Installation
- Ergonomic – Flexible to help reduce worker fatigue
Pultruded grating provides additional advantages such as:
- Enhanced load-bearing capabilities: Pultruded fiberglass grating features a higher glass-to-resin ratio, which increases its stiffness, strength, and load-bearing capacity along the length of the component.
- Increased design and installation flexibility: Since pultruded fiberglass grating systems are assembled rather than molded, they can be made in a wider range of sizes and installed in a greater number of ways.
- Reduced waste: Compared to the molding process, the pultrusion process uses materials more efficiently, which reduces the amount of material waste produced.
Applications for FRP Gratings
FRP gratings are well-suited for highly corrosive environments or applications involving commercial and architectural applications. Typical uses include:
- Boat Docks
- Catwalks
- Equipment/Machinery Guards
- Platforms
- Ramps
- Stairs
- Trenches
- Walkways
