Ask the Expert: When & Why to Use Heavy-Duty Steel Grates - gb&d

Steel grating won’t fold under pressure. In fact, it can support even the heaviest vehicular and aircraft loads. On top of its durability, steel grating can be implemented in a number of ways, from pedestrian walkways to trenches and drainage grates. Since its founding in , Laurel Custom Grating (LCG) has become a leading heavy-duty steel grating manufacturer. A member of the National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers, the company’s mission is to create high-quality products and provide superior service. Bill Adams, sales team lead at LCG, shares why you should consider using heavy-duty steel grating in your next design.

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Heavy-duty steel grating is a versatile and economical product. Steel is not only easy to weld into custom designs and 100% recyclable, but it’s also excellent in tension and compression when you compare it to other construction materials like concrete or wood. Steel grating can safely support heavy traffic vehicles and equipment while also meeting drainage and airflow needs in a range of industrial projects.

Steel grating can allow for efficient storm drainage or simplify ventilation. Our customers at LCG use heavy-duty grating in many ways, including for trenches, loading docks, mezzanine flooring, vault covers, sidewalks, ramps, and material screens. Another example is using steel grating for wash racks for concrete trucks or dump trucks. As the trucks drive through a washing system, wash racks allow the dirt, rocks, and debris to fall into a trench underneath the grating. Our customers have also used steel grating on grain farms, where grain passes through the grates before being loaded onto trucks.

Heelsafe grating is often used in vaults like the ones you see beneath sidewalks. In this type of application, precasters create a concrete vault with steel grating on top for ventilation. The grating also makes the surface safe for pedestrians to walk on and for cars to drive on. We have even provided steel grating for an airplane hangar. The project team installed grating in the shape of an airplane for maintenance. Steel grating can also be used in bridgework instead of concrete as a more economical option.

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.

• 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

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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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