Grating 101

Author: Jesse

May. 13, 2024

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Grating Basics

Anchor

– A device by which grating is attached to its supports

Band

– A flat bar welded to the end of a grating panel, or along the side of a cutout, and extending neither above nor below the bearing bars.

Load Carrying Band

– A band used to transfer load between bearing bars.

Trim Band

– A band which carries no load, used primarily for appearance and closing open ends.

Bearing Bars

– Load-carrying main elements made from steel, aluminum or stainless steel, extending in the direction of the grating span

Bearing Bar Centers

– The distance center-to-center of the bearing bars.

Carriers

– Flats or angles which are welded to the grating panel and nosing of a stair tread and are bolted to a stair stringer to support the tread.

Clear Opening

– The distance between faces of bearing bars in rectangular gratings, or between a bent connecting bar and a bearing bar in a riveted grating.

Cross Bars

– The connecting bars which extend across the bearing bars, usually perpendicular to them. They may be bent into a corrugated or sinuous pattern and, where they intersect the bearing bars, are welded, forged or mechanically locked to them.

Pressure-Locked Grating

-Pressure-locked means bearing bars are locked in position by cross bar deformation instead of riveting or welding. Several proven methods include:

Expansion of an extruded or drawn tubular cross bar;
Extruded cross bar deformed or swaged between bearing bars;
Press assembly of rectangular cross bars into slotted bearing bars.

Radially Cut Grating

– Rectangular grating which is cut into panels shaped as annular segments, for use in circular or annular areas.

Reticuline Bar

– A sinuously bent connecting bar extending between two adjacent bearing bars, alternately contacting and being riveted to each.

Rivet Centers

– The distance center-to-center of rivets along one bearing bar.

Riveted Grating

– Grating composed of straight bearing bars and bent connecting bars, which are joined at their contact points, by riveting.

Serrated Grating

– Grating which has the top surfaces of the bearing bars or cross bars, or both, notched.

Cross Bar Centers

– The distance center-to-center of the cross bars.

Understanding Metal Grating

Metal Grating

Introduction

This article takes an in-depth look at metal grating.

You'll discover insights into:

What is Metal Grating?
Types of Metal Grating
Metals Used to Make Metal Grating
How Metal Grating is Made
And much more...

Chapter One – What is Metal Grating?

Metal grating is created by perforating metal sheets or joining bars to form a grid. It's extensively used across various industries in applications like stairs, platforms, scaffolding, and protective coverings. Production methods include expanding, perforating, molding, and welding.

Originally, metal grating was developed to ventilate underground spaces that often became overheated and unhealthy. During World War II, it was popularly used for rapid setup of runways and emergency surfaces, often referred to as "magic carpets."

Key parameters for producing metal grating include thickness, metal bar dimensions, opening patterns, load capacity, and installation environment. The versatility of metal grating allows for standard sizes or customized designs to meet specific needs. Most installations require custom designs due to unique requirements.

Various metals can be used for metal gratings, but iron, carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel are among the most common. These gratings offer a non-slip surface, crucial for secure work platforms.

The design possibilities for metal gratings are limitless, including combinations of steel grating and steel plates. They can be welded, press-locked, dense, or compounded with metal plates, suitable for demanding conditions.

Chapter Two – Types of Metal Gratings

Engineers and designers work to tailor metal grating solutions to the exact specifications of a structure. Considerations include thickness, metal bar dimensions, and the configuration or pattern of the openings, which can be oval, square, or diamond-shaped.

Factors such as the amount of light, air, and sound that need to pass through the grating are also considered, as well as its aesthetic value. Heavier gratings are made of welded steel or pressure-locked interlocked bars.

Expanded Metal Gratings

Expanded metal grating is produced by puncturing slits in a metal sheet, which is then stretched to form a diamond-shaped pattern. These sheets can be cut to fit specific applications. Expanded metal gratings can be made from various metals.

Standard expanded metal grating offers a slip-resistant surface, while flattened expanded metal grating has a smooth, even finish achieved by cold rolling. Non-flattened expanded metal grating has a raised surface for improved traction.

Bar metal grating is the most common type, featuring parallel bars connected to perpendicular bars, joined using methods like welding, riveting, close meshing, or press locking. This type is made from aluminum or steel, boasts a high strength-to-weight ratio, and is used for industrial flooring, fire escapes, street drains, and bridges.

Wire Mesh Metal Grating

Wire mesh metal grating, also known as wire fabric or wire cloth, has intersecting rows and columns of wires. It's easy to install, durable, and versatile, with applications in various industries. It can be welded or woven, depending on the manufacturer.

Welded wire metal grating is welded at intersecting points, while woven wire metal grating is woven like cloth, with columns and rows interlacing.

Perforated Metal Grating

Perforated metal grating is created by stamping, punching, or deforming metal sheets to make holes of specific sizes, patterns, and shapes. Sturdy metals like stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum are used. Perforated metal grating has uses in sound reduction, ventilation, and screening.

Safety or Grip Strut Grating

Safety grating provides a firm, skid-resistant surface, designed to increase traction and prevent falls. Made with diamond protrusions for better grip, it has large openings for drainage and air flow. The serrated edges of the diamond openings, produced by cold stamping, enhance grip.

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Compound Metal Grating

Compound metal grating combines bar grating and steel plate grating. It features a checkered plate on the surface of a steel bar grating, with steel plates ranging in thickness from 0.12 to 0.24 inches (3 to 6 mm).

Available in various sizes and materials, some forms incorporate wire mesh metal grating or multiple layers of bar and perforated metal grating. Heavy gauge steel is used to prevent deformation during zinc coating.

Press Locked Metal Grating

Press locked metal grating is a type of bar grating where cross and bearing bars are notched and pressed together, creating a smooth surface. It's available in steel and aluminum and can fit into architectural designs.

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Chapter Three – Types of Metals Used to Make Metal Gratings

Grating refers to any covering or frame used for various purposes like support, platforms, or protection. Materials range from plastics to heavy-duty steel and stainless steel. Choosing a grating material depends on its use, required strength, and its impact on ambiance.

Metal gratings are vital for safety and protection in different conditions, including airports and industrial operations. Aluminum gratings are malleable, corrosion resistant, lightweight, and cosmetically appealing, making them suitable for industrial and decorative uses.

Light-Duty Steel Metal Grating

Light-duty steel metal grating is used for pedestrian and some rolling traffic. It's often bar metal grating made from carbon steel, known for its cost efficiency, low maintenance, and broad use in highway platforms and safety barriers.

Stainless Steel Gratings

Various grades of stainless steel like 304, 304L, 316, and 316L are used for metal grating. Known for strength and corrosion resistance, stainless steel grating is ideal for water treatment plants and harsh environments.

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