Fiberglass Grating is a very
versatile product which utilises the properties of fiberglass,
some of the reasons are as follows:
NON-SLIP
Fiberglass Gratings integral
grit top surface provides outstanding anti-slip protection for
personnel (in wet and oily environments). The grit is embedded
in the top surface of each panel prior to curing. This combination
of integral construction, plus depth of the embedded grit, creates
a long-lasting maximum anti-slip top surface.
CORROSION RESISTANCE
The ability of Fiberglass Grating
is to guard against deterioration from industrial chemicals and
environmental factors makes it a logical and cost-effective alternative
to carbon steel, aluminium, wood or other conventional materials.
Whether the grating is exposed to continuous submersion, splash,
spills, fumes or gases, you can be assured that fiberglass grating
will outperform other mediums.
A comprehensive chemical resistance guide is available on request.
FIRE RESISTANCE
Fiberglass Grating is available
in various resin systems, two of which meet the Class 1 flame
spread rating of 25 or less, in accordance with ASTM E-84 Tunnel
Test Method. If a flame spread of 10 or less is required, a custom
phenolic resin system can be supplied.
NON-MAGNETIC
The non-magnetic properties allow the fiberglass
grating to be used in sensitive installations where the
inherent magnetic properties of metallic grating would prove unsuitable.
IMPACT RESISTANCE
The impact resistance of Fiberglass
Grating allows repeated deflection without permanent
deformation. A certain amount of deflection can occur with loading.
However, once the load is removed, the grating will return to
its original shape, unlike metallic grating, which will remain
deformed and require costly repairs or replacement. Loading/deflection
tables are available on request.
NON-SPARKING
The non sparking qualities of Fiberglass
Grating systems are ideally suited for those installations
where hydrogen or other combustible gases may be found and which
may explode or cause a fire from sparks produced from accidental
dropping of tools onto the grating.
MAINTENANCE FREE
The use of Fiberglass Grating
virtually eliminates maintenance costs since painting is not required,
and UV inhibitors protect against degradation from the sun.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Fiberglass Grating weighs
about one-quarter as much as steel grating. Two men can easily
handle full panels, without the need for hoists, pulleys or dollies.
If the Fiberglass Grating needs to be moved for cleaning, maintenance
or utility access, there is less chance of back injuries. The
lightweight design of the grating reduces installation and fabrication
costs, weighing only 12 kilos per sq mtr for 25mm and 18 kilos
per sq mtr for 38mm.
RAISED FLOORS
Many plant operations have a need for slightly
elevated floor grating. Fixed or adjustable pedestals can be used
for applications up to a height of 600mm. Plastic insert mouldings,
which raise the Fiberglass Grating panels 7mm
off the floor, are ideal for allowing liquid drainage below the
Grating.
STANDARD BEARING SURFACES
On most installations, a minimum of 38mm bearing
support should be provided under the edges of Fiberglass
Grating panels.
DESIGN
The design procedures associated with Fiberglass
Grating are entirely different from those associated
with other materials. The prime consideration in designing with
fiberglass is allowable ‘deflection’ as opposed to ultimate
‘loading’ used with steel and aluminium. The reason
for this is the inherent elasticity of reinforced plastic, permitting
far greater deflection than steel, without the danger of structural
failure. Load
and deflection tables are available on request.
COST SAVINGS
In a review of costs, Fiberglass Grating
showed significant savings over the use of stainless steel grating,
and when consideration is given to ‘life cycle costs’,
combining anti-slip benefits, the saving over the use of metal
grating alternatives is quite considerable.
NON-CONDUCTIVE
The non-conductive properties make Fiberglass
Grating ideally suited for work platforms and flooring
situated in electrically hazardous locations.
NON MAGNETIC
The properties of Fiberglass Grating
allows use in sensitive installations where the inherent magnetic
properties of metallic grating would prove unsuitable.
LOW INSTALLATION COSTS
Fiberglass Grating weighs
considerably less than conventional metal gratings, and is easier
and less expensive to transport, install and remove. Only simple
hand tools are required for installation and removal, eliminating
the need for costly equipment and labour costs associated with
heavy lifting, cutting and welding.
SUPERIOR STRENGTH
The high glass-to-resin ratio of Fiberglass
Grating provides superior strength and load-bearing characteristics.
With structural integrity protected by its unique corrosion resistance
capabilities, fiberglass grating lasts longer than traditional
materials.
MECHANICAL STRENGTH
Breaking strength under a lateral force is
exceptional. The unidirectional continuous fiberglass reinforcement
offers numerous advantages, including rigidity, shock-resistance
and no permanent deformation after overloading. These factors
provide excellent mechanical strength and a generous factor of
safety. Fiberglass Grating is designed for maximum
safety in intensive industrial use.
CONDUCTIVE GRATING
Fiberglass Conductive Grating
provides a specially formulated carbon, black surface, which will
eliminate hazardous static electricity when properly grounded.
This antistatic property is most advantageous in high-tech electronic
industries where sophisticated equipment may be damaged due to
static electricity. It also provides a safe environment in combustible
areas by not allowing static sparks. Conductive Grating can be
used in Railway Fuel Stations, Circuit Board Manufacture, Oil
Refineries, Underground Mining Operations, Ammunition Factories
etc. The surface electric resistance of Conducting Grating is
1 x 105 to 5 x 105.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Composite structural Fiberglass
Grating materials have demonstrated a proven ability
to withstand the harsh side effects of corrosive conditions better
than galvanised steel. For many years, composites have been reliably
used in traditionally corrosive industries such as chemical processing,
plating and marine construction. While the cost of material is
an important criteria in the design of a project, it does not
reflect the total cost of the project. Beyond material purchase
price, the engineer also should consider the related costs of
installation, maintenance over time and replacement of debilitated
materials.
