Grating and “Deflection”

We had a customer inquiry a few weeks ago where an engineer had viewed our load tables for our FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) grating brochures and told us they were incomplete. The customer was designing an application with a span of about 7 feet and wanted load table sheets for that span. The problem was, there are no load tables for such a span! FRP grating is not meant for spans in excess of 54″ and we had to explain to the customer that he would need to revise his design. The issue comes down to a term: “deflection”. Deflection can also be called “bounce” because that’s what it literally is when we discuss deflection in regards to FRP grating. FRP will deflect much more than metal grating will and this is perhaps not widely known. The problem is that too much deflection makes it unsafe for people to walk on, it feels uncomfortable and balance can be lost leading to falls. Instead of trying to make the grating fit your design, you should take deflection seriously and reduce the span. It will create a sturdier, safer platform.

For our new load tables click here.