A great floor or walkway is one you never have to think about. You simply walk or drive over it to get your work done. But if it’s rusty or gouged or slippery, suddenly that area is a safety hazard and a productivity drain. Fortunately, an area made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) grating from Bedford takes those worries away.
Bedford FRP grating won’t rust, shrink, swell, warp, corrode, dent or attract insects. Unlike metal systems, fiberglass grating is non-conductive, helping to prevent electric shocks. FRP grating is also impact resistant, so if a tool or heavy item gets dropped, there isn’t going to be a dent that someone could stumble on later.
Gratings made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic are available in a range of depths and grid configurations, and you’ll find FRP grating in two forms: molded grating and pultruded grating. Check out the videos below to learn all about them. If you already know your grating needs, check out our inventory. You can also contact us for advice on the perfect composite grating choice for your application.
Learn from the Expert
Our FRP grating videos feature insights from Aldred D’Souza, ACMA’s Fiberglass Grating Council Chair and Bedford’s Engineering Director who was instrumental in releasing the industry’s first ANSI Approved FRP Grating Manual.
Why FRP Grating Saves Headaches
Because Bedford fiberglass grating delivers superior impact resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and more, it’s the perfect choice for long-lasting performance. But just what is FRP grating? Bedford’s Engineering Director Aldred D’Souza explains what FRP grating is and how it takes safety worries away.
More FRP Grating Possibilities
From catwalk platforms to trench covers to walkways to so much more, Bedford FRP grating is used around the world in a wide range of applications. And floors are just the beginning. It’s used for screens, barriers, fences, awnings and more. Check out the video to see the many uses and possibilities. Maybe you’ll even come up with a use for fiberglass grating that we haven’t thought of yet!
Science Matters
Fiberglass grating is classified into two categories: molded grating and pultruded grating. The names come from the production process used to create them. Bedford PROGrid® molded FRP grating is manufactured—no surprise—using a mold. Glass strands are added to the liquid resin matrix to provide reinforcing strength, much like adding metal bars within concrete. Bedford PROGrate® pultruded FRP grating is fabricated by pulling resin material through a form into a specific shape, usually an I or T cross-section, while reinforcing it with fiberglass.
Much more important than the process are the different characteristics. Molded grating is strong and lightweight, and it has the flexibility to resist impacts. Pultruded FRP grating is stiffer and can support heavier loads and longer spans. Both types are available with safety features such as anti-slip surfaces, and both offer several color choices. Browse through detailed specs or check inventory. For a quick overview, check out our video on the differences between molded and pultruded FRP grating.
Making the Choice
Which fiberglass grating is right for your application? What size do you need? Bedford’s expert team is always ready to help you find the perfect choice. You can also check inventory if you know what you need.
Whether you’re starting a project or replacing a metal or wood structure that couldn’t hold up under the working and weather conditions, here are four key considerations to keep in mind:
- How much load will the FRP grating need to support? If you’ll have a forklift or vehicles driving over the grating or if heavy equipment will be placed in it, you’ll need a higher-rated design load than you will for mere foot traffic.
- What is the size of the span? The maximum size of the unsupported grating span helps you know the FRP grating stiffness and load needs.
- What are the working conditions? Though fiberglass grating holds up extremely well when exposed to chemicals or extreme weather, it’s important to know the conditions so that the correct geometries are used. Our goal is always to give you a solution that lasts and lasts.
- Is a fire retardant needed? If the working conditions may include exposure to flames, electrical sparks or intense heat, FRP grating is ideal. It doesn’t conduct electricity, and fire retardants can be embedded during the production process.
Check out this video for an overview of selection considerations.
Here to Help
Our knowledgeable team can draw on decades of experience for just about any application. If you have questions or want to request a quote, don’t hesitate to reach out or call 814-623-8125.