Bar Grating
Bar grating is the term given to a series of metal bars or gratings that have been welded, swaged, pressure locked, or riveted together. The load bearing bars are positioned vertically an equal distance apart and joined by cross bars, which form a rectangular pattern.
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Applications of Bar Grating
Bar grating has a wide range of uses as walkways, platforms and mezzanine decking, barriers, drain grates, and stair treads. It is able to provide a safe and durable solution for these application needs while providing the flexibility of construction adaptation. Materials commonly used to construct bar grating include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or high strength fiberglass or fiber reinforced plastic.
Bar Grating Design and Customization
The most common spacing formation for bar grating is rectangular; however, diagonal bars may also be used to reinforce the structure, resulting in a diamond-like configuration. There are a number of standard spacing options that are dependent on the application for which the grating is being used and the specific requirements in terms of load bearing, strength, porosity, and surface demands. However, many manufacturers are able to adapt the spacing to meet custom loading or area requirements. Other factors that can be adjusted include panel sizes, bar shapes and sizes, and methods of joining.
Different types of joining methods include welding, swaging, riveting, and locking. Welded bar grating is the most common, as it is a cost-effective and high strength option. It is easy to adjust to a specific area and is straightforward to install. The parallel and cross bars are welded together at their contact points through the application of high heat and pressure, creating a strong and permanent bond. The resulting grid is rigid.
Benefits of Using Bar Grating
In terms of safety, the openness of welded bar grating maximizes air, light, liquid, and sound circulation, thus expanding the range of uses for which the metal grates can be used. When joined by welding processes, metal bar grates can vary in terms of bar dimensions and spacing. Press-locked grates are those notched and forced together under pressure and are often used in architectural applications due to the aesthetically appealing nature of the resulting pattern. Press-locked methods are not as permanent as welding methods and yet still result in a high-strength grate. Using bar grating is a cost-effective solution to many grating, structural support, filtering, and safety needs. They provide a strong and durable product that is often less costly, both in terms of initial output as well as in long term maintenance and repair.