Glass fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) grating is a type of industrial flooring used in a wide range of industries. It is often found on pavements and raised platforms.
FRP grating is extremely durable, non-corrosive and non-conductive, which often makes it a safer alternative to other flooring materials traditionally used in harsh and high-risk environments.
In this article we will look at how FRP grating is made, some of the benefits of using it and where you might find it commonly found.
FRP grating is made from a combination of glass fibres and resin. The fibreglass gives the finished product its strength, while the resin makes it resistant to corrosive substances.
FRP Grating
Moulded FRP grating is a grid consisting of horizontal and vertical layers of liquid resin and continuous glass fibre roving. As the name implies, it is made from large metal moulds.
The multi-directional strength of moulded FRP grating means that no additional reinforcement is required to make room for pipework or to navigate cut-outs in complex floor layouts. Another advantage of moulded FRP is that it is available in standard sizes and can be ordered in bulk and stored until required.
Pultruded FRP grating uses a different manufacturing process. It takes resin and glass fibres and combines them in a series of steps to form a new composite material.
It does not use moulds, so there is greater flexibility in creating different shapes and sizes. And there is usually less waste. Pultruded FRP grating has a higher glass to resin ratio, increasing its strength and span capacity.
FRP Grating
FRP grating is often found in hazardous or harsh environments where it may be exposed to the elements or come into contact with dangerous and corrosive chemicals. The following are some examples of situations where FRP grating is used.
On ships and offshore installations: The robust nature of FRP grating makes it ideal for ships and oil rigs or other offshore installations. It can be exposed to wind, rain and extreme temperatures, and can also be submerged in water. It is also lightweight and relatively easy to transport.
Use of flammable materials: FRP grating does not emit any sparks, so it is often seen as a safer alternative to steel or other metals around combustible materials. For example, dropping a metal object on it will not produce sparks that could cause the atmospheric gases around it to ignite.
In electrically hazardous environments: FRP grating is often used in electrically hazardous environments because it is non-conductive. It therefore reduces the risk of electrocution or other injury in the event of an accident involving electricity.
In chemical plants: FRP grating is non-corrosive. This makes it ideal for walkways, platforms and other surfaces in chemical plants where there is a risk of leakage or spillage of corrosive materials.
On complex construction sites: the ease of transporting, storing and cutting FRP grating makes it a flexible and cost-effective solution for working on site. Construction companies are able to use standard cutting tools to make FRP gratings suitable for complex and mobile site layouts.
Construction sites need durable, flexible flooring solutions. Construction sites need a durable, flexible flooring solution.
