Heavy-Duty Versus Light-Duty Versus Riveted Grating
Morgans Welding
Heavy-duty, light-duty, and riveted grating all offer similar benefits, but their use cases vary. Learn more about the differences among these designs.
Heavy-duty, light-duty, and riveted grating all offer similar benefits, but their use cases vary. Learn more about the differences among these designs.
Steel grating improves safety, accessibility, and functionality in many municipal settings, whether for drainage, walkways, access covers, or transit platforms. Steel grating can be constructed from various materials, ranging from carbon steel to the more expensive stainless steel, coated for additional environmental resistance, and designed in different configurations to accommodate application needs. The three primary types of steel grating (for municipal settings) are heavy-duty, light-duty, and riveted.
In this article, we’ll explore the design, benefits, and use cases of each.
When a grating is considered “heavy-duty,” it’s manufactured with thicker bearing bars, features tighter bar spacing, and is reinforced with welds for maximum rigidity. A heavier-duty design means the grating can handle higher-concentrated loads, such as highway traffic.
Light-duty grating is often constructed from a similar material, but the difference from a heavier-duty design is that the bearing bars are thinner and spaced farther apart, reducing material and weight while still making it sturdy and durable enough for foot traffic and some vehicle traffic.
Riveted grating has a fundamentally different design than heavy- and light-duty grating. Instead of welding the cross bars, they’re mechanically fastened to the bearing bars through rivets, which improves joint flexibility. Riveted grating can absorb vibration and dynamic loads better than rigid welded joints because these joints can form stress concentrations over time.
Heavy-duty, light-duty, and riveted grating all offer similar benefits, including durability, open drainage, and slip resistance. The right “type” for your application will vary based on load rating requirements and the environment in which it’s expected to operate.
Morgan’s Welding specializes in manufacturing standard and custom grates and frames, as well as rebar. Our experts can help you find and design the best solution for your unique environment and application.
Visit our website to learn more about our products, or contact us today to speak with a team member.