Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) grating has become a preferred material for pedestrian and bike bridge decking where slip resistance, low maintenance, and long service life are critical selection criteria.
Supplied in 4′ x 8′ panels with a bonded grit surface, Archatrak SpanTrak FRP grating provides a stable, slip resistant deck surface capable of supporting heavy foot and bicycle traffic in all weather conditions. The large-format panels help eliminate warped or decayed boards that create trip hazards, while the molded grit surface resists moss and algae growth that can make wood decking dangerous when wet.
For bridge rehabilitation projects, FRP panels can often be installed directly over existing wood joists for a fast, long-term solution, provided the substrate is flat and structurally sound. In flood-prone locations subject to periodic submersion, FRP bridge decking withstands moisture exposure without the corrosion, rot, or structural degradation associated with steel or wood.
Benefits of SpanTrak FRP Pedestrian Bridge Decking
High Strength-to-Weight
About one quarter the weight of steel, with excellent bi-directional strength for demanding structural spans.
Slip Resistant Surface
Bonded grit finish maintains reliable traction for pedestrians and cyclists in dry, wet, and even icy conditions.
Bridge Rehabilitation Ready
Screw panels directly over sound existing framing, no loose nails or failing boards, and you’re done in a day.
Flood Resilient
Open grid drains fast and doesn’t hold puddles, so crossings can reopen sooner after storm events.
FRP Bridge decking examples
Technical Specs
Grating Options
SpanTrak panels are supplied as standard in 4′ x 8′ sheets with a gritted anti-slip surface, ensuring reliable traction in all weather conditions.
SpanTrak MidiMesh is the recommended choice for pedestrian and bicycle bridge decking. With a 1/2″ x 1/2″ aperture and secondary load bar, MidiMesh provides excellent foot coverage and a smooth rolling surface for wheelchairs, bicycles, carts, and scooters. Panels are typically supplied in 1-1/4″ thickness for joist spacing up to 24″ on center.
Custom panel sizes and colors are available on special order.
Specifications
Our SpanTrak FRP grating panels are manufactured with a specific combination of fibers, resins, fillers and additives to maximize longevity, durability, strength, fire resistance and UV degradation. For maximum durability in exterior conditions, we only supply grating manufactured with pure isophthalic resins, aluminum hydroxide filler and UV-9 UV protection additives.
A gritted surface finish is supplied as standard to ensure exceptional slip resistance in all conditions – wet, icy or dry.
Archatrak MidiMesh
Thickness: 1 1/4″
Primary load bars: 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ on center
Secondary load bars: single bar between primary bars – 1/2″ deep
Mesh aperture: 1/2″ x 1/2″
Surface: anti-slip grit embedded in resin
Weight: 3.7 lb/sq.ft.
Archatrak MiniMesh
Thickness: 1 1/4″
Primary load bars: 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ on center
Secondary load bars: two bars between primary bars – 1/2″ deep
Mesh aperture: 1/4″ x 1/4″
Surface: anti-slip grit embedded in resin
Weight: 4.5 lb/sq.ft.
SpanTrak MidiMesh is the recommended choice for pedestrian and bicycle bridge decking. With a 1/2″ x 1/2″ aperture and secondary load bar, MidiMesh provides excellent foot coverage and a smooth rolling surface for wheelchairs, bicycles, carts, and scooters. Panels are typically supplied in 1-1/4″ thickness for joist spacing up to 24″ on center.
Custom panel sizes and colors are available on special order.
Installation
Archatrak SpanTrak fiberglass grate panels for boardwalk decking applications are normally fixed to support bearers with max. span of 48″ (depending on the thickness of the fiberglass panel and anticipated loadings) using stainless steel M clips inserted in the grating apertures, with a minimum of four clips per panel. L clips are generally not recommended as they don’t have the same strength as M clips.
Where necessary, adjacent panels can be joined at the edges by means of stainless steel C clips.
Since the aperture size of MicroMesh panels is only 1/4″ x 1/4″, these panels are typically fixed to bearers with stainless steel screws or bolts with a 1/2″ diam. (min) head and a 6-lobe (Torx or equiv.) drive. A diamond cone drill with no pilot drill can be used to countersink the screws so the screw heads sit flush with the surface of the panels.
Where panels are installed over steel I or H beams and it may be difficult to drill through the beams, hold down clips with an extended base plate may be used.
Where a change in direction is required on a boardwalk, panels can be cut at an angle, taking care to ensure adjacent panels are cut at the same angle so the load bars match up when panels are joined. See our FRP installation page for further details.
Install Resource PageWarranty
Archatrak warrants to the original purchaser that its Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Grating Panels shall be free from material defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three (3) years from the date of original purchase, under normal use and service condition.
Warranty
Limited FRP Panel Warranty
Downloads
Datasheet
SpanTrak FRP
Brochure
SpanTrak FRP
3-part Guidespecs
SpanTrak FRP
CAD Drawing
SpanTrak MiniMesh
CAD Drawing
SpanTrak MidiMesh
CAD Drawing
SpanTrak MacroMesh
Fire Resistance Test
ASTM-E84
Slip Resistance Test Results ASTM-E84
ASTM E303-22
Yes. FRP grating is an excellent choice for pedestrian, park, and trail bridges because it is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and easy to install. Unlike steel, it will not rust, and unlike wood, it will not rot, splinter, or require frequent maintenance. FRP grating is particularly well suited for bridges in parks, wetlands, coastal areas, and other environments exposed to moisture and weather.
Yes. FRP grating systems can be engineered to meet specific load requirements for pedestrian traffic, bicycles, golf carts, utility vehicles, and maintenance equipment. Panel size, grating thickness, and support spacing can be customized to achieve the required structural performance while maintaining a lightweight bridge design.
FRP decking offers a longer service life and significantly lower maintenance requirements than traditional wood decking. It will not rot, warp, crack, or splinter when exposed to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, or UV radiation. The gritted walking surface also provides excellent slip resistance, making FRP a durable and safe solution for pedestrian bridges, boardwalks, and elevated walkways.
