Fiberglass Grating for Marina, Dock & Jetty Decks

In coastal and lake environments, fiberglass decking outperforms other materials in almost all respects as a highly slip resistant deck surface for jetties, pontoons, piers, walkways, platforms, staircases and landings.

FRP grating has gained an enviable reputation in the marine industry because of its ability to withstand the wettest, oiliest and iciest marine conditions. FRP decking will not rust or corrode like steel gratings, and easily outperforms wood which decays, cracks and warps in wet environments. FRP however, is salt resistant, algae resistant and essentially maintenance free.

Fiberglass grating possesses excellent structural strength, impact resistance and resistance to sagging, unlike composite wood. FRP grating also weighs considerably less than steel or concrete and can be easily cut on site as required.

Our ‘SpanTrak’ FRP grating is typically supplied in 4′ x 8′ panels, secured to bearers with stainless steel hold down clips or screws, positioned at max. 48″ intervals around the perimeter.  The gritted, anti-slip surface offers exceptional traction in all conditions, making it one of the safest decking surfaces for coastal and lake environments.

For most marine applications we typically recommend our ‘SpanTrak MacroMesh’ fiberglass decking with an aperture size of 1 ¼” x 1 ¼”, thickness of 1 1/4″, and gritted finish. However, ‘SpanTrak MidiMesh’ decking panels with ½” x ½” aperture is frequently used in high pedestrian traffic locations as they prevent smaller objects from falling through the mesh. The smaller holes also offer smooth movement for small wheeled trolleys, wheelchairs, prams, delivery trolleys etc.

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Key Benefits of FRP Grating

  • No rotting, twisting, warping, splintering, splitting
  • No loose, dangerous nails or screws
  • No rusting or corrosion
  • Excellent slip resistance in wet or dry conditions
  • Withstands severe marine environments
  • Practically zero maintenance
  • Class A fire resistant ASTM E84
  • Lightweight and easily cut in field
  • Can be colored to blend unobtrusively into the environment

Archatrak ‘MacroMesh’ fiberglass grating is typically selected for marine applications with grid spacing of 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ between load bars, giving an aperture size of 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″.

Where a closer mesh is required, Archatrak ‘MidiMesh’ grating with 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ spacing between load bars, a secondary load bar ½” deep and grid aperture of 1/2″ x 1/2″, offers a smoother rolling surface for wheelchairs, carts, bicycles, scooters etc.

The standard size of ‘SpanTrak’ grate panels is 4′ x 8′. Other sizes can be supplied on special order.

A grit surface is normally supplied for all marine applications, ensuring excellent slip resistance in all weather conditions.

Fiberglass Composition:  Archatrak  fiberglass grate panels are manufactured exclusively with pure isophthalic resins – lower cost polyester resins do not offer sufficient long-term durability in harsh exterior conditions.

Grating panels use only aluminum hydroxide filler (not calcium carbonate) for maximum fire resistance (flame retardant and smoke suppression) and contain UV stabilizers.

Archatrak ‘MacroMesh’
Thickness:  1 1/4″
Primary load bars: 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ on center.
Mesh aperture: 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″
Surface: anti-slip grit embedded in resin
Weight: 3.0 lb/sq.ft.

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.

Fiberglass decking panels are normally fixed to support bearers with max. span of 48″ (depending on the thickness of the fiberglass panel and anticipated loading) 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.

Where fiberglass decking panels are installed over steel ‘I’ or ‘H’ beams and it is difficult to drill through the beams, hold down clips with an extended base plate may be used.

Where a change in direction is required, 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.

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