Gratings are designed for high impact and high load applications. The most common materials for grates are steel or stone.
Steel grating is an essential structural component of many builds, particularly in commercial and industrial spaces.
Steel is used in grating due to the following reasons:
Strength:
Steel has exceptionally high tensile strength. It is a durable alloy that is made up of active materials that discourage dislocation at an atomic level.
Durability:
Due to its insusceptibility to rot, pests are kept at bay. You can count on steel whether in high heat, extreme cold, gale force winds or torrential rain.
Sustainability:
Steel is one of the world's most recycled materials. It can be melted down and re-fabricated an infinite amount of times without losing its structural integrity and highly sustainable. It has a global recycling rate of 90%. However, some critics have pointed out that the high energy used in melting down the steel for reuse may cause more harm in the long run.
However, there are several downsides to steel gratings, namely:
Susceptibility to theft:
Due to the rising value in scrap metal globally, steel grates have often become a target for theft.
Susceptibility to rust or extremely expensive:
There are several types of steel grates, all of which are susceptible to rust except for stainless steel or galvanized steel. Maintenance costs will need to be taken into account if replacements are required, as rust weakens the metals grates over time. However, if designers choose stainless steel or galvanized steel, they run into the risk of going over their budgets because these metals are costly.
Slippery surfaces:
Some bumpers and designs may be added to increase friction. However, these steel gratings are still very slippery when wet.
Higher heat absorption:
Due to its metallic properties, steel grates tend to absorb and retain heat rapidly. Steel grating could lead to an uncomfortable environment for users over prolonged periods, as the ambient temperature could rise as the day passes.
