With OSHA reporting more than 200,000 injuries from falls, slips, and trips, proactively preventing these incidents with slip resistant flooring and decking simply makes good economic sense. Whether beginning a new project or making an existing space safer, it is a smart move to choose cost-effective materials that deliver exceptional long-term value while prioritizing safety. For these reasons and more, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) can be an outstanding slip resistant flooring choice — both for indoor and outdoor applications.
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FRP is a composite material made by embedding fiberglass into a plastic-polymer resin matrix. Unlike materials that may have a predictably shorter lifespan, FRP is an inherently lightweight, highly durable material with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to various environmental factors. It simply will not rust and is corrosion resistant allowing it to maintain its surprising structural integrity over a relatively much longer time than many other materials.
In addition, while steel and wood may become slippery when oily or wet, FRP gratings have a higher friction factor under even the harshest conditions. Moreover, FRP products maintain their slip resistance even with heavy foot traffic, so long-term durability is another benefit.
There are considerable installation and maintenance benefits with FRP slip resistant flooring and grating as well. There’s no need for periodic sandblasting, scraping, or painting. Simple, high-pressure washing is all that is needed in most cases.
Because FRP is lightweight, installation is exponentially easier than steel product installations which typically require heavy equipment, more manpower, and more expense. Plus, FRP comes with the benefit of easy handling because installers can quickly cut it with ordinary hand tools.
Finally, FRP materials are non-conductive to both heat and electricity as well as fire retardant, for an extra layer of safety.
For commercial kitchens, swimming pool decks, industrial walkways, public marina docks — nearly any application where slip resistance is important — FRP is a tremendously adaptable, slip resistant flooring option. Aside from proactively mitigating slip-and-fall accidents, FRP’s other benefits are either equally important or a welcomed value-add, depending on the application.
Fibergrate Molded FRP Gratings: As the name suggests, these materials are manufactured by combining fiberglass strands with plastic resins in a mold.
- Ecograte® 62 is a classic example. Specifically designed for docks and marinas, it has an open surface area of 62% and meets the US Corp of Engineer Standard for light penetration.
- Micro-Mesh® is another product used extensively in marine environments because it provides a comfortable surface for bare feet. Interestingly, it is also an innovative solution in applications where subfloor access and unobstructed airflow is a requirement, as was the case for our client, Seagate Technologies.
Safe-T-Span Pultruded Gratings: Manufactured via an innovative process in which reinforced fibers are pulled through a resin and then through a guide to ensure a consistent composition throughout the entire form, pultruded products are typically composed of 70% fiberglass fibers to 30% resin. This delivers twice as much rigidity compared to molded gratings and can span greater distances.
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- Dynaplank™ boardwalk plank is lightweight, easy to install, weather resistant, and slip resistant. Dynaplank™ is durable and surprisingly strong, rated for vehicular traffic up to an AASHTO H-10 truck. This type of product is often used for decking in marine environments.
- Dynadeck™ Interlocking Flooring is a pultruded product that installs up to 3 times faster than conventional flooring because it easily snaps together.
- Aqua Grate® pultruded grating delivers all the corrosion resistance and other FRP benefits in non-slip flooring that is even safe for bare feet. It is used in the shower areas of the Tom Landry Sports Medicine and Research Center of Dallas, TX, to channel drain water while preventing slips and falls for professional athletes.
These are just a few of the many examples where FRP non-slip or slip resistant products have been used to enhance safety while keeping maintenance, handling, and installation costs in check to deliver surfaces that stand the test of time.
The Ultimate Guide to FRP Walkways: From Basics to Benefits
Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) walkways are the top choice for industries. They want a durable, corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and safe flooring option. This ultimate guide will cover all about FRP walkways. It will include their composition, properties, benefits, applications, installation, and maintenance. This guide will help facility managers, engineers, and contractors. It will help you decide on using FRP walkways in your projects.
1. Understanding FRP walkways
1.1 What are FRP walkways?
FRP walkways are composite structures. They use a plastic matrix, usually a thermoset resin, reinforced with fiberglass. This makes a material that is stronger and stiffer than the unreinforced plastic. It is also lighter and more corrosion resistant than steel or concrete.
1.2 Composition of FRP Walkways
The two main components of FRP walkways are:
- Resin Matrix: The resin binds the fiberglass. It gives the composite its shape and resistance to the environment. Typical resins used in FRP walkways include:
- Polyester: Cheap, widely used, and has good mechanical and chemical properties.
- Vinyl ester: better chemical resistance and toughness than polyester.
- Epoxy: Superior mechanical properties and chemical resistance but a higher cost.
- Phenolic: Excellent fire, smoke, and toxicity (FST) properties, but it is brittle.
- Fiberglass Reinforcement: The fiberglass provides strength and stiffness to the composite. It can be in various forms, such as:
- Chopped Strand Mat (CSM): Randomly oriented short fibers. It has equal strength in all directions.
- Woven Roving: Bidirectional fabric with good strength in the 0° and 90° directions.
- Unidirectional Roving: Continuous parallel fibers in one direction. It provides maximum strength along that direction.
- Multiaxial Fabrics: Stitched layers with fibers in multiple directions for complex loads.
Choose the resin and reinforcement type. Base your choice on the application, environment, load, and cost.
2. Key Properties of FRP Walkways
The unique composition of FRP walkways results in a range of beneficial properties:
2.1 High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
FRP walkways have a much higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to steel or concrete. They can provide the same load-bearing capacity at a quarter of the weight of steel. This makes them easier to transport, handle, and install. It reduces labor and equipment costs.
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2.2 Excellent Corrosion Resistance
One of the main advantages of FRP is its inherent corrosion resistance. Unlike steel or wood, FRP does not rust or rot. It won’t corrode when exposed to water, chemicals, or harsh environments. FRP walkways are ideal for chemical plants, marine structures, and wastewater treatment facilities. They work well in other corrosive settings, too.
2.3 Slip-Resistant Surface
Safety is a top priority in industrial environments. FRP walkways offer excellent slip resistance thanks to their textured surface finishes. Options like gritted surfaces and anti-skid coatings grip well in wet, oily, or icy conditions. They minimize the risk of slips and falls.
2.4 Low Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
FRP is an insulator and does not conduct heat or electricity like metal walkways. This property makes it suitable for extreme temperatures and electrical hazards. It protects personnel and equipment.
2.5 Impact Resistance and Durability
Unlike metal, FRP walkways can withstand significant impacts without permanent deformation or sparking. They are very durable. They last 30-50 years in most environments with little maintenance.
2.6 Fire Resistance
FRP is combustible. However, fire-retardant additives can be added to the resin. They improve its fire performance. Many FRP walkway systems meet strict fire standards. They include ASTM E84, NFPA 130, and EN .
2.7 UV Resistance
UV stabilizers can be added to the resin for outdoor use. They prevent degradation from sun exposure. This ensures the long-term integrity and appearance of the FRP walkway system.
2.8 Customization Options
FRP walkways offer a wide range of customization possibilities. They can be shaped to fit specific design needs. Color pigments can be added to the resin for aesthetics or safety marking. Grating patterns can be optimized for loads, drainage, or ventilation needs.
3. Applications of FRP walkways
FRP walkways are versatile. They suit many industries and uses, such as:
3.1 Oil and Gas, Petrochemicals
- Offshore platforms, rigs, and FPSOs.
- Refineries and gas-processing plants
- Loading docks and pipe racks
3.2 Chemical Processing
- Chemical storage and handling areas
- Acid and alkali baths
- Process equipment access
3.3 Power Generation
- Conventional and nuclear power plants
- Hydro-electric facilities
- Wind turbine nacelles and platforms
3.4 Water and Wastewater Treatment
- Clarifiers and sedimentation tanks
- Aeration basins and channels.
- Pump stations and wet wells
3.5 Pulp and Paper
- Pulp mills and paper machines
- Bleaching and chemical recovery areas
- Effluent treatment plants
3.6 Food and Beverage
- Food processing facilities
- Breweries, wineries, and distilleries
- Meat, poultry, and seafood plants
3.7 Transportation
- Railway and subway platforms.
- Pedestrian bridges and walkways
- Shipboard decking and ramps.
4. Specifying FRP walkways
When choosing an FRP walkway system for your project, consider these key factors:
- Load requirements (e.g., pedestrian, light vehicle, heavy equipment)
- Environmental conditions (e.g., chemicals, temperature, UV exposure)
- Slip resistance and safety requirements
- Fire performance criteria
- Aesthetics and customization needs
- Installation and maintenance constraints.
- Life-cycle cost analysis
Consult a qualified FRP manufacturer or supplier. They can recommend products and assist with designs based on your project requirements. They can provide data, case studies, test reports, and samples for product selection.
5. Installation and Maintenance
FRP walkways are designed for fast and easy installation. They are usually prefabricated off-site and delivered in ready-to-assemble sections. The panels are connected to the structure using fasteners or bonded with adhesives.
The manufacturer’s guidelines say only trained staff can install the FRP walkway system. This is to ensure it is safe and performs well over time. The installer must align, level, and space the panels. They must use the specified fasteners or adhesives.
One of the main advantages of FRP walkways is their minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike steel or wood, they do not need painting or anti-corrosion treatments. Regular cleaning with water, detergent, or steam usually suffices. It keeps the surface in good condition.
Periodic inspections should check for damage, wear, or loose fasteners. On-site repairs can fix minor damage with resin putty or patch kits. Major damage may require panel replacement.
6. Conclusion
FRP walkways offer a superior alternative to traditional materials for industrial flooring applications. Their lightweight, strength, and durability make them ideal for harsh environments in many industries. They also resist corrosion and slipping.
Knowing the basics of FRP walkways will help you. It will help you understand their composition, properties, benefits, and applications. With this knowledge, you can decide if to use them in your facility. Always work with reputable FRP manufacturers and suppliers. They must provide quality products, technical support, and installation guidance. This will ensure your project’s success.
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