Expanded metal walkway grating is an extremely common application for expanded metal panels. The raised bonds and strands provide stronger supporting capacity than the original steel platform. With different weight per square foot and the shapes of the diamond pattern, expanded metal walkway grating yields different strength to weight ratio for various industrial and commercial situations. Compared with bar grating, expanded metal grating has the advantages of anti-slip effect, heavy bearing capacity, and is especially safer for women in high-heeled shoes. Engineers regard it as an excellent choice when safety and conformance to standards is crucial criteria.

PlatformStair treads and ladder rungs

Platform

Expanded metal platform can be used to support both objects and human beings. For the purpose of skid resistance and space saving, most of clients prefer expanded metal platform. Furthermore, expanded metal platform, being not unravel and having the capacity of heavy bearing, is strongly recommended. General expanded metal platform consists of expanded metal panels, U-edges and posts.

A expanded metal panel used as platform for supporting billboard.

EMWG-02: Expanded metal platform for supporting billboard in a high altitude.A red coated expanded metal walkway grating be used here upon stream as ridge.

EMWG-03: Expanded metal panel with "V" braces under makes a bridge platform.

Applications (for platform):

Billboard platform.

Sign platforms.

Machinery platforms.

Conveyor walkway.

Tower platforms.

Interior/exterior catwalks.

Work platforms.

Bridge decks.

Storeroom floors.

Stair treads and ladder rungs

A men is walking down the galvanized expanded metal made stair treads.

EMWG-04: Expanded metal stair treads for a cost-effectiveness both indoor and outdoor.

Stair treads made of expanded metal suits for temporary use in construction sites and permanent use for a long time. By thick, raised and small-opening-holes expanded metal panels, both male and female shoes are applicative. As a metal product with finish coating, our stair treads are corrosion resistant, water resistant, longevous compared with wooden stairs, more stable and suitable for various shoes than stairs made of bar grating.

Applications (indoors and out):

Stairway.

Ladders.

Vehicle steps.

Specifications (for stair treads and ladder rungs):

Material: stainless steel, low carbon steel, copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, etc.

Hole shape: diamond, square, hexagon, fan-shape, etc.

LWD: 1.0–4.0 inches.

SWD: 0.25–1.50 inches.

Overall thickness (standard): 0.100–0.450 inches.

Panel sizes: customization.

Surface treatment: galvanized, PVC coated, power coated, anodized, enameling, painting, etc.

Color: primary metallic color, other colors also available under request.

Accessories (for stair treads and ladder rungs):

Fixing clip.

U-Edging.

Solid border or strip.

Bolt.

Clamp.

Washer.

Terminologies:

 First picture shows LW parallels to panel length, the other shows SW parallels to length of panel.

EMWG-05: Select your expanded metal style.

Two tables help you select proper catwalk and structural grating (cable steel).

Table 1: Expanded metal walkway grating specification (expanded metal – carbon steel)

Product ID Weight

Lbs/Sq. Ft. Standard sheet size (ft) Design size (inches) Opening size (inches) Strand size (inches) Overall thickness

(inches) No. of designs per ft. Open area (%)

Width SW Length LW SWD LWD SWO LWO Width Thickness SWD LWD

3.0 lb. 3.0 4, 6 8, 10, 12 1.33 5.33 .940 3.44 .264 .183 .540 9 2.25 60

3.14 lb. 3.14 4'-4", 6 8, 10 2.00 6.00 1.625 4.88 .312 .250 .656 6 2 69

4.0 lb. 4.0 4, 5, 6 8, 10 1.33 5.33 .940 3.44 .300 .215 .618 9 2.25 55

4.27 lb. 4.27 4, 6 8, 10 1.41 4.00 1.00 2.88 .300 .250 625 8.5 3 58

5.0 lb. 5.0 4, 5, 6 8, 10 1.33 5.33 .813 3.38 .331 .250 .655 9 2.25 50

6.25 lb. 6.25 4, 6 8, 12 1.41 5.33 .813 3.38 .350 .312 .715 8.5 2.25 50

7.0 lb. 7.0 4 8 1.41 5.33 .813 3.38 .391 .312 .740 8.5 2.25 45

Note: Above material meets all requirements of Military Specifications MIL-M-17194C (Metals, Expanded, Steel) and MIL-G 18015 (Ships) (Gratings, Metal, other than Bar Type) and the deflection requirements of Federal Specification RR-G-661-B.

Table 2: Expanded metal walkway grating concentrated load selection (expanded metal – carbon steel) 

Concentrated load (lbs. per ft. of length of catwalk or platform)

Steel Type Service condition Clear span (Distance between supports, measured from the inside edge of one support to the inside edge of the next support)

23" 30" 35" 42" 47" 54" 60"

50# Light or occasional pedestrian traffic 3.0

3.14 3.0

3.14 3.0 

3.14 3.0 

3.14 3.0 

3.14 4.0

4.27 5.0 

6.25

100# Normal or frequent pedestrian traffic 3.0

3.14 3.0

3.14 3.0 

3.14 4.0 

4.27 5.0 

6.25 7.0 7.0

150# Heavy or constant pedestrian traffic 3.0 

3.14 4.0

4.27 4.0

4.27 5.0

6.25 6.25 7.0  

200# 3.0 

3.14 4.0 

4.27 4.27

5.0 6.25 7.0 7.0  

250# 4.0 

4.27 5.0 5.0

6.25 7.0  

300# 4.0

4.27 5.0 

6.25 6.25  

350# 4.0 

4.27 6.25 7.0  

Note: The concentrated load deflections for the above selection chart do not exceed the 1/4" maximum deflection as stated by Federal Specification RR-G-661b and the generally accepted recommendation for normal pedestrian comfort.

Features (for platform, stair treads and ladder rungs):

Anti-skid qualities.

Grater strength.

Non-deformation.

Material will not unravel when cut.

Durability.

Whether resistance.

Sunshine resistance.

Corrosion Resistance.

Simple to install, difficult to breach.

Low maintenance.

Cost effective.

Ideal for secondary operations.

Installation procedures (for platform, stair treads and ladder rungs):

For maximum load, position long way of design parallel to the clear span. LWD must be installed parallel to span. Butt or overlap one half of design. No increase in overall thickness.

Bolt or welded every 6 inches or every fourth design to rigid supports.

Install with straight edge up (top-straight edge, bottom-rounded edge). Bonds of adjoining should shape in same direction and align with adjoining pieces.

 Picture here shows walkway should be installed with supporters, bolt and their proper position.

EMWG-06: Install your expanded metal walkway according to instructions.

Note: All of our expanded metal walkway gratings meet EMMA 557.