Gratings, channel drains and manhole covers are made for different kinds of traffic. Choose one that is too light and it can crack, rock or deform. Choose one that is far heavier than needed and the budget suffers for no benefit. This guide explains how to match the duty to the location on UAE projects.
Three simple questions
- Who or what will cross it? Only people, cars, or trucks and forklifts?
- How often? Occasional traffic is very different from a busy loading bay.
- Will vehicles turn or brake on it? Turning and braking put far more stress on a grating than straight driving.
Pedestrian areas
Gardens, patios, balconies, roof terraces, pool decks and walkways only carry people. Lighter gratings and recessed covers in stainless steel 304/316 or aluminium work well here, and heel-safe slot patterns are a good idea where people walk in shoes.
Light-duty: cars and occasional light vehicles
Villa driveways, private car parks, podium parking and building entrances see cars and the occasional van. They need light-duty gratings and covers with stronger frames and bars than pedestrian products.
Heavy-duty: trucks, forklifts and service yards
Loading bays, service roads, warehouses, petrol stations and public roads carry trucks and forklifts. These locations need heavy-duty gratings and covers, usually ductile iron or heavy fabricated steel, with a frame that is properly bedded and anchored.
The frame matters as much as the grating
A strong grating in a badly bedded frame will still rock and break. Make sure frames are fully supported, set level with the finished floor and held in place, especially where vehicles turn.
Common mistakes
- Using a pedestrian grating at a driveway entrance where cars cross it every day.
- Choosing by size only and forgetting the traffic.
- Placing light gratings where delivery trucks turn or reverse.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which duty I need?
Tell us where the grating or cover will go and what will cross it. We will recommend pedestrian, light-duty or heavy-duty products to suit.
Can stainless steel be used for vehicle areas?
Yes, fabricated stainless steel gratings can be designed for light vehicle traffic. For heavy trucks, ductile iron is usually the more economical choice.
Do you supply across the UAE?
Yes, to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. See drainage channels and gratings and manhole covers.
Request a quote – send your locations, sizes and traffic and we will reply with suitable options and a price.
Related: Heavy-Duty Drainage Gratings · Trench Drainage Systems
Related products: manhole covers · stainless steel manhole covers · aluminium manhole covers · drainage channels and gratings