Trench drains are defined by their visible grating. Trench drain grating is a big portion of the trench drain system and the decision should not be taken lightly. The strength, look, and durability of the system is dependent on the selection of the proper grate. The grate load class, material, size, slip resistance, and open area should all be carefully evaluated before selecting a grate.
The grate selection process is typically initiated by the aesthetics and code requirements. If the trench grate will be in a pedestrian area it will likely need to be ADA compliant or heel proof. After code determinations it is important to determine the architectural appeal of different styles, materials, and finishes.
Use the open area table to the right to ensure that the grates that are being considered can accept the design flow. The open area can also be found on the individual grate details. For more on these calculations visit the selecting system components by flow path page.
Take a moment and think about slip resistance. If the grates will be constantly wet and subject to foot traffic then carefully consider the slip resistance of the grates.
Before finalizing the trench grate selection make sure the grating selected can handle the loading condition that will be placed on it. The load class is listed on the grate detail pages. The load class should be checked against your load calculations. The load class table can also give an indication of whether the proper grate has been selected.
