| Aesthetics |
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The grate is the most visible part of the
trench drain and aesthetically the most
important.
Grates can be selected to ‘blend’ into the
pavement, or used as a feature, or border.
Once hydraulics, loading and chemical
resistance requirements are met, the decision
is based on visual or cost preferences. |
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Grate materials - stainless steel, ductile
iron, plastic and brass can all offer
excellent aesthetics. |
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Grate slot patterns - perforated, slotted,
mesh and decorative patterns are
available. |
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Legislative Requirements |
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ADA requirements are set out in The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; Section 4.5.4. |
‘Where grates are used within walking surfaces, the open slots should be no greater than 0.5 inches (12.7mm) wide in one direction. Where the length of the slot is greater than 0.5 inches, the opening should run perpendicular to the main direction of traffic’ |
The diagram shows the slots perpendicular to the flow of traffic; this helps prevent wheelchair wheels and walking aids becoming trapped or slipping on the grate surface. |
User Safety |
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ASME: A112.6.3 - 2001:
Section 7.12 Heel Resistant Strainers and Grates |
'A grate designed to resist entry of highheeled
shoes, in which the maximum grate
hole size in least dimension shall be 5/16 in.
(8mm).'
ACO offers a range of ‘Heelsafe’ grates
designed to prevent small stiletto style
heels becoming trapped, causing injury or
falls.
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No US Standard exists detailing
slot sizes to avoid bicycle tires
becoming trapped. |
Australian Standard AS 3996 - 2006
Clause 3.3.6 specifies maximum slot length
dependent on slot width for grates that are
deemed ‘Bicycle Tire Penetration Resistant.’
ACO offers bicycle safe grates determined
not to have slots large enough to trap
modern bicycle wheels based on this
Australian Standard.
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Grate Security |
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ACO recommends that grates should be
secured to prevent movement by traffic,
which can cause damage to the trench
and/or grate.
There are a number of locking options
available, these include: |
• Boltless locking - mechanisms that hold
grates captive without use of bolts. They
are quick to install and remove, making
installation and maintenance easier.
• Bolt locking - uses bolts to hold grates in
place. Bolts fasten into either the frame
or locking bar that straddles the trench.
• Other lockings - on rare occasions,
something other than standard lockings
are required - please contact ACO. |