CAD / BIM Resources & Drafting Conventions
Detailing FRP Grating in CAD and BIM
Clear drawings make the difference between a panel that fits first time and one cut on site. FRP grating is detailed as modular panels on a support grid; the drawing must carry the panel module, cut-out locations, clip pattern and material call-out so fabrication and installation are unambiguous.
What the Drawing Should Show
| Element | Convention |
|---|---|
| Panel layout | Nominal module 1.22 x 3.66 m molded; orient pultruded bars across span |
| Cut-outs | Dimensioned to a datum; +3 mm over-size; note reinforcement & sealing |
| Clips | Mark type, material (SS316), spacing <=1200 mm, min. 4 per panel |
| Gaps | 3-5 mm standard; 6-8 mm on long/hot panels; note fixed vs. sliding support |
| Call-outs | Thickness, resin (ISO/VE/FR), surface (grit-top/concave), colour |
DXF / DWG / PDF and Coordination
Send dimensioned cut-out schedules as DXF or PDF with panel thickness, resin, surface and clip locations. ZeAllgrate returns a confirmed fabrication drawing (DXF) against which the panels are cut. For BIM-coordinated projects, coordinate the grating family with the structural support and MEP penetrations before issuing the fabrication drawing - every column, pipe and cable tray that passes through the deck needs a marked cut-out. See cutting & cut-outs.
As-Built and Record Drawings
At handover, record the actual panel layout, clip positions and any site modifications. This becomes the reference for future maintenance, spare-panel ordering and warranty. A mismatched or undocumented deck makes the repair-or-replace decision years later a guess. Pair it with the COA and torque log (see quality assurance).
Dimension to a datum
Never from a sketched centre; tolerances are +/-2-3 mm.
Mark the fixed end
Show which support is fixed and which is slotted/sliding.
Call out material
Resin grade, surface and clip material belong on every panel tag.
Drawing Requirements Checklist
| Item | What the Drawing Must Show |
|---|---|
| Panel layout | Panel sizes, orientation (bearing bars along span), mesh opening and grit/surface type |
| Support lines | Bearing locations and seating width; span between supports stated as clear span |
| Openings | Cut-outs, notches and penetrations with dimensions; edge reinforcement noted |
| Fixings | Clip type, material and pattern (corner + mid-span); torque values on the fixing schedule |
| Materials | Resin grade, fire class, surface finish and hardware alloy called out per panel zone |
CAD / BIM Coordination Notes
Deliver models and drawings in the format the project uses — DXF/DWG for fabrication, PDF for issue, and IFC/BIM for coordination. In BIM, model grating as panels on the support grid (not as an opaque deck) so clash detection, drainage checks and quantity take-off work; embed the material parameters — resin, load class, span, surface — in the element properties so the model carries the specification, not just geometry. Dimension to a datum, mark the fixed end of long runs, and call out material on every sheet: the drawing is the contract between the design intent and the fabrication shop.
Deliver models and drawings in the format the project uses — DXF/DWG for fabrication, PDF for issue, and IFC/BIM for coordination. In BIM, model grating as panels on the support grid (not as an opaque deck) so clash detection, drainage checks and quantity take-off work; embed the material parameters — resin, load class, span, surface — in the element properties so the model carries the specification, not just geometry. Dimension to a datum, mark the fixed end of long runs, and call out material on every sheet: the drawing is the contract between the design intent and the fabrication shop.Need a Fabrication Drawing Template?
Send your DXF/PDF layout - ZeAllgrate returns a confirmed fabrication drawing and cut schedule before production.
Source: ZeAllgrate (Fiberglass Grating Manufacturers Council / ACMA) design guidelines; ASTM International; ISO 14122; OSHA 29 CFR 1910. Indicative data for specification guidance only — final design verified by ZeAllgrate engineering against certified load/span charts.