Quality Assurance & Incoming Inspection
Factory QC and Incoming Inspection
Most FRP disputes are not about failure but about whether what arrived matches what was ordered. A disciplined quality loop - factory batch control, a Certificate of Analysis (COA), and incoming and installation checks on site - catches wrong mesh, wrong resin, loose clips and unbanded cut edges before they become disputes.
Batch Quality Control
| Test | Method | Typical check |
|---|---|---|
| Barcol hardness | ASTM D2583 | Surface cure / resin-rich layer consistency |
| Glass content | ASTM D2584 (ignition) | Molded ~33%; pultruded ~60-70% |
| Dimensions | Micrometer / tape | Thickness, length/width, mesh opening |
| Fire grade | ASTM E84 | Periodic report for FR / phenolic grades |
| Load/span | Physical panel test | Certified chart validated by test |
Every batch carries a COA tracing resin grade, glass content and batch number. A resin change without re-qualification invalidates the certified performance.
Acceptance Criteria on Site
| Item | Acceptance criterion |
|---|---|
| Documentation | COA matches PO: resin, batch, dimensions |
| Dimensional | Length/width +/-2 mm; thickness per tolerance; consistent mesh |
| Visual | No cracks, delamination, bare-fibre patches, blisters |
| Surface | Grit evenly bonded; C-veil continuous; edges banded |
| Reject | Audible delamination on tap-test; crack >50 mm; warp >5 mm/m |
The Documentation Package
At handover the owner should hold: COA and test reports, installation and torque records, as-built layout, the clip schedule and a maintenance plan (annual washdown, 6-month re-torque). For classed, offshore or pharma projects, add a third-party inspection (SGS / BV / TUV protocol). See the full field acceptance and inspection criteria article.
Order spares now
Keep 5-10% spare panels of each configuration, same batch colour.
Tap-test
A hollow/drummy note = delamination; reject that panel.
Photograph damage
Document on arrival and at the dock before signing.
Site Acceptance Checklist
- Visual — no cracks, delamination, uneven colour or exposed glass; tap panels for a dull (delaminated) sound.
- Dimensional — caliper thickness and panel flatness against the order; bowing beyond spec complicates clipping and fit-up.
- Marking — every panel carries batch number, resin grade and manufacturer mark for traceability to the QC record.
- Damage in transit — inspect edges and corners; reject panels with cracked bars or crushed ends before installation.
- Documentation — match the certificate of analysis, load test report and packing list to the delivered batch.
Measurement Method Notes
Thickness is read with a caliper at bar and intersection positions, not only at the panel edge — molded panels can vary between centre and edge. Flatness is checked on a known flat surface with a straight edge and feeler gauge; typical acceptance allows bow within the manufacturing tolerance stated on the datasheet. Opening (mesh) is verified with a template or caliper across the panel — out-of-tolerance openings affect both drainage and foot-traffic behaviour. Record readings on the batch record, not just a pass/fail note, so any later issue traces to the actual values.
Thickness is read with a caliper at bar and intersection positions, not only at the panel edge — molded panels can vary between centre and edge. Flatness is checked on a known flat surface with a straight edge and feeler gauge; typical acceptance allows bow within the manufacturing tolerance stated on the datasheet. Opening (mesh) is verified with a template or caliper across the panel — out-of-tolerance openings affect both drainage and foot-traffic behaviour. Record readings on the batch record, not just a pass/fail note, so any later issue traces to the actual values.Need an Acceptance Checklist?
ZeAllgrate ships COA, certified load/span tables and a torque-log template with every order. Send the project specification for a matched QC package.
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.