foot traffic capacity of 3/4in x #9 expanded metal

[black79ta]

Hi Guys, i am cleaning up some old files and am checking on the capacity of metal mesh used as a walk surface on our (old) work platforms. the spans are 4'x8' with the mesh welded every third intersection to the perimiter (lap weld) the capacity i am looking for is around 22psf x 4F.S. =88psf. i am going to analyze it with a tension based approach, but i have not been able to find anything about this stuff except"weighs 80% less than solid sheet" and so forth. i also called the manuf. they dont think they have anything but are going to check and call back. moment of inertia and section modulus would be nice.

if anyone has any thoughts, i would appreciate it, thanks in advance.

 

[JStephen]

Here's a load table, but it doesn't really explain itself, so I'm not sure what is what:

http://www.exmet.com/load.php

I know the bar grating design is usually based on very simple beam equations, and I would expect something similar for expanded metal.

Allowing for tension in the stuff, you may run into problems developing that tension in the outside framing members.

 

[azcats]

This one has a bit of info on the 3/4" #9.

From the other tables I've seen, this grate appears very light. I'm wondering if it's even intended to support foot traffic. One reference had it being used as a machine guard safety mesh to keep items away from moving parts.

http://amico-grating.com/catalog/exmet/astm.pdf

http://amico-grating.com/catalog/exmet/p8-9.pdf