Grating at Beam Edges - Small Cantilever in Weak Direction

[ride5150]

At grating edges, it is common to specify a certain distance from beam centerline to grating edge. naturally, depending on flange width, the grating "cantilevers" in it's weak direction by a small amount.

What kind of clear cantilever span do you deem OK (from outer flange edge, to grating edge)? does anyone have a reference for this? I feel like 6" from beam centerline to grating edge is common, but that would be a 4" cantilever for a 4" wide beam flange.

 

[canwesteng]

I usually don't allow one, unless you can't really step on the cantilever (cantilever of say 6" below an 8" girt for example, but I'd still rather terminate with kick plate there).

 

[JAE]

0"

It isn't usually a "weak" direction but a zero stiffness direction in my book - assuming you just have small cross bars welded to it. The manufacturer's don't specify any strength in that direction so I assume nothing.

If you need an extension - usually an edge angle or top plate extension welded to the beam works fine.

 

[Ron247]

I don't allow any overhang without support of some kind. If there is a good guardrail fastened to stable structural component, the practice is less risky but no guardrail is really risky. Hand trucks can present a challenge if the wheel of a heavy load strays into the overhang area.