When choosing inlet grate designs, it is important that you analyze the duties the grate is supposed to perform. The drainage requirements, along with many other aspects, must be covered to determine the right grate.

For instance, if the only concern is the appropriate management of storm water from the gutter, then the grate’s flow through area and geometry should be the primary consideration. There are also other factors like location, safety, etc. We have highlighted some of the most important considerations below:

Considering Pedestrians and Handicapped

When evaluating the design and location of grates against applicable specifications, it is important that you consider the access routes for pedestrians - especially handicapped people. There are a number of regulations that specify standard grate specifications to create safe routes for people with limited mobility.

Consider the Debris

The inlet grate will also be responsible for keeping out debris from entering the sewer lines. Without proper consideration, debris like tree branches, wrappers, and other problematic materials can often wash into the line, clogging it. This could make the entire drainage system ineffective.

Consider the Storm Water

Another important consideration to make is ability of the grate to intercept storm water. Here, the primary focus should be on the flow through area and the geometry of each individual grate. When choosing inlet grates for roads, this should be among the top most important considerations. If the grate is ineffective at intercepting water, it might contribute to flooding of the road, eventually causing problems for everyone. 

Consider the Traffic

What type of traffic do you expect to go over the grate? The design of the grate should be such that it allows for easy movement of vehicle and foot traffic. This means determining a standard grate width and strategic installation to cut down inconvenience.

Strength to Weight Ratio

Another important factor you need to consider is the grate’s ability to withstand traffic and heavy load. A standard load is HS20-44 for single and tandem axle trucks. This however can change if you take into account other busy commercial buildings like airports.

These are a few of all the important considerations you need to make when choosing inlet grates. If you are looking for highly reliable galvanized steel grates, check out Premium Grating for a wide collection of storm water grates.