Riveted grating offers proven strength and fatigue resistance for bridges and industrial floors across Ontario, ensuring safety and durability.
Long before advanced welding and locking methods became common, riveted grating was the foundation of industrial flooring and bridge design. Today, even with modern fabrication techniques, riveted grating continues to prove its worth across Ontario’s industrial and infrastructure sectors. Known for its strength, durability, and stability under heavy loads, this time-tested design remains a reliable choice for engineers and contractors who value proven performance.
A Look Back: The Origins of Riveted Grating
Riveted grating has a long history in North American infrastructure. Before automated welding technology, engineers needed a way to create rigid, load-bearing surfaces using the tools of the time. Riveting—mechanically fastening bars together using pressure-formed rivets—was the perfect solution.
Each rivet creates a tight, vibration-resistant bond that connects the bearing bars and cross bars, forming a strong yet flexible panel. This design quickly became the standard for bridges, industrial flooring, and railways.
In Canada, riveted grating gained popularity through major infrastructure expansion in the mid-20th century. Many bridges and municipal projects still rely on original riveted panels that have endured decades of traffic, weather, and wear—proof of their long-term reliability.
What Makes Riveted Grating Different
While welded and pressure-locked gratings are now common, riveted grating offers unique structural characteristics that still make it the right choice for certain projects.
Key differences include:
- Truss-like strength: The crimped cross bars and riveted joints act like miniature trusses, distributing loads evenly.
- Superior fatigue resistance: Ideal for bridges or industrial walkways that face continuous vibration and traffic cycles.
- Low deflection: The rigid joint structure minimizes flexing under heavy loads, keeping surfaces stable and safe.
- Quiet and smooth operation: Slightly raised crimps can be engineered to reduce vibration and tire noise—an advantage for bridge decks and public roadways.
These characteristics make riveted grating especially suitable for Ontario’s climate, where freeze-thaw cycles, heavy traffic, and moisture demand durable materials.
Advantages of Riveted Grating in Modern Infrastructure
Despite new manufacturing technologies, riveted grating continues to deliver performance that meets modern standards.
1. Exceptional Load Capacity
The riveted joint design provides greater stiffness per pound than many welded alternatives. This allows engineers to use lighter panels without sacrificing strength.
2. Proven Fatigue Performance
Repeated loading and unloading—such as from vehicles on bridges—can cause structural fatigue over time. Riveted grating’s mechanical joints handle this stress exceptionally well, preventing micro-cracks that can form in welded joints.
3. Long-Term Durability
Because riveted gratings are built to flex slightly under load, they resist cracking and separation. Many riveted decks installed decades ago in Ontario remain in active use today.
4. Repair and Maintenance Flexibility
Individual sections can be replaced or re-riveted without the need for specialized welding equipment, making field repairs more manageable.
5. Ideal for Bascule and Movable Bridges
The lightweight, open design allows for efficient airflow and drainage—essential features for lift bridges and structures near water.
Common Applications in Ontario
Riveted grating continues to play a key role in many sectors across southern Ontario:
- Municipal Bridges – Especially in regions with older or heritage bridge structures.
- Industrial Plants – Floor systems, platforms, and access walkways.
- Transit and Infrastructure Projects – Decks and drainage systems requiring long fatigue life.
- Heavy Industry – Steel mills, energy facilities, and equipment maintenance platforms.
- Public Works – Roadway grating, trench covers, and ventilation grates.
The combination of strength, fatigue resistance, and durability makes riveted grating a go-to material for projects that can’t afford downtime.
Engineering Considerations
When designing with riveted grating, engineers must evaluate both load and deflection requirements. Because riveted joints perform like structural trusses, they can handle concentrated loads efficiently while minimizing vibration.
Key design factors include:
- Load type (vehicle, pedestrian, or equipment).
- Panel span and support spacing.
- Material selection—carbon steel, aluminum, or stainless steel.
- Environmental conditions, including exposure to moisture or salt.
Borden Gratings provides design tables and engineering data to support project-specific calculations, ensuring that each installation meets CSA and project standards.
Material Options for Every Environment
Riveted grating is available in multiple materials, each offering unique advantages:
- Carbon Steel: Best for heavy loads and general industrial use.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, ideal for marine or humid settings.
- Stainless Steel: Premium corrosion resistance and longevity with minimal maintenance.
All materials can be galvanized or coated for additional protection, ensuring decades of reliable service.
Why It Still Delivers in Ontario
Ontario’s infrastructure demands materials that can handle constant freeze-thaw cycles, heavy truck traffic, and exposure to road salt. Riveted grating’s mechanical joints and flexible structure make it exceptionally resilient under these conditions.
In short, it still delivers because it’s built to last.
Even as newer fabrication methods emerge, riveted grating continues to outperform in projects that demand fatigue strength and long-term reliability. For bascule bridges, municipal upgrades, or industrial flooring, the riveted design remains a benchmark for quality and endurance.
Borden’s Legacy with Riveted Grating
Since 1955, Borden Metal Products (Canada) Ltd. has manufactured bar-on-edge gratings from its Beeton, Ontario facility. Over the decades, the company has refined its riveted grating production to achieve unmatched consistency and quality.
Borden’s riveted grating combines decades of craftsmanship with modern engineering standards. Each panel is precision-assembled to meet the demands of Canada’s infrastructure and industrial projects. From bridges and platforms to custom-fabricated panels, Borden continues to supply products trusted by engineers nationwide.
For over half a century, Borden Gratings has supplied the gratings that keep Ontario’s bridges, factories, and facilities running safely. Our riveted grating continues to deliver the durability and performance that engineers trust.
Contact us today to book a consultation and learn more about our complete line of products.