Boardwalks are an integral part of many landscapes, providing pathways through diverse terrains such as wetlands, national parks, sea coasts, and forests. Traditionally, boardwalks have been constructed using materials like wood or concrete, but in recent years, fiberglass or FRP grating has emerged as a compelling alternative. With its unique properties and many advantages, fiberglass grating is revolutionizing the way boardwalks are built and maintained. But to be fair to traditional boardwalk decking materials, let’s explore the pros and cons of using fiberglass grating for boardwalks.
Pros of Fiberglass Grating:
- Durability: One of the most significant advantages of fiberglass grating is its exceptional durability. Unlike wood, which can rot, warp, or splinter over time, FRP grating is resistant to degradation and decay and won’t suffer damage from insects. This durability makes FRP boardwalks ideal for environments with high humidity, saltwater exposure, or frequent rainfall, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.
- Strength: Fiberglass grating possesses impressive tensile strength, it is highly impact resistant and more resilient than steel. It has a very high strength to weight ratio, being less than half the weight of steel. This inherent strength makes fiberglass grating boardwalks excellent for locations with high visitor numbers.
- Non-Slip Surface: Safety is paramount in any public space, especially on boardwalks and access stairways where visitors may encounter wet or slippery conditions. FRP grating offers excellent traction, even when wet or icy, thanks to the gritted surface. This greatly reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls, enhancing the overall safety of the boardwalk for pedestrians of all ages.
- Low Maintenance: Traditional boardwalk materials often require frequent maintenance, including sealing or replacement of deteriorated components. In contrast, fiberglass grating requires minimal upkeep to maintain its appearance and structural integrity. It does not need to be treated with chemicals, and its resistance to corrosion means it can withstand exposure to saltwater and harsh weather conditions without deteriorating.
- Environmental Friendliness: Fiberglass grating offers a number of advantages in minimizing environmental impact in sensitive locations. The open mesh structure allows sunlight to reach vegetation below, airflow and rainfall run off is virtually unobstructed and it eliminates any issue with wood preservative chemicals leaching into soils or waterways.
- Design Flexibility: Fiberglass grating panels can be easily cut to precise size either on site or pre-fabricated off site. Whether navigating around existing natural features or incorporating curves for aesthetic appeal, the large fiberglass panels offer greater flexibility than rigid materials like steel or concrete. This versatility enables boardwalks to blend into their surroundings while providing functional pathways for visitors to explore.
- Resistance to Fire: Fiberglass grating for boardwalks is manufactured with fire resistant additives including aluminum hydroxide filler which makes it inherently fire-resistant. In the event of a fire, it does not contribute to the spread of flames, making it a safer choice for areas prone to wildfires. It easily achieves NFPA Class A rating under ASTM E84 Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials test with a flame spread index of 8 (Class A rating requires less than 25) and a Smoke Developed Index of 200 (Class A rating requires 450 max.). With wood, only very dense and hard species such as Ipe wood approach a Class A rating (Ipe is generally classified as Class A/B).
Cons of Fiberglass Grating:
- Initial Cost: The initial cost of a fiberglass boardwalk may be slightly higher than some traditional materials. However in the long-term, life cycle cost-effectiveness can more than compensate for this investment. With minimal maintenance requirements and an extended service life, fiberglass grating boardwalks may offer significant savings over time compared to alternatives that require frequent repairs or replacement.
- Appearance: Traditionalists may not like the more ‘industrial’ look of an FRP mesh boardwalk and believe that a wood plank boardwalk blends in more unobtrusively with the natural surroundings. On the other hand, the neat, modern look of FRP grating may be preferred by others. As always ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. But one advantage unique to FRP grating is that apart from the common dark grey option, panels can be supplied in colors to blend in with the surrounding environment.
- Dealing with Curves: It is more difficult to cut FRP grating into smooth curves because it will leave uneven sections of the grating exposed. This may not be a problem if the boardwalk is edged with a curved steel rail but otherwise one solution is to create the curve with a series of short straight edge lengths.
In summary, FRP grating can offer many advantages for boardwalk construction, including durability, strength, safety, low maintenance, environmental friendliness, design flexibility, resistance to fire, and cost-effectiveness. Despite a few drawbacks, FRP is thus emerging as a preferred material choice for creating safe, durable, low maintenance boardwalks that enhance recreational opportunities while minimizing environmental impact. By carefully considering the pros and cons of fiberglass grating, project stakeholders can make informed decisions to ensure the successful implementation of boardwalks that stand the test of time and provide enjoyment for generations to come.