Guide
Steel Grating Load Tables: How to Read and Use Them
By DONGFU GRATING Engineering Team · Published 2026-07-17 · Updated 2026-07-17
Reference load tables help compare bearing bar sizes and estimate a practical span, but they are not a project design certificate. The values on this page use a simply supported, single-span beam model for welded carbon steel grating at 30 mm bearing bar spacing, with static uniform or midspan concentrated loads. The published value is limited by both bending stress and deflection. Wheel loads, impact, repeated traffic, cantilevers, openings, corrosion allowance and unusual supports require a project-specific review. Use the table to narrow the options, then send the actual clear span, support condition, material, load type and required safety criteria for confirmation.
Reference method
| Parameter | Basis |
|---|---|
| Analysis model | Simply supported single span, static loads |
| Reference practice | ANSI/NAAMM MBG 531 beam method |
| Bearing bar spacing | 30 mm metric or 19-W-4 imperial series |
| Allowable bending stress | 20,000 psi (about 137.9 MPa) |
| Deflection limit | Lesser of span/240 or 6 mm (0.25 in) |
Sample metric values — 30 × 5 mm bearing bars
| Clear span | Uniform load | Concentrated load |
|---|---|---|
| 600 mm | 76 kPa | 22 kN/m |
| 900 mm | 32 kPa | 15 kN/m |
| 1200 mm | 13 kPa | 10 kN/m |
| 1500 mm | 6.8 kPa | 6.4 kN/m |
| 1800 mm | 3.2 kPa | 3.7 kN/m |
Limits of the table
The values do not cover wheel loads, impact, dynamic or cyclic loads, continuous or cantilevered spans, openings, cut-outs, temperature effects, corrosion allowances or serrated sections.
Actual capacity depends on material grade, fabrication, support conditions and the project load case. Every order requires engineering confirmation before production.