Load Ratings (AS3996)

Access Covers and Grates are designated by classes A, B, C, D, E, F & G according to load capacity set out in the table below. This table is an extract from AS3996-2019.

Choosing the right load rating according to AS3996.

The appropriate class for a cover or grate depends on the location of installation. Some examples are outlined in this table; however it is the responsibility of the designer to ensure an appropriate class is selected and/or specified. Specifics of the location should be taken into consideration when selecting the right cover or grate.

The speed of traffic, wheel type and the physical position (turning area) should all be assessed.

Notes

1. Nominal wheel loads are given as a guide only. Consideration should be given to the type, size and pneumatic pressure of the load applied. 2. Class B design loads exceed AS5100.2 requirements for footway loading. 3. Class D design loads exceed AS5100.2 requirements for a W80 wheel load. 4. Class C loads are based on an intermediate load. 5. The serviceability load is set at 2/3 of the ultimate limit state design load. 6. A force of 1kN approximately equal to 100kg.

Worldwide Standards – EN124 and EN1433

Standards vary around the globe, however AS3996, EN1433 and EN124 are considered the leading standards internationally for Access Covers and Grating.

Our extensive experience with AS3996 has allowed Mascot Engineering to supply projects outside of Australia, in fact, we manufacture a range of EN124 (covers and grating) and EN1433 (trench grating) products that we supply globally.

The main differences between the EN and AS standards with the load ratings is the label.  EN1433  and EN 124 are designated as Class A to Class F, and AS3996 goes from Class A to Class G.  However, the range of testing in kilonewtons (kN) remains the same with EN Class F tested to 900kN… identical to Australian standard Class G which is tested to 900kN.

Contact our technical team for more information on Standards and load ratings.

 

Mascot Engineering is a founding member of the Grates & Access Covers Alliance (GACA) and industry forum managed by the AI Group.