Project Specs:
Location: Reversing Falls – Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Application: Rooftop Observation Platform
Product: Aqua Grate® 1215 Pultruded GRP Grating
Overview
The Reversing Falls are a unique phenomenon created by the collision of the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River, causing a series of rapids and whirlpools. Upon entering the client’s facility, there is a restaurant and a lift to the rooftop deck area. The rooftop deck area includes an observation platform to walk out 28 feet beyond the 110 foot cliff edge. The strategic location of the platform provides a unique view of the Reversing Falls Rapids, the city, and “uptown” skyline that attracts millions of visitors per year.
Problem
The Fibergrate sales representative saw that the flooring on the platform deteriorated constantly, and noticed risk since the floor was usually wet. Also, a place with this amount of foot traffic required flooring with:
• Corrosion Resistance: A high degree of corrosion resistance is needed because the weather of New Brunswick consists of a generous amount of snow in winter season, making shovelling and salting a very common maintenance routine on the observation platform’s surface.
• Slip-resistance: Because this is a tourist attraction it has all kinds of foot traffic. Wheelchairs, high heels, and people with wet soles go down to take a closer look at the reversing falls, leaving a slippery surface in its path.
In addition, it needed to be a lightweight material to protect the rooftop preventing any damage to the ceiling inside of the restaurant.
Solution
That is why Fibergrate presented the owners with a project that would protect their visitors and save them thousands of dollars in repairs: Aqua Grate® Pultruded GRP grating in 3 foot by 10 foot panels on the floor of the observation platform. This material is ADA compliant, and the aqua grit surface of Aqua Grate® grating creates a slip resistant surface, increasing, pedestrian safety. This grating was engineered to withstand the corrosive conditions associated with recreational foot traffic and wet environments allowing it to endure the snow, salting, and shovelling at the observation platform.
The Aqua Grate® Pultruded GRP grating panels exceeded the expectations of the client for its lightweight, easy installation, ability to percolate water while protecting the ceiling of the restaurant, and the fact that it was fabricated in a custom blue colour opposite to the traditional dark grey. Since the installation in May 2016, the Aqua Grate® 1215 gratings have been put to the test by serving millions of visitors.
This is a great example of how Fibergrate is not only recognised for its high-quality products but also by our sales and engineering team who go above and beyond to provide custom made solutions for each of our clients.
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