Sustainability implemented in the industry

knowledge

Reading time
5 minutes

Date
22-06-2026

What does this mean for floor gratings?

The drive towards sustainability in commercial buildings and production environments is in full swing. Companies are switching to electric vehicles, investing in charging infrastructure and adapting their buildings to use energy more efficiently.

In practice, we are therefore seeing increasing changes in the loads placed on metal floor gratings. Electric vehicles are often heavier than traditional variants and, due to changes in traction, can also exert different forces on the grating surface.

Sustainability in the industry

Why changes in load are relevant for metal floor gratings

Elektrische vrachtwagen rijdend over roosters.png

Floor gratings are designed based on a specific load class and usage scenario. When that scenario changes, it can have consequences for both the structural load and the load on the grating surface.

This can, for example, lead to:

higher point loads on gratings;
greater deformation under load;
different forces on the grating surface due to changes in vehicle traction;
situations where gratings are subjected to loads beyond their design limits.

In many cases, sustainability measures result in a structural increase in these loads.

Developments affecting loads

The sustainability of buildings and logistics brings with it various changes. Below are some developments that may affect the loads on metal floor gratings.

1. Electric forklift trucks

The switch from diesel and LPG forklift trucks to electric variants results in heavier vehicles. Electric forklift trucks can be 200 to 1000 kg heavier due to the battery pack. This can lead to higher point loads on support bars and greater deformation under load, particularly with older gratings. In addition, the changing traction of vehicles can result in different forces acting on the grating surface. When assessing floor gratings, it is therefore important to consider the load class, wheel load and usage scenario.

2. Electric pallet trucks (EPTs)

Internal transport is also changing. Electric pallet trucks are considerably heavier than hand pallet trucks. As a result, the load shifts from light traffic to medium-duty traffic. This can lead to higher dynamic loads, particularly with narrow floor gratings or drainage gratings.

3. Electric trucks on site

Electric transport does not stop at the building. Weight is also increasing on the outdoor site. Electric trucks can be 1 to 2 tonnes heavier than conventional models. This affects site gratings, drainage channels and gullies. Loading and unloading zones in particular are subjected to heavier loads as a result, with wheel loads and traffic loads playing a significant role.

4. Charging infrastructure and cable ducts

With the rise of electric charging, the infrastructure is also expanding. Cable ducts are being used more frequently and covered with gratings. These gratings must be both driveable and capable of withstanding heavier traffic. The use of lightweight floor gratings can lead to damage, deformation or insufficient resistance to vehicle loads.

What does this mean technically?

The developments mentioned have one clear commonality: the load on metal floor gratings is changing.

In practice, we mainly observe:

higher wheel loads and greater dynamic loads;
changing vehicle traction and its impact on the grating surface.

A correct assessment therefore requires an understanding of:

the usage situation;
the type of vehicle;
wheel loads and contact points;
traffic flows and load frequency.

ChatGPT Image 16 jun 2026, 13_42_48 1.png

What should you look out for?

In sustainability projects, it is important to reassess floor gratings. Pay attention to the following, amongst other things:

current and future loads;
the type of transport;
wheel loads and contact points;
the location of gratings (indoor or outdoor);
the difference between temporary and structural loads.

Our expertise in sustainability projects

Sustainability measures can affect the loads on existing floor gratings. Drawing on our practical experience, we support clients in assessing these changing loads.

We provide support by:

analysing loads and usage scenarios;
recommending suitable grating solutions;
designing bespoke solutions;
supplying products that comply with applicable standards.

Whether it concerns an existing situation or a new project: we work with you to find suitable grating solutions for the specific usage scenario and load.

Need advice?

Would you like to know if your floor gratings are suitable for the new loads within your (renovation) project? Contact our specialists for tailored advice.

Our other knowledge articles

At Staco, everything revolves around quality and craftsmanship. We are happy to share our knowledge, for example through our extensive knowledge articles. Here you will find detailed information about our calculation tools, various sun protection options, our careful production process and the high-quality materials we use. From the latest trends in sun protection to in-depth explanations of the advantages of our materials, our articles offer valuable insights and advice to help you make the best choice for your situation. Take a look at our other knowledge articles and be inspired!

knowledge

Sustainability in the industry: consequences for floor gratings?

The shift towards more sustainable buildings and industrial facilities is changing the demands placed on metal floor gratings. Electric vehicles are o...

View this knowledge article

knowledge

TOP 5 savings of metal compared to wood and concrete

Metal is a sustainable and cost-efficient choice for applications such as platforms, terraces, walkways, and staircases, especially when considering t...

View this knowledge article

knowledge

Safe internal infrastructure starts with inspection - do the Quick Scan

You use staircases, landings and walkways every day, but do you ever consider their technical condition? By having a Quick Scan carried out in prepara...

View this knowledge article

knowledge

Anti-slip for gratings and stair treads: standards, options, and advice

Anti-slip is crucial in work environments where safety is paramount. Whether it's an outdoor staircase, production floor, or industrial walkway, the r...

View this knowledge article

knowledge

What is the difference between strength and stiffness?

When designing metal floor gratings and stairways for buildings and industrial applications, one question is crucial: how does the material behave und...

View this knowledge article

knowledge

124 deaths per year in industry in UK due to fall hazards

In industrial environments, the risk of falling is one of the most common causes of workplace accidents. According to the Health and Safety Executive,...

View this knowledge article

knowledge

Installing gratings and stair treads: the biggest mistakes

When designing, engineering, manufacturing and installing metal gratings or stair treads, small details can have big consequences. The wrong choice or...

View this knowledge article

knowledge

Choose the right metal grating or tread in 10 Steps

When designing and constructing a building or infrastructure project, selecting the right metal grating or tread is essential. Every project has uniqu...

View this knowledge article

knowledge

Calculation Tools for Metal Gratings and Panels

At Staco, we are proud of our innovative online calculation tool. Specifically designed to accurately calculate the strength and stiffness of metal gr...

View this knowledge article

knowledge

Production process panels and gratings

Metal serves as the basis for our extensive range of construction panels and gratings. With two production sites of our own, we can guarantee consiste...

View this knowledge article

knowledge

Materials of our panels

There are various materials that we use to produce our construction panels and gratings. To ensure that you choose the right type of steel, it is impo...

View this knowledge article

inspiration

Sun screening

There are many possibilities in sun screening when you look at the different types of systems, materials and other elements. In wood, aluminium, glass...

View this knowledge article

Inspire

Newsletter