📍 Overview
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Location: Squamish, British Columbia, Canada
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Anwendung: Stair tread panels adjacent to a public marina dock
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Produkt: Micro-mesh FRP molded grating (12 mm mini-grid on top of standard 38 mm grid)
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Area: Stair access system of approx. 16 linear meters with 18 treads
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Client: Squamish Public Works & Waterfront Authority
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Installed: Q3, 2023
🔍 Project Background
Located in a highly scenic yet highly challenging coastal environment, the Squamish Marina is a bustling public-access harbor supporting fishing, tourism, and recreational boating. The marina includes several floating docks, a fixed timber promenade, and a set of metal-framed stairs leading from the quay to the floating pontoons.
These stairs are critical for:
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Pedestrian access during varying tides
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Equipment movement (coolers, crates, maintenance tools)
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Emergency access from the water or docked vessels
Yet, over the years, the existing stair treads made of galvanized steel grating suffered from:
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Severe rust and corrosion from saltwater exposure
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Slippery conditions in rain or fog
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Debris and small object drop-through
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Maintenance safety concerns
🧱 The Challenge
Designing a replacement required careful balancing of:
| Requirement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Korrosionsbeständigkeit | Constant salt spray and high-humidity exposure |
| Safety and Slip Resistance | For pedestrians in all weather conditions (barefoot, wet shoes, etc.) |
| Closed Surface or Micro-Mesh | Prevent small objects (keys, coins, tools) from falling through |
| Load Bearing Strength | Tread must support both foot traffic and wheeled carts |
| Ease of Fabrication | Must match custom stair frame design and slope angles |
| Geringer Wartungsaufwand | Year-round exposure; minimal upkeep budget |
🧪 The Material: Micro-Mesh FRP Grating
The engineers selected micro-mesh molded fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) grating — a composite panel featuring:
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Mini-grid surface (12mm x 12mm mesh) for small-object prevention
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Integrated slip-resistant grit coating
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Base grid of 38 mm molded FRP structure (60% open area)
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Corrosion-resistant resin system (vinyl ester for marine durability)
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Non-conductive and fire-retardant Eigenschaften
Each panel was pre-fabricated with a 3mm nosing edge, ensuring high visibility and safety for stair users.
🛠️ Installation Process
🧩 Step 1: Site Assessment and Panel Design
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Each stair tread had unique dimensions due to slope variation (tidal stair design)
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Using laser measurement and CAD tools, each tread was templated
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Panels were pre-cut offsite and labeled for position-based installation
🔩 Step 2: Metal Frame Preparation
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The steel frame was cleaned and recoated with marine-grade epoxy
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Stainless steel hold-down clips (M-clips and saddle clips) were pre-positioned
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Drainage holes were verified for underlying water run-off
🧱 Step 3: FRP Grating Installation
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Panels were fitted using non-penetrating clips to preserve integrity
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Anti-vibration pads were placed under panel corners
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Nosing alignment was verified to ensure visibility and safety
🧼 Step 4: Post-Installation QA
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Panels were cleaned, pressure-tested, and subjected to slip resistance checks
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Emergency services tested the stairs for response access
💡 Key Features & Benefits of the FRP Micro-Mesh Solution
| Besonderheit | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Micro-mesh Surface | Prevents small object drop-through and improves pedestrian safety |
| High Friction Grit Coating | Maintains grip even in rain or salt spray |
| Lightweight Panel Weight | Easy to lift for cleaning or repairs |
| Zero Corrosion Risk | No degradation from salt or humidity |
| Feuerdämmend | Meets marina code compliance |
| UV Stabilized Resin | No yellowing, cracking, or delamination |
| Long Life Cycle | Projected >20 years service life without replacement |
📈 Performance Results (6 Months Evaluation)
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Slip Resistance (wet) | R13 equivalent (excellent) |
| Corrosion Impact | No visible rust, bubbling, or surface damage |
| Structural Performance | No flex or bounce under full load |
| User Feedback | “Much safer and more comfortable to use” — Local fisherman |
| Maintenance Report | “Zero maintenance needed in 6 months” — Marina Operations Team |
🧭 Environmental & Regulatory Advantages
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♻️ 100% recyclable composite material
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🌊 Non-leaching, safe for adjacent aquatic ecosystems
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🔧 Exceeds OSHA and ADA tread safety standards
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🛟 Improved accessibility for emergency response during high tide events
✅ Summary & Takeaways
This project demonstrates the exceptional value of micro-mesh FRP grating in one of the most demanding environments possible — a wet, salty, and highly trafficked public marina stair system.
Key outcomes:
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Improved safety & accessibility year-round
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Reduced total cost of ownership
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Boosted public trust in municipal infrastructure upkeep
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Enhanced compatibility with marine-grade aesthetics and regulations
