Jonite engineered stone trench grates are certified R11 under DIN 51130:2014 by SETSCO, a stronger slip resistance classification than R10, and can be configured with openings that meet ADA Section 302.1. For US commercial wet areas, including poolsides, porte-cochères and public plazas, these credentials give design teams documented performance data when specifying slip-resistant trench grates.
Key takeaways
- Jonite engineered stone trench grates are certified R11 under DIN 51130:2014 by SETSCO, providing documented slip resistance for commercial wet-area applications.
- ADA compliance depends on the configuration selected. Jonite grates with openings of ≤1/2 inch, oriented with the long dimension perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel, meet ADA Section 302.1 and reduce the risk of wheelchair casters, canes or walkers becoming trapped.
- Surrounding pavement on an accessible route must not exceed a 1:48 (approximately 2%) cross slope. This is an installation requirement rather than a trench grate product specification.
- Jonite's natural stone aggregate texture provides inherent surface grip without relying on an applied anti-slip coating that may degrade with exposure to pool chemicals.
- ASTM D543:2014 chemical resistance certification provides documented performance for chemical exposure in pool-adjacent and other commercial wet areas.
- For submittal packages, design teams can request Jonite's R11 certificate (DIN 51130:2014, SETSCO), configuration-specific ADA documentation and BS EN 124:2015 load classification to support specification and review.
What slip resistance standard applies to trench grates in US wet areas?
In the US, there is no single mandatory national slip resistance standard for exterior trench grates. ADA Section 302.1 is the primary accessibility requirement for public access areas, governing grate opening size and surface conditions rather than a specific slip resistance rating. For wet-area trench grate safety in US projects, teams often ask for pendulum (ASTM E303-type) results or wet DCOF values, while ramp testing under DIN 51130 is a widely recognised international benchmark. Jonite trench grates are certified R11 under DIN 51130:2014 by SETSCO, giving design teams documented slip resistance data beyond what ADA requires. Project-specific requirements can vary, so design teams should confirm the applicable standards with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
What does ADA Section 302.1 require for trench grates?
ADA Section 302.1 requires floor openings in public access areas to be no greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm), with elongated openings positioned so the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel. ADA compliance is therefore a property of the selected configuration, not a blanket product attribute: Jonite grates specified with openings of ≤1/2 inch and the correct slot orientation relative to the path of travel meet this requirement. Surrounding accessible surfaces must also meet the applicable 1:48 cross-slope requirement, which is an installation consideration rather than a grate attribute. For submittals, design teams should include the grate pattern, slot dimensions and orientation, while the project engineer or GC addresses surrounding pavement slope. Design teams can contact Jonite for current installation and maintenance guidance when preparing project-specific documentation.
What does R11 under DIN 51130 mean for US specifications?
DIN 51130:2014 classifies surfaces from R9 to R13 using an inclined ramp test with a shod walker on a contaminated surface; the higher the rating, the steeper the angle at which the surface remains walkable. Jonite trench grates are certified R11 by SETSCO, a stronger classification than R10 and well suited to plazas, porte-cochères and pool surrounds. US teams often ask about pendulum (ASTM E303-type) testing or DCOF. These are different methods, so submit the R11 certificate as DIN 51130 data rather than as an equivalent rating. R-ratings also cover footwear only. Barefoot wet areas such as pool decks are assessed under DIN 51097 (Classes A, B and C), so confirm barefoot suitability with Jonite for pool-deck applications.
How do grate slot openings affect both drainage flow and safety?
Grate slot openings balance two requirements: allowing sufficient drainage flow while keeping openings small enough for safe pedestrian and wheelchair access. Jonite trench grates are available with openings of ≤1/2 inch, while different grate patterns provide varying open areas for drainage. Where elongated openings are used, ADA requirements also govern their orientation relative to the direction of travel. Jonite offers six trench grate collections with different patterns and configurations, with custom solutions also available for project-specific design requirements. Design teams should confirm slot dimensions, ADA compliance, and hydraulic requirements for the selected grate during specification.
What does a US submittal package need to document for trench grate safety?
For AHJ approval on a US commercial project, a trench grate submittal package typically documents load class, ADA compliance, slip resistance, and relevant environmental performance. For Jonite engineered stone trench grates, design teams can request:
- BS EN 124:2015 load class certification, with AHJ acceptance confirmed where AASHTO standards apply
- ADA Section 302.1 documentation for the selected opening size and orientation
- R11 slip resistance certificate (DIN 51130:2014, SETSCO)
- DIN 51097 barefoot data for pool decks, where available
- ASTM D543:2014 chemical resistance for pool-adjacent areas
- ASTM B117 salt spray resistance for coastal applications
Design teams can request samples and submittal documentation from Jonite for project-specific specification and review.
FAQs
Are Jonite trench grates ADA compliant?
It depends on the configuration. Jonite trench grates are available with openings of ≤1/2 inch, which meet ADA Section 302.1 when elongated openings run with the long dimension perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel. The surrounding accessible surface must meet the applicable 1:48 cross-slope requirement, which is an installation consideration rather than a grate specification.
What does R11 mean for trench grates?
R11 is a slip resistance classification under DIN 51130:2014, the shod ramp test, and sits above R10 on the R9 to R13 scale. Jonite trench grates are certified R11 by SETSCO, giving design teams documented slip resistance data for wet-area applications. On US projects, include it as supporting performance documentation alongside ADA and local requirements.
What slip resistance do I need for a commercial pool deck trench grate?
There is no single national US slip resistance rating for commercial pool deck trench grates. Jonite's R11 certification under DIN 51130 covers shod foot traffic. Pool decks are largely barefoot, which is assessed under DIN 51097 (Classes A, B and C), so confirm barefoot suitability with Jonite and the relevant AHJ during specification.
Can a wheelchair cross a trench grate safely?
Yes, provided the grate and surrounding accessible route meet ADA requirements. Jonite trench grates are available with ≤1/2-inch openings, helping prevent wheelchair casters, cane tips, and walker tips from becoming trapped. Slot orientation and the surrounding surface conditions must also be addressed during installation.
What documentation does Jonite provide for slip resistance?
Jonite can provide its R11 certificate under DIN 51130:2014, issued by SETSCO, along with ADA Section 302.1 information for the selected grate configuration. For wet or coastal applications, supporting documentation includes ASTM D543:2014 chemical resistance and ASTM B117 salt spray resistance. Design teams can request the relevant documents for their project submittal package.
