Understanding Traffic-Rated Castings for Infrastructure Projects
Meta Title: Traffic-Rated Castings & Load Classifications | Bass & Hays
Meta Description: Learn about traffic-rated castings, including AASHTO H-20 and airport-rated standards. Bass & Hays offers durable, proof-load tested solutions for any project.
A Guide to Traffic-Rated Castings and Load Classifications
At Bass & Hays, we specialize in designing and manufacturing high-quality castings that meet or exceed industry standards for traffic loading. Ensuring unmatched durability and safety, our traffic-rated products are engineered for reliable performance across a wide range of applications, making them the trusted choice for modern infrastructure projects.
Understanding Traffic Load Classifications
Selecting the correct casting is critical for project safety and longevity. Our products are designed to meet specific AASHTO H-20/HS-20 loading specifications, providing solutions for various traffic conditions.
- Light Duty (Non-Traffic): Designed exclusively for pedestrian areas or pathways where only hand trucks are used.
- H-15 (Medium Duty): Suitable for light-duty traffic areas, this rating supports a 12,000 lb. wheel load, which is 75% of the H-20 standard.
- H-20 (Heavy-Duty Traffic-Rated): This is the standard for heavy-duty traffic applications. It is engineered to withstand a 16,000 lb. wheel load (or a 32,000 lb. dual-spaced wheel load). It is commonly referred to as H-20 or HS-20 rated.
- Extra Heavy Duty (Airport-Rated): Built to meet FAA design loading standards, these castings support extreme wheel loads of 200,000 lbs. or more. Additional safety factors can be applied to meet specific project needs.
Note: To ensure the correct product is selected, the purchaser or end user must provide the total wheel load and tire contact area. Specifying heavy concentration loads, such as H-20 or airport traffic, is essential for proper performance.
Rigorous Proof Load Testing for Guaranteed Performance
Our commitment to quality includes rigorous testing. Bass & Hays traffic-rated castings undergo thorough proof load testing in compliance with AASHTO M306, Section 7.0.
During this process, castings are tested on calibrated load machines, where they must hold a 40,000 lb. proof load for one minute without developing cracks or permanent deformation. We make these test results available upon request to verify the strength and integrity of our products.
Material and Manufacturing Specifications
- Gray Iron Castings: Conform to ASTM A48, Class 35B for reliable strength.
- Ductile Iron Castings: Conform to ASTM A536 for applications requiring higher strength and ductility.
- Steel Grates: Manufactured from hot-rolled steel per ASTM A36 and galvanized per ASTM A123 for enhanced corrosion resistance.
- Coatings: By default, castings are supplied unpainted to naturally form a protective patina. Non-polluting coatings are available upon request.
All our castings are machined to provide non-rocking contact surfaces, are free from defects, and are manufactured to the highest quality standards.
Installation and Warranty
To ensure optimal performance and safety, castings must be installed according to all applicable government, engineering, and industry standards under qualified supervision. The original manufacturer’s warranty is voided if products are installed improperly or misused.
Partner with Bass & Hays for Reliable Traffic-Rated Castings
Our American-made products are engineered to meet the most demanding traffic load requirements, ensuring safety and durability in every application. Contact us today for more information or to request proof load test results for your project. Choose Bass & Hays for castings that deliver quality, compliance, and performance you can trust.