The Situation:

The Los Angeles Metro Rail is a heavy duty rail system consisting of 70 stations  that service the Los Angeles County area.  Five lines make up the entire system that sees over 350,000 people daily; with another line set to open in April 2012 that will connect the subway rail system and bus lines.  The Blue Line, which services downtown neighborhoods from the Finanacial District to Long Beach, needed to replace heavy steel doors that were currently used as emergency exits in sidewalks.  The Los Angeles Metro Transit Authority needed a slip resistant solution that would be lightweight yet durable.

The Solution:

The Blue Line is the second oldest line in the Metro system and has about 90,000 riders a day.  Since the Blue Line runs both above and below ground, aluminum plate was chosen because it would work well in wet environments and would stand up to heavy foot traffic.  The aluminum plate offered a lightweight, corrosion resistant alternative to the heavy steel doors.  The Los Angeles Metro Transit Authority worked with both an outside fabricator and a SlipNOT® sales representative to provide a solution for the application.  The plates were ordered from SlipNOT® in stock sizes of 6’ x 10’ with the Grade 2 SlipNOT® aluminum surface applied.  Since the aluminum plate was being installed in place of an existing door, they seamlessly fit into the application without needing any further fabrication.

The Impact:

The aluminum plate has been installed on the Blue Line for over 15 years.  The SlipNOT® surface is completely grit free and will not flake off or chip off.  The oxidation process of aluminum has kept the surface free of rust and will not corrode, even when exposed to rain, oils and other types of moisture found in the Blue Line areas.  Passengers of the Metro Blue Line can count on the high traction SlipNOT® surface to keep them safe on the way to their daily destinations. 

The Situation:

Previously known as the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the DuSable Bridge was recently renamed to honor the first resident of Chicago, Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable.  As the founder of the city in the late 1700’s, his work jumpstarted a small trading post into a global metropolis.  After 10 years of hard work, those who fought to have the bridge renamed after him celebrated in October 2010.  Many believe renaming the bridge shows diversity in Chicago and represents the 21^st century.

The DuSable Bridge is a bascule bridge that carries Michigan Avenue across the main stem of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago.  Due to the heavy traffic present on this bridge, safety was a top priority and a slip resistant surface was needed.

The Solution:

After contacting SlipNOT® for a solution, steel Grip Plate® was found to be the best solution. Due to steel’s extreme surface hardness and durability, the plates will not wear easily and require little maintenance. The bridge plates were provided in various lengths and widths to be installed.  The city chose to paint the plates to prevent rust and corrosion after purchasing.  Depending on the city or county specification, SlipNOT® is easily welded or bolted down.

The Impact:

Years later the SlipNOT® steel plates continue to provide superior slip resistance and maintain their high coefficient of friction, even when wet.  Aiding the city in keeping pedestrians safe, the plates avoid slip and fall accidents and are little to maintenance.  SlipNOT® plates are versatile and can be easily retrofitted over existing slippery surfaces or built into new bridge construction.

The Situation:

A leading General Contracting, Civil Construction, Construction Management and Design Build Contracting company was directed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) via the CEI Engineer to design, manufacture and install expansion joint plates that met the criteria specified per Standard Index 21110.  The plate was not required in the original plan, nor was it required by the ADA guideline.  FDOT requested the slip resistant plate as an added safety measure.

The Solution:

An engineering firm designed the plates at the general contractor's request.  The plates were designed according to specifications and quotes were requested from various manufacturers.  SlipNOT® steel plate was chosen for the project and shop drawings were produced and approved by FDOT.  SlipNOT® provided 1/4” x 15” x 108” A572-50 steel plates for the project.  By forming the plates to exact drawings, the general contractor and FDOT could easily install the finished product without having to worry about further fabrication in the field.

Since the plates were going to be used for expansion joints, the steel would have to be galvanized or painted to protect against rust and corrosion.  Ultimately, FDOT  decided to galvanize the expansion joints.  SlipNOT® galvanized products are durable, rust and corrosion resistant and have an unmatched surface hardness.

The Impact:

SlipNOT® expansion joints provide a permanent slip resistant solution for FDOT and other DOT’s across the country for use in their road projects.  Each SlipNOT® product has an unparalleled file hard surface that retains traction while completely submerged in oil, water or other fluids.  Galvanized expansion joints coated with the SlipNOT® coating instantly create a safe surface for vehicular and pedestrian traffic that can withstand the elements subjected to it.

The Situation:

The Portland Bridge is located in Portland, Oregon on the Willamette River.  The Willamette River is a major tributary of the Columbia River and separates the City of Portland at its mouth into the Columbia. The Willamette Basin is home to nearly two-thirds of Oregon’s population and provides the city with 75% of its economic output. In recent years, the Willamette River has been plagued with pollution and environmental issues and is now part of an ongoing renovation project to create bike, walking trails and boat docks to help rejuvenate the Willamette River and create a recreational area for the city of Portland. The City of Portland and many environmental groups are also working to create better water quality and healthier wildlife populations to help revitalize the Willamette River.

The Willamette River is a tidal river meaning its flow levels are influenced by tides.  The level of water on the Willamette River also has large variation due to yearly precipitation levels.  To accommodate this, there are 15 major dams and a complex series of levees, dikes and channels to control its flow to avoid flooding. To help rejuvenate the river, the City of Portland was seeking a slip resistant material that would be utilized on floating bridges and docks for vehicles, bikers and pedestrians.

The Solution:

The City of Portland contacted SlipNOT® Metal Safety Flooring for a solution to their material needs. SlipNOT® provided the City of Portland with slip resistant aluminum Grip Plate®.  Aluminum plate was the ideal choice for the project because aluminum is a light weight material; it will not weigh down the bridges and was ideal for floating docks and bridges. Floating docks and bridges were a necessity for the project because of the Willamette River’s variation in level of water throughout the year.  Because aluminum is a light weight material, the floating docks and bridges are able to accommodate when water levels are extremely high or low by contracting or expanding. Aluminum is also corrosion resistant and will withstand years of heavy traffic from vehicles, bikers and pedestrians as well as the weather elements in Portland, OR. Aluminum requires minimal maintenance which was also ideal for an outdoor application that cannot be easily accessed for cleaning.

The Impact:

SlipNOT® slip resistant aluminum plate has withstood heavy traffic from vehicles, bikers and pedestrians as well as the tough Portland weather elements to provide the city of Portland with slip resistant bridges.  The slip resistant bridges and docks have been a vital asset to the revitalization of the Willamette River and surrounding area providing the City of Portland with safe bridges and docks that attract pedestrians and hikers to the river.

The Situation:

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) contacted a worldwide designer, supplier, and manufacturer of engineered rubber, concrete and steel products for an application they needed completed.   As a long time client of the supplier, FDOT asked the company to find a slip resistant product that would work for their needs.  FDOT needed a slip resistant and  corrosion resistant surface to use on expansion joint covers.

The Solution:

FDOT's supplier contacted SlipNOT® Metal Safety Flooring for a non-slip steel expansion plate.  SlipNOT® provided 1/4” x 15” x 97-1/2” Grade 2 steel plates with 7/16” countersunk holes.  Steel expansion plates can become extremely slippery under wet conditions, which is why a Grade 2 (Medium) SlipNOT® coating was applied.  This brought maximum traction and durability.  The steel expansion joints were also supplied with a hot dipped galvanized finish which was a preventative measure to eliminate corrosion and deterioration.

A steel expansion joint is a metal top plate used to bridge between two concrete slabs.  Throughout hot and cold weather, concrete may expand and contract, creating cracks and failure.  The steel expansion plate is anchored to one slab of concrete allowing for the steel expansion plate to move with the concrete.

The Impact:

SlipNOT®’s galvanized steel expansion plates were custom fabricated to meet the needs of the Florida Department of Transportation, providing a slip resistant walking surface.

The Situation:

SEPTA is the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority based out of Philadelphia, PA.  They serve 3.8 million people via bus, subway, elevated rail, commuter rail, light rail, and electric trolley bus. Safety is an important factor when it comes to providing transportation services for hundreds of people a day. SEPTA contacted SlipNOT® to provide galvanized steel nosings for the entrance and exit stairway leading from subway stations.  They also needed galvanized plates and covers to use on their train platforms.

The Solution:

SEPTA worked closely with SlipNOT® to determine what would fit their needs.  SlipNOT® steel was chosen because it provided the safety they were searching for and the durability and longevity they needed.  In addition, the nosings were galvanized to protect the steel from rust and corrosion. This configuration allowed pedestrians to walk on the stairs and platforms without having to worry about slipping in wet or snowy conditions.  SEPTA also chose galvanized steel for the plates and covers on their train platforms.  These plates were custom fabricated to their specific dimensions to allow easy access and installation.  The plates were bent with a 3” – 4” nosing and had a chain welded to the underside and were also hinged on the back end.  This allowed for the material to be pulled up when maintenance of the tracks was being done or over-sized material was passing through.

The Impact:

SlipNOT® galvanized steel nosings and plates allowed SEPTA to provide their patrons with the slip resistance and safety they needed while commuting.  The SlipNOT® galvanized steel surface allows patrons and workers to walk on its surface while completely submerged in water and will still maintain its slip resistance.  When it comes to safety, SEPTA can count on SlipNOT® to provide the safe commuting conditions their patrons expect.

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The Situation:

The Ridgely Avenue Bridge over Weem’s Creek, is known for its intimate waterfront and wooded residential surroundings.  The original bridge was built in the 1920’s with a trestle approach, but has recently been renovated.   A construction worker was looking for a durable yet slip resistant steel plate which could be removed easily if needed to access the structural beams supporting the bridge.   The removable steel plates needed to be able to support expressway traffic, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  This new modern structure was built on the alignment of the original bridge, but it improved the roadway width from 20’ to 30’ and provided a new 5’ wide sidewalk.  The contractor needed a way to expand the width of the bridge while still keeping it structurally sound.

The Solution:

Included within the renovation, SlipNOT® was asked to provide 1-1/4’’ slip resistant steel plates to be used as temporary bridge decking for the US-50 bridge over Weems Creek.  These plates were installed down the middle of the bridge, which allowed the width they needed.  The SlipNOT® plates were installed once the old concrete was taken out.  The steel plates were removed after a couple years, and re-used at another side.  Due to high traffic, the bridge needed the strongest alloy possible.  SlipNOT® steel has a file hard surfce between 55 - 63 on the Rockwell “C” scale and has a bond strength of at least 4,000 psi, which provides a long lasting and durable surface.  This became the most optimal choice for Weems Creek Bridge because all SlipNOT® slip resistant products can be easily bolted and welded down to any bridge structure.

SlipNOT® Metal Safety Flooring is an approved vendor for several departments of transportation such as Michigan DOT, Texas DOT, Caltrans and several more, making them the right choice for Ridgely Avenue Bridge.

The Impact:

The steel plates were installed and now provide Weems Creek with slip resistant, movable plates.  The plates were painted gray to resist corrosion and provided slip resistance even while wet.  They also upheld an aesthetically pleasing appearance and blended well with the concrete bridge.  Due to the durability and versatility of our slip free road plates, the needs of several projects were met.

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The Situation:

Honolulu, Hawaii is exposed to many of nature’s different elements.  Honolulu’s nickname is “The Gathering Place”, which fits a city in which hundreds of visitors from around the world flock to the numerous beaches and attractions.  This constant flow of visitors means safety is a top priority to Honolulu businesses.  SlipNOT® was contacted by a fabricator who has been in the contracting business since 1987, to help with a parking deck project for a commercial client.  The fabricator wanted to purchase stainless steel slip resistant plates to fit over existing expansion joints in the parking deck.

The Solution:

SlipNOT® provided the client with 1/8” thick 12” x 84” stainless steel plates for their installation.  The fabricator waterproofed the expansion joints and then installed the stainless steel plates over them, which allowed for slip resistance as well as protection of the expansion joints.  SlipNOT® stainless steel has a file hard surface and is also corrosion resistant, which will stand up to the Hawaiian environment.

The Impact:

SlipNOT® provided the most effective way for the customer to keep the expansion joints protected, while maintaining a slip resistant surface.  The stainless steel Grip Plate® has proven to be durable and long lasting in tough and exposed environments.  The president of the company stated “The plates are working good.  Your product is a great one.”

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The Situation:

Grosse Ile, MI, an island on the Detroit River between Canada and Detroit, MI, was doing massive renovations to the Wayne County Bridge (also known as the “free bridge”) on the south end of the island.  The renovations included new bridge decking, sidewalks and pedestrian walkways.

The Solution:

Ohio Gratings, Inc. was awarded the contract for supplying well over eight (8) truckloads of galvanized steel industrial grating and plank grating for the new bridge decking, sidewalks and pedestrian walkways.  SlipNOT® Metal Safety Flooring’s slip resistant coating was required for the new sidewalk grating being installed on the bridge.

Aluminum ADA punched plank grating with SlipNOT® was specified for the sidewalk grating because of the extreme durability and non-slip properties it consistently provides in all elements.  In total, over 9,000 square feet of 2-1/2” x 3/16” aluminum extruded plank grating was coated with SlipNOT®’s Medium Grade 2 slip resistant aluminum coating.  Aluminum plank grating was chosen for the sidewalk grating because of the non-corrosive qualities and the weightlessness.

SlipNOT® quickly turned around each shipment of the plank grating as it was received.  The sidewalk grating was sent to SlipNOT® in several shipments to ensure quick lead times without any backups or delays in processing.

The Impact:

The plank grating replaced the deteriorating concrete walkways with ease and has proven to be the invaluable choice for sidewalk grating on the newly renovated bridge.  SlipNOT® plank grating has provided safety in any direction. Whether coming or going, the Wayne County Bridge will always maintain unmatched sidewalks.

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