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frp structural shapes | fiberglass grating

What are Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Structural Shapes, and what are they used for?

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FRP I-Beam
FRP I-Beams were used in this restaurant as it looks great and compliments the beautiful design.

FRP Structural Shapes are Beam, Angle, Channel, Plate, Rod, Tube and other Custom Shapes/Sizes made with pultruded Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic instead of traditional materials like steel. This gives them certain advantages that are similar to our Molded and Pultruded FRP Grating.

At National Grating we don’t just sell FRP, we sell FRP solutions. Part of that offering is in the form of FRP Structural Shapes like Fiberglass Beam, Fiberglass Angle and Fiberglass Tube. On this page we will go over what these FRP products are, and what they are used for.

National Grating FRP Structural Shapes

Benefits of FRP Structural Shapes from National Grating:

Corrosion resistant: FRP won’t rot, rust, or corrode.

Strong, yet lightweight: Choosing FRP ensures savings on transportation and installation costs, since heavy duty equipment is seldom needed.

Virtually maintenance-free: Durable and weather-resistant for a longer life cycle.

Fire-retardant and nonconductive: Creates a safer environment free of electrocutions and fire related injuries.

Dimensionally stable: Won’t shrink, swell, warp, or bow.

Highly consistent: Strength, appearance, and quality are the same from piece to piece.

Easy to fabricate and install: FRP can be cut, drilled and assembled with standard tools and is lightweight, eliminating the need for heavy duty construction equipment.

Non-leaching: Does not require environmentally hazardous preservatives to maintain visual integrity.

Fast turnaround: Most in-stock orders are shipped within the next business day.

What are FRP Structural Shapes used for?

lightweight FRP I-Beam
FRP Shapes are Lightweight! Pictured here is an FRP I-Beam at 6″ x 3″ x 3/8″ x 26.25′ weighing in at only 49 Lbs!

• Industrial and Commercial Settings: FRP shapes are employed in industrial and commercial settings for applications such as railings and ladder systems. They offer durability and resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for heavy-duty use.

• General Construction: The lightweight yet durable nature of FRP shapes makes them suitable for general construction applications where a high strength-to-weight ratio is required.
FRP shapes can be used in various structural applications to provide long-lasting, corrosion-resistant solutions.  They are often utilized to reinforce wooden structures, strengthen columns and beams, and retrofit structures for seismic resistance.

• Structural Engineering: FRP profiles such as tubes, rods, channels, and angles, are used in structural engineering applications for new construction, as well as for reinforcing and strengthening existing structures.
They are employed in the construction of beams, columns, walls, and façade systems due to their high strength, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance.

• Seismic Retrofitting: FRP shapes are utilized for seismic retrofitting to enhance the resistance of structures to earthquakes.
They are applied to increase the seismic resistance of concrete columns, beams, walls, and floors, thereby improving the overall strength and durability of the structures.

• Infrastructure Components: FRP shapes find application in the construction of various infrastructure components such as tanks, manhole covers, and bridge rehabilitation.
Their resistance to chemicals, durability, and low-maintenance properties makes them ideal for infrastructure applications.

FRP Ladder C-Channel
Here, C-Channel FRP Beams are used for the safety cage of this ladder while square FRP tubing is used for the construction of the ladder.

• Corrosive Environments: Fiberglass structural shapes are well-suited for use in corrosive environments, such as in the chemical processing industry, water treatment plants, and marine applications, due to their excellent corrosion resistance. Water parks and theme parks utilize FRP structures and grating for its ability to stand up to chlorinated water without rotting or corroding.

• Electrical and Telecommunications: Fiberglass I-beams and C-channels are non-conductive, making them suitable for use in applications where electrical currents or electromagnetic interference are a concern, such as in telecommunications infrastructure.

• Safety Applications: FRP Structural shapes are popular in safety industry applications such as ladders, safety cages, safety railings, and platforms due to their light weight and strong nature.

FRP Structural Shapes Sizes, Shapes and Colors from National Grating

All standard FRP Structural shapes come in 20’ lengths, SPFR resin, and grey color.

Other options, sizes and colors are available upon request.

A shipment full of grey FRP square tube, C-Channel and Angle.

National Grating Customer Service

National Grating prides itself on providing exceptional customer service to all customers, big and small.

Reach out to us today for your next FRP Project!

Sales@NationalGrating.com / 1-844-599-0260

National Grating Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Grating Solutions:

structural FRP I-beam
FRP I-Beams were used as structural building material for the construction of a warehouse.

mini mesh frp dock

Fiberglass FRP Grating for Docks, Decks, Marinas and Boardwalks

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Grey mini mesh FRP grating is a beautifully simple and high quality solution for docks.
Grey mini mesh FRP grating is a beautifully simple and high quality solution for docks.

Fiberglass FRP Grating is the perfect solution for docks, decks, marinas and boardwalks. 

With winter coming to an end and spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning for summer. 

Summer is about spending time down by the lake enjoying the sun and water on a dock or marina.  Far too often unfortunately that fun is cut short due to damage and maintenance requirements associated with traditional building materials.  Many docks in the past have been built with wood and metal which rots or rusts, warps, and deteriorates resulting in much of your summer being devoted to maintenance and repairs. 

FRP Grating is long lasting and industrial grade, and will take the worry out of your summer.  Our Mini Mesh FRP Grating has a non-slip coating and has holes that are much smaller than our traditional FRP Grating making it barefoot friendly in a dock or deck setting. 

Over the last several years we have seen a huge amount of interest from people who are looking for a better product for their dock or marina.  Fortunately for them we have the perfect solutions with our Mini Mesh Fiberglass (FRP) Grating, Pultruded FRP Grating and FRP Stairs. 

Call 1.844.599.0260 for a quote on Dock Grating

Fiberglass Grating

What is Mini Mesh Fiberglass (FRP) Grating?

Grey mini mesh FRP Grating is a great looking dock material.
Grey mini mesh FRP Grating is a great looking dock material.

Mini mesh FRP grating is a special molded fiberglass grating with cross bars at the top, forming smaller holes at the top of the grating. It offers unobstructed water and airflow, slip resistance, and is suitable for marine environments, walkways, boat docks, marinas, mooring pontoons.

The mini mesh means that the holes are much smaller than our traditional FRP Grating.  This makes it perfect for barefoot use in a dock setting.  The top of the Mini Mesh Fiberglass (FRP) Grating is also covered in a light anti slip material for safety when wet..

The grating comes in various surface types, colors, and dimensions, providing a durable, comfortable, and safe walking surface for marine decking and other similar applications.

Mini Mesh FRP Grating is ADA Compliant (Americans With Disabilities). Mini mesh FRP grating is ADA compliant due to its small mesh size, which prevents small tools and objects from falling through, ensuring safety for personnel or equipment below. The small mesh also provides greater foot coverage, making it comfortable for bare feet and high heel shoe traffic. Additionally, the smooth surface of mini mesh grating allows for easier movement of wheelchairs and carts.

Pultruded FRP Grating has an anti slip top and gaps between each bar which can be large or small depending on requirement.

What is Pultruded FRP Grating?

Another FRP solution from National Grating that is perfect for dock and marinas is Pultruded Fiberglass (FRP) Grating.  Pultruded FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) grating is a high-strength grating made by assembling parallel bearing bars into a series of I-shaped or T-shaped profiles, which are then held together by cross-rods. There are also many variations where the ratio between the gaps in the grating and the FRP beams can change for large gaps or very thin gaps for bare foot traffic on a dock.

This construction provides exceptional strength, allowing it to span greater distances and support heavier loads compared to molded grating. Pultruded grating is manufactured by pulling fiberglass rovings and mats through guides, then into a resin bath, and finally through a heated die to form the desired bar shape. The grating is then assembled by installing the cross-rods spaced on 3” or 6” centers, and the bars are bonded with epoxy to ensure they will not move. It is corrosion-resistant, low maintenance, and offers a safe and comfortable walking surface, making it an ideal choice for various applications, including docks, walkways, and marine environments. Pultruded grating is available in different gap ratios, colors and heights, providing versatility for different project requirements.

pultruded frp grating marina
Pultruded FRP Grating creates a rugged, long lasting and elegant walking surface.

Pultruded FRP Grating can be ADA Compliant (Americans With Disabilities). Pultruded FRP Grating can ADA compliant if a small gap ratio is chosen. 1-4000 and T-1800 Pultruded FRP Grating is ADA compliant due to its small gaps between bars which allows for easier movement of wheelchairs and carts.

FRP Grating is perfect for docks, decks, marinas and boardwalks due to the following features:

Comfortable and Safe Surface: The small holes or gaps allow light and water to pass through, providing a comfortable and safe walking surface, suitable for bare feet or any footwear typically worn in a marine environment.

Anti-Slip Properties: The concave and anti slip grit surface provide excellent anti-slip properties, ensuring safety for pedestrians, even in wet conditions.

frp grating marina yellow
National Grating also has yellow FRP Grating available for high visibility. Custom colors area available.

Corrosion Resistance: FRP grating is resistant to corrosion, making it durable in the harsh marine environment.

Versatility: It can be used for walkways, boat docks, marinas, mooring pontoons, and other marine applications, offering a strong, waterproof decking surface that will last for years.

Low Maintenance: It is corrosion-resistant and requires minimal upkeep, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term use in a marine environment.

Durability and Longevity: FRP grating is highly durable, resistant to saltwater, UV rays, and corrosion, making it ideal for marine environments.

Low Maintenance: Unlike wood that degrades rapidly in wet environments, FRP grating requires minimal maintenance and does not warp, crack, or splinter.

Customization: The ratio between the pultruded bars and the gap can be changed due to strength requirements.  Thickness and lengths can be customized as well.  Color is optional, with grey being the most popular and available.

What are FRP Stair Treads?

Fiberglass Reinforced Stairs are stair tread systems manufactured from Molded FRP Grating or Pultruded FRP Grating. They can be purchased with a yellow nosing for added visibility and safety as well as non slip top surface.

FRP Stair Treads are perfect for docks, decks, marinas and boardwalks:

FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) stairs are perfect for docks due to several key advantages:

pultruded frp stairs marine environement
Pultruded FRP Stair Treads are used here for steps into a lake from the dock. This application is perfect for FRP because it does not degrade from water exposure and has a anti slip top layer for barefoot safety.

Corrosion and Chemical Resistance: FRP Stair Treads are corrosion-resistant and can withstand exposure to harsh chemicals, making them ideal for marine environments like docks.

Durability and Longevity: Unlike wood that degrades rapidly in wet environments, FRP Stair Treads are durable and have a long service life, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

UV Resistance: FRP Stair Treads are UV stable, meaning they do not degrade when exposed to sunlight, ensuring they maintain their appearance over time.

Easy Maintenance: FRP Stair Treads are easy to clean with standard cleaning agents or by power-washing, translating to cost savings and reduced downtime.

Slip Resistance: FRP Stair Treads offer high friction factor, ensuring secure footing even in challenging conditions, making them safe for high-traffic areas like docks.

The corrosion resistance, durability, UV resistance, easy maintenance, and slip resistance make FRP Stair Treads an excellent choice for docks.

pultruded frp grating dock stairs into lake
FRP Stairs Treads are perfect for walking to and from water because of their anti slip top surface. Here pultruded FRP Stair Treads with yellow nosing was utilized.

National Grating Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Grating Solutions:

National Grating Customer Service

National Grating prides itself on providing exceptional customer service to all customers, big and small.

Reach out to us today for your next FRP Project!

Sales@NationalGrating.com / 1-844-599-0260

FRP Grating Winter Applications

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national grating frp stair treads frp stair tread cover

Winter Applications for FRP Grating, Stair Treads and Railings

As the fall and winter seasons approach, many are gearing up to face the challenges that come with cold, wet, icy and slippery conditions. FRP Grating, Stair Tread, Railings and Structural products are ideal for cold weather and arctic applications as they have very low thermal conductivity and do not become brittle in extreme cold.

One of the most significant advantages of FRP grating, stair treads and stair tread covers in winter is their exceptional slip resistance. FRP surfaces are engineered to provide reliable traction, even when wet or covered in snow and ice. This can prevent accidents and ensure safe movement on stairs and walkways, both indoors and outdoors.

Slips trips and falls are the #1 cause of workplace injuries.

Choose FRP Grating for a safe workspace!

Consider FRP Grating, Stair Treads, and Railings for the following Benefits/Advantages:

1. Safety in Slippery Conditions:


One of the most significant advantages of FRP grating, stair treads, and handrails in winter is their exceptional slip resistance. FRP surfaces are engineered to provide reliable traction, even when wet or covered in snow and ice. This can prevent accidents and ensure safe movement on stairs and walkways, both indoors and outdoors.

2. Corrosion Resistance:


Winter weather often means exposure to salt and de-icing chemicals, which can be corrosive to traditional materials like steel. FRP is highly resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for outdoor installations, such as walkways and handrails. Its durability ensures that these elements remain safe and functional throughout the winter season.

nation grating fiberglass reinforced plastic frp stair treads
FRP Stair treads with yellow nosing and grit top are the ultimate in winter safety!

3. Low Thermal Conductivity:


FRP has a low thermal conductivity, which means it does not readily transfer heat or cold. In winter, this can be a significant advantage. Handrails made of FRP won’t become uncomfortably cold to the touch, providing a more pleasant experience for those who need to hold onto them in chilly weather.

4. Low Maintenance:


FRP products require minimal maintenance. They do not rust, warp, or rot, and they’re highly resistant to the effects of freezing and thawing. This translates to cost savings and less time spent on upkeep during the winter season.

5. Longevity and Durability:


FRP materials are built to last. They can withstand the harsh conditions of winter without deteriorating. This long-term durability ensures that your infrastructure investments remain sound and reliable year after year.

6. Easy Installation:


FRP products are lightweight and easy to install, which can save time and resources, especially during winter when weather-related challenges can increase project complexities.


Embracing FRP grating, stair treads, and handrails during the winter season is a smart choice for safety, reliability, and longevity. These versatile materials offer a range of benefits that can help ensure that your infrastructure remains secure and functional, regardless of the weather conditions. Whether it’s in industrial settings, commercial properties, or residential areas, the advantages of FRP are undeniable during the challenging winter months.

National Grating FRP Products Designed for Winter Applications

national grating frp stair tread
Large openings in grating allow snow and ice to pass through

Fiberglass Stair Tread Covers

Fiberglass stair tread covers are excellent for use in heavy traffic areas, such as outdoor walkways. The anti-slip surfaces of these FRP stair tread covers are an important safety feature in walkways where moisture is present.

FRP Stair Tread Covers are molded, non-slip and gritted, with a yellow nosing for the ultimate in non-slip, high visibility surface. They are the ideal solution for outdoor and slippery all-weather applications, featuring high corrosion resistance, durable grit, and easy installation.

FRP Stair tread covers can be installed over wood, concrete or metal steps and are manufactured with a quartz grit-top surface and a standard nosing of highly visible yellow.

Fiberglass Stair Treads

Fiberglass stairs are the best solution for outdoor anti-slip stairs. Stair treads made of FRP grating are lightweight, easy to fabricate, and highly durable. 

Fiberglass stair treads are available as molded FRP treads with yellow nosing’s and a gritted surface, for the ultimate safety in wet or icy slippery conditions.

Optional gritted anti-slip top surface promotes safety while the large open area of the grating allows for water, snow and ice to simply pass through the material. 

national grating frp molded grating frp railing
FRP Grating with anti-slip Quartz grit top coating provides great grip in slippery conditions

Fiberglass Plate

Fiberglass plate is light in weight and is easy to install, and at the same time is durable and sturdy. Pultruded Fiberglass Plate is industrial anti-slip flooring that is corrosion resistant and outlasts traditional building materials like steel and even stainless-steel plate. Most safety flooring applications will benefit from using Fiberglass Plate, and the different types of grit (smooth, fine, diamond) can give slip resistance in a wide variety of slippery situations.

Molded FRP Grating

The ultimate safe walking surface for walkways, docks with an optional gritted anti-slip top surface that promotes safety while the large open area of the grating allows for water, snow and ice to simply pass through the material.

Heavy Duty Fiberglass Grating

Heavy Duty Grating is used to covers areas with heavy traffic.

Our High Load Capacity (HLC) molded grating is heavy duty, corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance. It’s engineered to carry heavy traffic like trucks and forklifts. HLC grating has many advantages over steel grating for performance and cost effectiveness. With a much higher strength-to-weight ratio, molded HLC fiberglass grating has optional top grit to provide extra grip in slippery outdoor applications. 

national grating railing
FRP Railings have a high strength to weight ratio allowing for easy install and a safe work space

Fiberglass Railing

Fiberglass Railing, Handrail and Ladder Systems are a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution for harsh outdoor environments. FRP railing systems provide inherent corrosion resistance, low thermal conductivity and they are easy to fabricate and install. The installed cost is much lower than steel, and because of the long life and low maintenance life cycle, the costs of fiberglass railing are significantly lower than traditional materials over their lifetime.

National Grating Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Grating Solutions:

Pultruded FRP Grating: The Ideal Solution for Marine Dry Docks and Rail Yards

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Pultruded Fiberglass Reinforce Plastic (FRP) Grating is the ideal product Marine Dry Docks and Rail Yards across North America due to its many advantages over traditional building materials.

National Grating has been seeing high levels of interest in Pultruded FRP Grating for applications such as Marine Dry Docks in the great lakes and even as far north as Alaska (due to its winter advantages) as well as Rail Yards across North America.

T-5000 Pultruded FRP Grating in yellow was used to replace the previous material
T-5000 Pultruded FRP Grating in yellow was used to replace the previous material.

This Marine Towing Drydock has found the perfect solution for its demanding environment with the implementation of Pultruded T-5000 FRP Grating from National Grating. This innovative grating, engineered from fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), offers a comprehensive set of advantages that address the specific needs of the rail yard, ensuring enhanced performance and durability.

pultruded frp decking
A picture before T-5000 Pultruded FRP yellow grating was installed

Corrosion Resistance and Longevity
Pultruded FRP Grating is designed to withstand the harshest environments, making it an ideal choice for the Marine Towing Drydock Rail Yard. Its superior corrosion resistance, surpassing traditional materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized gratings, ensures longevity and minimizes maintenance requirements.

Heavy-Duty Performance
Engineered to carry higher loads, Pultruded T-5000 Grating delivers exceptional strength and stiffness, making it well-suited for the rigorous demands of the rail yard. Its heavy-duty design provides the necessary support for various operational activities, contributing to a reliable and robust infrastructure.

Safety and Efficiency
The safety surface of Pultruded T-5000 Grating, featuring a coarse epoxy grit, enhances worker safety, even in challenging conditions. This prioritization of safety aligns with the dry docks commitment to maintaining a secure working environment for its personnel.

Low Maintenance and Cost-Effectiveness
The implementation of Pultruded T-5000 Grating offers the  Marine Towing Drydock Rail Yard a low-maintenance solution, reducing the need for frequent repairs and upkeep. Furthermore, its cost-effectiveness and long-term performance make it a valuable investment for the rail yard’s operational infrastructure.

pultruded frp grating marine dock
Yellow Pultruded FRP Grating was chosen for this Alaskan application due to its long lifespan, non slip surface, light weight, resistance snow buildup.

Pultruded Grating stands as the optimal choice for a Marine Drydock, providing a durable, high-performance solution that addresses the specific requirements of the environment. Its corrosion resistance, heavy-duty performance, safety features, and cost-effectiveness make it an indispensable asset for the rail yard’s ongoing success and operational efficiency.

Pultruded FRP Grating in other Industries:

Pultruded Fiberglass Grating is commonly used in various industries due to its superior strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. Some potential industries where Pultruded T-5000 grating may be successfully implemented include:

  1. Marine and Offshore: Due to its corrosion resistance and durability, Pultruded FRP grating is suitable for marine and offshore applications, such as shipyards, docks, and offshore platforms.
  2. Industrial Manufacturing: Industries requiring heavy-duty flooring and grating solutions, such as manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, and industrial warehouses, can benefit from the high-strength and low-maintenance characteristics of Pultruded FRP grating.
  3. Transportation: The transportation sector, including railway facilities and infrastructure, can utilize Pultruded FRP grating for its durability and resistance to environmental factors.
  4. Construction and Infrastructure: In construction and infrastructure projects, Pultruded FRP grating can be used for walkways, platforms, and structural applications due to its high strength and corrosion resistance.

Characteristics of Pultruded Fiberglass grating make it a versatile solution for a wide range of industries that require durable, corrosion-resistant, and high-strength grating products.

pultruded frp fiberglass grating yellow grey
Yellow and Grey Pultruded FRP Grating compliments each other perfectly and presents an elevated level of safety due to high color contrast.
pultruded frp grating rail yard
Installation of Pultruded FRP Grating is fast and easy due to its lightweight nature.

Why choose Pultruded FRP Grating?

Pultruded FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) grating is often chosen over molded FRP grating or steel grating for industrial applications due to several key differences in their characteristics and performance. Here are the main reasons for choosing pultruded FRP grating:

Strength and Stiffness: Pultruded grating has a higher fiberglass concentration, making it stronger and stiffer than molded grating. This characteristic makes it suitable for applications requiring higher load-bearing capacity and longer spans.

Corrosion Resistance: Pultruded grating offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for harsh industrial environments where exposure to chemicals, moisture, and corrosive elements is a concern.

Heavy-Duty Applications: Due to its superior strength and load-bearing capabilities, pultruded grating is well-suited for heavy-duty industrial applications, such as manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, and offshore platforms.

Customization and Versatility: Pultruded grating can be customized to meet specific project requirements, offering versatility in panel sizes, resin systems, and other design features to accommodate various industrial applications.

Fire Retardant Properties: Some pultruded grating products are manufactured with fire retardant properties, making them suitable for applications where fire safety is a concern.

Pultruded Fiberglass grating is preferred over molded grating for industrial applications due to its higher strength, stiffness, corrosion resistance, suitability for heavy-duty use, and the ability to be customized to meet specific project requirements.

Pultruded FRP VS Steel and Wood Grating

pultruded frp grating dry dock
Pultruded FRP Grating was chosen in this application due to the deterioration of the wood and its fasteners.

Pultruded FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) grating is often chosen over steel grating for industrial applications due to several key advantages. Here are the main reasons for choosing pultruded FRP grating over steel grating:

  1. Corrosion Resistance: Pultruded FRP grating offers superior corrosion resistance compared to steel grating, making it ideal for corrosive environments, including chemical processing, marine, and industrial settings.
  1. Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Pultruded FRP grating provides high strength with a lower weight compared to steel, offering easier installation and reduced structural support requirements.
  1. Low Maintenance: FRP grating requires minimal maintenance and is resistant to chemicals, making it an attractive choice for industrial applications where exposure to water, chemicals, and cleaning agents is common.
  1. Safety Surface: The walking surface of pultruded grating often has a coarse epoxy grit bonded to the bearing bars, providing a safe surface for workers, even in wet conditions.
  1. Customization and Versatility: Pultruded FRP grating can be customized to meet specific project requirements, offering versatility in panel sizes, resin systems, and other design features to accommodate various industrial application.

Pultruded FRP grating is preferred over steel and wood grating for industrial applications due to its superior corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, low maintenance requirements, safety features, and customization options. These advantages make it a versatile and cost-effective solution for a wide range of industrial settings.

Other Industries Utilizing Pultruded FRP Grating:

  • chemical processing
  • food & beverage
  • marine
  • aquatic centers
  • oil & gas
  • power
  • manufacturing
  • construction
  • pharmaceutical
  • metals & mining
  • pulp & paper
  • recreation
  • water parks
  • telecommunications
  • shipping centers
  • transportation facilities
  • water & waste treatment