Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences 2016, Vol 1(2): 62-70 ©Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin eISSN 0127-9246 (Online) Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences ORIGINAL ARTICLE Conceptual Design of Natural Composite Grating Platform *Ahmad Fuad Ab Ghani, Mohamad Kamarul Anwar Sahar, Muhammad Ridzuan Husyairi Azmi, Nurul Izzati Medon, Muhammad Syazwan Samsuri, and Muhammad Syurabil Abdani Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka. Locked Bag 1200, Hang Tuah Jaya, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka * Corresponding author: ahmadfuad@utem.edu.my Received: 19/10/2016, Accepted: 25/12/2016 Abstract There are several types of grating, such as platform, bridge decks and filters. In design process, there are several important terms that have to be prioritised; engineering design, strength to weight ratio, cost, maintainability, reparability etcetera. Advanced materials, such as composite materials offer great strength to weight ratio and high mechanical properties for grating fabrication. Furthermore the reparability and maintenance problems could be solved as it is anti corrosion and the long service life attribute of composite makes it a great design material for replacement of conventional steel or aluminium. Bio composites, such as bamboo and coir fiber yield advantage in terms of less cost and abundance availability compared to commercial unidirectional composite materials, such as glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) which is considerably expensive yet possess higher mechanical properties. This papers presents a conceptual design of grating design utilizing bamboo composite as material. Pugh method has been chosen as design criteria selection matrix in finalizing the design of industrial grating for scaffolding (Pugh, 1991). Keywords: Grating; composite grating; bamboo; natural composite. Introduction Scaffolding is important tool which utilized in construction industry particularly in constructing tall buildings. Platform is the scaffolding part for the maintenance personnel to stand on as well as to serve for supporting the weight of materials for maintenance or construction activity. Scaffolding which used in construction is normally made of metal poles or wooden pillars. The scaffolding also used to assist maintenance activities or building refurbishment work. Grating has many forms of pattern for instances moulded, expanded, pultruded, bar and plank. In expanded form, the grating is available in plain steel form. In plank form grating, it is normally formed by punched sheet metal or using aluminium extrusion as shown in Fig. 1(a) and Fig. 1(b).