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Fibrelite custom design and manufacture retrofit replacement for heavy concrete trench access covers

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Project overview

Fibrelite were contacted by a third-party construction company whose client had tasked them with obtaining a lightweight upgrade for their traditional heavy concrete infill trench covers. It was essential for the new trench covering arrangement to be retrofitted into the existing frames, lightweight and easy to use with no specialist training or equipment required for operation.

Problem

This client required frequent access to services within these trenches, located on the bridge and grass banking on the site. It soon became apparent that the previously installed concrete infill access covers posed a problem in this regard – costing additional time and money due to specialist equipment and trained personnel being required every time access was required:

Key issues with previously installed covers and requirements for new covering arrangement

  • Specialist training required for operatives.
  • Heavy duty lifting apparatus had to be procured from a third-party hire company in each instance when access was required.
  • The sheer weight of the concrete covers posed health and safety risks, even when operatives were appropriately trained.
  • Replacement trench covering solution must include a restraining bolt feature.

In order to prove cost-effective, it was essential that any replacement offering had be retrofitted to the existing trough rebate. C250 and A15 load rated trench covers were required for trafficked and non-trafficked areas.

This client required a lightweight upgrade for their traditional heavy concrete infill trench covers
This client required a lightweight upgrade for their traditional heavy concrete infill trench covers
Heavy duty lifting apparatus was required to remove and replace existing covers
Heavy duty lifting apparatus was required to remove and replace existing covers
Specialist training was required for operatives to remove and replace the previously existing concrete covers
Specialist training was required for operatives to remove and replace the previously existing concrete covers

Solution

Fibrelite supplied a custom engineered trench covering arrangement to the client which would satisfy all specifications as detailed from the outset. Thanks to effective discussion between all three parties, Fibrelite’s proposal was accepted thereafter.

Key features of the Fibrelite solution:

  • Custom trench access covers and frame section manufactured and supplied to fit directly into the existing concrete trough rebate.
  • Fibrelite lightweight FRP GRP trench access covers manufactured with restraining bolt down feature.
  • Bespoke C250 and A15 load rated covers supplied in line with client requirements: C250 for bridge area which would be trafficked and A15 for the steep sloped banking which would see only pedestrian foot traffic, but would require single cover removal without remaining cover displacement.
  • The new Fibrelite trench access covers can be easily and safely removed and replaced manually by two people using the ergonomically designed Fibrelite FL7 lifting handles.
Bespoke C250 and A15 load rated covers supplied in line with client requirements
Bespoke C250 and A15 load rated covers supplied in line with client requirements

Results

The easy access retrofit covering solution provided by Fibrelite eliminates the need for any specialist personnel or machinery during maintenance or operation.

Key benefits of Fibrelite trench access covers:

  • Easy and safe access to trench services using the ergonomically designed Fibrelite FL7 lifting handles.
  • Best strength to weight ratio available in the market today.
  • Independent wet and dry tests carried out by Devon CC Materials Laboratory showed that Fibrelite manhole and trench covers – even when wet – have anti-slip/skid properties far exceeding health and safety advisory limits.
  • Corrosion resistant.
  • Retrofit installation of bespoke Fibrelite frames
  • Custom designed and engineered trench covers
Fibrelite covers provide a safe walking and driving surface
Anti-slip/skid properties far exceeding health and safety advisory limits
Fibrelite’s lightweight trench covers can safely be removed and replaced manually by two people (Image used for illustration purposes and shows a different installation)
The new Fibrelite trench access covers can be easily and safely removed and replaced manually

Author:

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David Holmes

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