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Hospital, UK

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Fibrelite replace 33 meters metres of concrete trench panels providing safe and easy access to underground heating pipes

Project overview

Fibrelite’s lightweight anti-slip/skid composite FM45 trench panels have recently been specified to replace over 33 metres of crumbling, hard to remove concrete panels. The newly installed FM45’s now provide easy and safe access to the underground heating pipework, running from the hospital building to the boiler rooms.

Crumbling, unsightly, trip hazard concrete

Fibrelite replaced the old unsightly, trip hazard concrete with 74 trench panels of varying load ratings and sizes:

  • 52 FM45C250-140 trench panels (1400 x 450 x 117mm)
  • 15 FM45B125-140 trench panels (1400 x 450 x 117mm)
  • 7 FM45B125-120 trench panels (1200 x 450 x 50mm)

The FM45B125-120 A15 load rated trench panels were Fibrelite’s very first installation of the newly designed shallow trench panels (50mm depth). Responding to the customers’ requirements the process took only four weeks from conception to delivery of this brand new product, including design, retooling and testing.

The previously installed run of concrete trench covers
The previously installed run of concrete trench covers
Removed crumbling concrete cover showing heating pipes underneath
Removed crumbling concrete cover showing heating pipes underneath

Most cost-effective composite trench panels

Following significant investment in new tooling the new A15 load rated 50mm depth trench panels are available in sizes from 800mm to 1600mm long. Fibrelite has successfully adapted the existing manufacturing process to utilize utilise recycled glass fibers fibres reducing waste and carbon emissions.

This eco-friendly manufacturing process means Fibrelite is now able to produce the most cost-effective trench panel to date resulting in significant cost benefits to customers throughout the construction industry.

Designed as a ‘fit and forget’ product for civil engineering situations the maintenance free FM45 is perfect for covering large areas, gullies, trenches and ducts where occasional or frequent access may be required.

The same stretch following Fibrelite install
The same stretch following Fibrelite install
Safe and easy removal: FM45 removed using FL7s
Safe and easy removal: FM45 removed using FL7s

Fibrelite’s FL7 easy lifting aid

Proven to be ergonomically safe to remove and replace, the design incorporates two lifting points for the specially designed FL7 lifting aids. These allow the operators to remove the cover without trapping fingers or bending over thus maximizing maximising the safety of the lifting technique. The weight is kept close to the body preventing back injury: one of the main causes of absence from work and personal injury claims. The maximum weight of the largest panel is 25kg.

Customer comments

“The existing service pipe duct carrying heating pipes to the Hospital building from the boiler house were of the cast concrete interlocking type. They were difficult to remove for maintenance or in the event of a pipe failure in the duct.”

“The new Fibrelite ducts make access problems a thing of the past. They are both easy to lift and look good as well.”

No slips or trips... The Fibrelite tread pattern which offers anti-slip qualities equivalent to a high-grade road
Anti-slip/skid properties far exceeding health and safety advisory limits

Author:

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David Holmes

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