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Latest news from Fibrelite

Load bearing access covers are going lightweight

Port of Felixstowe, UK, before installing composite trench covers
Port of Felixstowe, UK, before installing composite trench covers
Port of Felixstowe, UK, after installing composite trench covers
Port of Felixstowe, UK, after installing composite trench covers

Conventional load-bearing access and manhole covers are heavy, liable to corrosion and difficult to install and remove. The question facing modern architects and developers is how to retain the accessibility and strength, but improve upon the practicality, durability and performance.

From access covers and manhole covers, to trench covers, steel and concrete have traditionally been the market’s materials of choice. However, these options are often cumbersome to lift and easily corrode – requiring regular maintenance.

To meet the challenges of modern construction, Fibrelite, the global leader in the manufacture and development of FRP GRP composite manhole and trench covers, has developed an ultra-light, yet ultra-strong solution that can be manufactured to match almost any specification, size, color, colour, or project.

With an unrivaled unrivalled strength to weight ratio, this highly engineered FRP GRP composite material is significantly lighter than metal, yet just as strong, and is fast becoming recognized recognised as an effective modern alternative to traditional steel and concrete.

This breakthrough has subsequently led to the development of the world’s first F900 rated (90-ton) (90-tonne) load rated composite covers at the Port of Felixstowe – one of the UK’s leading commercial ports.

Designed to protect the fresh water pipes used to supply arriving vessels, the original covers had to be removed and replaced with a mobile crane each time access was required. However, despite sharing the same load rating, the new Fibrelite composite covers can be safely and conveniently installed and removed by a two-man team.

What’s more, unlike conventional steel alternatives, the new replacements are resistant to corrosion from sea salt – making them ultra-durable and maintenance-free. Designed, manufactured and developed specifically for Felixstowe, these covers are color-coded colour-coded to denote fresh drinking water and have been engineered to fit seamlessly into the existing frames with custom-made security bolts – providing a made-to-measure fit.

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About Fibrelite

Fibrelite is a global manufacturer of highly-engineered glass reinforced plastic (FRP) (GRP) composite access covers capable of taking up to 90 ton tonne loads whilst still being light enough to be lifted by hand and is renowned for its high quality technical support and service.

Initially developed almost 40 years ago and now industry standard for petrol station forecourts, Fibrelite covers are increasingly specified for both new and retrofit work in a variety of industries in more than 80 countries around the world. To find out more, please visit www.fibrelite.com

For more information, please contact Aaron McConkey (aaron@fibrelite.com +44 (0) 1756 799773)

Fibrelite; Snaygill Industrial Estate; Keighley Road; Skipton; North Yorkshire BD23 2QR

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Aaron McConkey

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