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Composite Trench Covers

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Light enough to remove by hand.

Strong enough for any application A15-F900

With an unrivaled unrivalled strength-to-weight ratio, lightweight Fibrelite trench covers are available in a range of load ratings (from Pedestrian 1.5 to 90 tons) tonnes) to suit every application and every budget. Easy-to-remove, safe and available in an almost limitless range of RAL colors, colours, sizes and configurations, each cover is designed to deliver years of trouble-free service even in the harshest environments.

Cast iron access covers with concrete infill

Our lightweight retrofit replacement

The complete trench cover guide

Expert guidance for even the most complex installations - DOWNLOAD HERE

Trusted by specifiers, architects and engineers worldwide

Fibrelite has been at the forefront of composite quality and innovation since 1980 when we designed the world’s first FRP GRP composite manhole cover for the retail petroleum industry. Our high-performance, lightweight, safe-to-lift composite covers – including the unique ‘Extreme’ F900 load-rated trench cover – are now selected by specifiers, architects and engineers worldwide.

Not all composite covers are the same

Although FRP GRP composite covers are now increasingly preferred to the traditional metal or concrete options – not every composite cover performs to the highest standards year after year.

Fibrelite trench covers are a high-performance product created via resin transfer molding moulding (RTM) to create a durable, monolithic cover that you can truly fit-and-forget. What’s more, each one has been individually engineered in our own manufacturing facilities.

Power Generation

Find out why Magnox, The National Grid, and other leading companies are specifying Fibrelite.

Military & Defense Defence

Find out why Fibrelite covers are installed by all branches of the UK and US armed forces.

Data Centers Centres

Find out how Fibrelite covers are safeguarding service and eliminating downtime.

Stadiums & Leisure

Find out why Fibrelite covers are trusted by leading venues and stadia worldwide.

Ports & Airports

Find out how Fibrelite are eliminating manual handling health and safety risks.

Manufacturing Facilities & Food Processing

Find out how Fibrelite can custom engineer bespoke FRP GRP composite covers to fit any facility.

Public Areas

Discover how Fibrelite covers are engineered for the most demanding environments.

Health & Social Care

Discover why hospitals are upgrading to Fibrelite's lightweight FRP GRP trench and manhole covers.

Radio Frequency Friendly Covers

Find out why Fibrelite's radio frequency friendly covers are installed from Cadiz to Connecticut.

Rail, Trams & Underground

Discover how Fibrelite covers are designed for the most demanding environments.

Roadside & Access Roads

Discover why Fibrelite covers are a maintenance-free ‘fit-and-forget’ solution.

Water & Water Treatment

Find out how you can retrofit Fibrelite covers directly into existing frames/rebates.

Load ratings from 3,400 lb / 1.5 tons tonnes to 202,000 lb / 90 tons tonnes

Load ratings from Pedestrian to Airport Runways

Explore our trench cover range below

Pedestrian
up to: 250 to 350 lbs.
per sq./ft.

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Pedestrian loading is generally specified for sidewalks, plazas and other pedestrian only areas where no vehicular traffic of any kind is anticipated under any condition. The Pedestrian load rating is typically between 250 to 350 lbs. per sq./ft. applied over the entire area of the cover.
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ANSI Tier 5
up to: 8,000 lbs.

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Tier 5 Load Ratings are specified for sidewalk or pedestrian only areas that may experience non-deliberate light vehicular traffic (such as lawn mowers). The Tier 5 design load is 5,000 lbs. with a minimum failure load of 7,500 lbs.
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ANSI Tier 8
up to: 8,000 lbs.

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Tier 8 Loading is specified for sidewalk or pedestrian only areas that may experience non-deliberate light vehicular traffic. The Tier 8 design load is 8,000 lbs. with a minimum failure load of 12,000 lbs.
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ANSI Tier 15
up to: 15,000 lbs

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Tier 15 Loading is specified for areas such as driveways, factory floors, parking lots and off roadway applications subject to occasional light vehicle traffic (such as light forklifts or light vehicles). The Tier 15 design load is 15,000 lbs. with a minimum failure load of 22,500 lbs.
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ANSI Tier 22
up to: 18 tons / 22,500 lbs.

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Tier 22 Loading is specified for areas such as driveways, factory floors, parking lots and off roadway applications subject to heavy forklift traffic and occasional vehicular traffic. The Tier 22 design load is 22,500 lbs. with a minimum failure load of 33,750 lbs.
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AASHTO H20/HS-20
up to: 20 tons / 40,000 lbs.

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AASHTO H20 or HS-20 Loading is specified for areas that will be subjected to frequent vehicle traffic. The H20 design load is per AASHTO’s M-306-10 load test requirements – proof load testing to 40,000 lbs. without any permanent deformation exceeding 3.2 mm or 1/8”.
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AASHTO H25/HS-25
Loading up to: 25 tons / 50,000 lbs.

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AASHTO H25 or HS-25 Loading is specified for areas that will be subjected to frequent heavy vehicle traffic (such as trucks). The H25 design load is per AASHTO’s M-306-10 load test requirements – proof load testing to 50,000 lbs. without any permanent deformation exceeding 3.2 mm or 1/8”.
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AASHTO H40/HS-40
up to: 40 tons / 64,000 lbs.

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AASHTO H40 or HS-40 Loading is specified for areas that will be subjected to extremely heavy truck traffic (such as truck stops, fire stations and mining facilities). The H40 design load is per AASHTO’s M-306-10 load test requirements – proof load testing to 64,000 lbs. without any permanent deformation exceeding 3.2 mm or 1/8”.
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Extreme Loading Requirements
Up to: 90 tons / 202,000 lbs.

For applications where load ratings exceed AASHTO H40, please contact Fibrelite directly.
 
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Why choose a Fibrelite trench cover?
Benefits at a glance

  • Load ratings from Pedestrian to 90 tons (BS EN 124)
  • Bespoke and custom sizes available
  • The widest range of FRP GRP trench covers available to suit every requirement
  • Perfect for access to drains, ducts and piping
  • Trouble-free lightweight durable monolithic structure which will not delaminate
  • Corrosion-resistant: unaffected by water, underground gasses and most chemicals
  • Excellent insulator against heat
  • Non-metallic, non-conductive and will not spark
  • Can be installed onto our specialized specialised frame or an existing rebate
  • Treads incorporate anti-slip/skid properties far exceeding health and safety advisory limits
  • Safe easy-lift manual removal using Fibrelite’s ergonomic lifting handle, eliminating the risk of back injury or crushed fingers
  • Locks available
  • Available in virtually any UV stable color, colour, which will not flake, fade or crack
  • Logos or custom markings can be molded moulded into the upper surface
  • Covers can be custom molded moulded to accommodate pipework entry, shallow depths with stepped cover profiles, steam and gas release vents, inspection ports and much more

Explore our range of trench covers

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Ergonomically-designed

As well as being lightweight – typically a third of the weight of an equivalent-size cover produced in metal or concrete, Fibrelite’s ergonomically-designed lifting aid also eliminates the risk of back injury and crushed fingers.

The Health & Safety Executive recommended load moving capabilities in relation to weight and position
Fibrelite lifting method with a 1m (40”) long C250 load rated trench cover. Weights are halved with a two person lift

Ultra-durable

Designed as a fit-and-forget product, our FRP GRP composite covers are maintenance-free, durable and very strong.

Read our wear resistance test report (Refer to clause 3.2.1 and 3.2.2, page 14)

Read our impact resistance test report (Refer to clause 4.2, page 15)

Corrosion-resistant

A prime reason for selecting a composite cover is for its inherent resistance to corrosion. This makes it an obvious choice where water, waste water or corrosive liquids are involved. Fibrelite covers are also ideal where underground infrastructure requires protection from external corrosive compounds, such as salt.

Read our corrosion resistance test report (Refer to clause 3.1.5 & 4.4, page 14 & 15)

Anti-slip/skid surface

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.

Read our skid resistance test report

Heat-resistant

The thermal gradient properties of a composite steam cover significantly reduces the heat transfer from a steam vault to the surface of the cover. Typically, the surface temperature of a composite cover is only slightly above ambient temperature, even when subjected to extremely hot temperatures on the underside.

In fact, Fibrelite’s high-quality steam covers maintain their cool-to-touch properties and ability to support vehicular loads, even when pushed to a test temperature of 400°F.

Read our heat resistance test report

The thermal gradient properties of a composite steam cover significantly reduces the heat transfer from a steam vault to the surface of the cover. Typically, the surface temperature of a composite cover is only slightly above ambient temperature, even when subjected to extremely hot temperatures on the underside.

In fact, Fibrelite’s high-quality steam covers maintain their cool-to-touch properties and ability to support vehicular loads, even when pushed to a test temperature of 400°F.

Read our heat resistance test report

EV and maintenance friendly

As the power of individual EV charging systems increases, the diameter and stiffness of the electrical cabling is also expanding. These large diameter cables are not only difficult to install into traditional conduit, but the intense heat and electromagnetic “noise” generated by the electrical current they carry demand greater separation between the cables after installation. Installing high current electrical cabling in inaccessible conduit makes future maintenance, inspections or upgrades nearly impossible.

Fibrelite trench covers and FRP trench systems for EV wiring installations offer a combination of mechanical performance, operational flexibility, and smart design. Our trench covers are engineered to be both robust and lightweight, enabling quick removal for visual inspection while still standing up to the demanding loads of high-traffic environments. Our new lightweight FRP trench system is an easy to install, flexible trench system which can be used in a wide variety of trench layouts. Easy removal allows technicians the ability to use thermal cameras to detect hotspots or potential failures in buried electrical cabling before a breakdown occurs thereby preventing expensive repairs.

Learn more here

“…I think Fibrelite is a great solution to a difficult design problem for us, of achieving both a robust and high load capacity cover to the multicore cables running from stage to control desk whilst maintaining low weight and easy access.”

Jonathan Size, Foster Wilson Architects

The world’s largest range of options

Fibrelite’s composite covers are available in almost any size, colour, shape or configuration, providing a truly bespoke
made-to-measure solution for every project.

Available in a range of widths from 300mm (12″) to 1,000mm (40″); a range of lengths from 600mm (24″) to 2,000mm (78 ¾”) and depths from 50mm (2″) to 203.2mm (8″). Custom sizes are also available.
Load ratings are available from A15 to F900.

Available in a range of widths from 300mm (12″) to 1,000mm (40″); a range of lengths from 600mm (24″) to 2,000mm (78 ¾”) and depths from 50mm (2″) to 203.2mm (8″). Custom sizes are also available. Load ratings from Pedestrian to 90 tons.

Colors Colours

Available in an almost limitless range of RAL colors. colours. As the pigment is added into the resin during manufacture, there are no issues with color colour scratching or fading over time (Colour Fastness Test Report).
Available in an almost limitless range of RAL colors. colours. As the pigment is added into the resin during manufacture, there are no issues with color colour scratching or fading over time (Color Fastness Test Report).
See it installed…
case study

Logos/Symbols

Incorporate custom logos or markings molded moulded into the upper surface of the cover for product or brand identification, or even to identify the specific underground service that can be accessed via a particular cover.
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case study

Locks and restraining bolts

Locks and restraining bolts are available for added security, either a standard head operated by an Allen Key, or a bespoke Tri Head, operated by a dedicated Tri Key.

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case study

Custom surface finishes

Fibrelite's composite trench covers

Standard profile tread pattern

Designed to create a wet/dry anti-slip/skid surface (independently tested to far exceed health and safety advisory limits).

Low profile tread
pattern

Designed for indoor applications where a less industrial aesthetic is preferred e.g. performing arts centres.

No tread pattern/Smooth top

Designed for specialized specialised applications. Available with a hand/inspection port.
See it installed…
case study

Custom hand hole, inspection ports and pipe and cable entries

Hand/Inspection ports with removable cover

Designed for quick inspection/maintenance. Available in modular trench or manhole covers.
See it installed…
case study

Pipe and cable penetrations

Covers can be custom molded moulded to accommodate pipework, cable entry and steam and gas release vents.
See it installed…
case study

Customisation cable outlet ports

Designed for multi-event stadia to accommodate the varying location of ingress and egress cabling for a variety of stadia events. Installed in some of the world’s most prestigious stadia.
See it installed…
case study

Rain-tight modular trench covers

Gasketed frame option

A rubber seal is fitted to the frame and the covers are secured with four stainless steel bolts per cover. Plugs are provided for the key housings to complete the seal, and bolt heads covered.

See it installed…
case study

Sealant option

Watertight sealant is applied to the frame upon installation and reapplied each time the covers are removed and replaced. Commonly specified where infrequent cover removal is expected.

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case study

Isolate watertight inspection/Monitoring cover

A single sealed cover and frame can be included in the trench run to enable quick access to a key part of the trench for monitoring and inspection.

Double trench covers

Where two trenches run next to each other, a single cover can span both, offering economies of both initial costs and time required for removal and replacement.

FRP GRP frames

Designed to provide enhanced chemical and corrosion resistance along as well as improved RF performance.

Manual/Lift assist handling

Lifting methods can be customized customised to suit individual requirements. For example, the covers pictured were designed for a client who requested the ‘Extreme’ load rating F900 covers over 1m wide which could be removed by a site dolly.

Specialized Specialised frame or existing rebate

Covers can be installed onto our specialized specialised frame (aluminum (aluminium or FRP) GRP) or an existing rebate.

Epoxy system frame installation

Program Programme

Oversize cast rebates can be cast into the concrete slab to accommodate epoxy frame installation at a later date so as not to delay the construction program. programme.

Installation

Speed of installation. The epoxy is stronger than concrete and will cure to be trafficable within 2-3 hours. Concrete has good compression strength but poor tensile and shear. The temperature must be 3°and rising for concrete to be poured. Epoxy can be used at 0°.

Quality

Accurate and consistent bearing ledge, particularly important when the covers are to be trafficked by HGV’s or experience higher dynamic loads.

Retro-fit

The epoxy frame installation can be retro-fitted into existing rebates.

See it installed…
case study

Custom molded moulded stepped covers

Fibrelite trench covers can be custom molded moulded to be stepped, allowing them to be retrofitted into existing frames with shallow rebates while maintaining their structural integrity (independently tested).

This allows direct replacement of previously existing metal covers, or installation in existing precast or preformed concrete trenches. Stepping can also reduce manufacturing cost and weight.

For a quick stepped cover quote - CLICK HERE

“Dakin Contractors have worked with Fibrelite for over 20 years now and we are happy to recommend Fibrelite to any company looking to utilize utilise their services. We have always found Fibrelite to be the leader in their market…a company driven by providing a product and a service that their customers desire and are constantly striving to improve their product in response to customer feedback. Fibrelite provide top class products at competitive prices and back their products up with an excellent on-site service.”

Contracts Manager, Dakin Contractors

Fully-conductive

Potential electrostatic discharging can be eliminated by using our “fully conductive” covers. We use a metalized metallised fiber fibre within the molding moulding process to achieve electrical continuity across the entire surface of the cover – and exceed the surface resistivity requirements of PAS26.

While the standard calls out for a maximum value of 1 KΩ/cm²; Fibrelite covers actually achieve a value of 0.0144 KΩ/cm².

Read our Conductivity Test Report (Refer to clause 3.1.5, Page 14)

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Don’t just take our word for it…

An 18” square, raised cover manufactured and supplied by Fibrelite was put through testing as specified in BS EN 124 after 14 years solid service on a high-traffic forecourt. The test report confirms the cover easily passed and it was notable that the orange color colour had not faded, indicating that weathering and UV have no or very little impact on the performance of the Fibrelite cover over a sustained period.

Read the test report

No risk of theft

There is no risk of theft with a Fibrelite composite cover as composites have no resale value in the scrap market – so you won’t be left with a dangerous, uncovered hole in the ground.

Shopping Centers Centres & Retail Parks

Find out how Fibrelite covers are designed for the most demanding environments.

Steam Covers

Find out how Fibrelite's cool-to-touch steam covers are safer for university campuses.

Water & Water Treatment

Find out how you can retrofit Fibrelite covers directly into existing frames/rebates.

Roadside & Access Roads

Discover why Fibrelite covers are a maintenance-free ‘fit-and-forget’ solution.

Rail, Trams & Underground

Discover how Fibrelite covers are designed for the most demanding environments.

Explore our range of trench covers

Click here
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