Fibrelite Supply Large Trench Cover Arrangement over Specialist Storm Attenuation Tanks on a Residential Development

Easy Access for Operators

As part of the current AMP5 programme, a flood alleviation scheme required Fibrelite’s range of standard covers to be designed and manufactured for this complicated application. The main requirement being easy access for operators who regularly need to enter these chambers that control storm water in large underground tanks. The chamber itself is 3 metres wide by 13 metres long. The complexity of this application was designing the covers to sit over a fixed structural beam that runs down the middle of the chamber. In conjunction with the designers, contractors and end user, the trench cover arrangement was designed specifically in line with the brief. The location of the covers is a new housing development in Gwersyllt, North Wales. The covers, therefore, had to be safe for people walking across with the cover treads incorporating a specialised anti-slip material. For operators working at the site ease of access and safety are critical. Safety and the aesthetics of the covers in the location were key to the designers and public alike.

Fibrelite’s lightweight bolt-down medium duty composite trench covers were identified as the solution. Designed as a ‘fit and forget’ product, the maintenance free covers provide easy and safe access to the essential equipment.

Highly Effective in Preventing Heavy Lifting

Fibrelite’s trench covers have proved highly effective in reducing health and safety issues and potential damage to essential pipework.

No Compromise on Performance

Upon request, Fibrelite can provide bespoke and custom solutions. This means that the panel dimensions, internal stiffeners and fibre architecture can be altered to optimise the performance of each panel based on project specific design criteria.

Modular Covering System means Flexible Removal of Covers

Fibrelite’s access covers are lightweight, durable and very strong. Every Fibrelite cover is manufactured using high technology resin transfer moulded (RTM) production methods to create a highly engineered, monolithic composite product.

The modular covering system provided means only the covers in a certain area need to be removed. To have a similar option in traditional material like metal or concrete would require large heavy covers that would require specialist lifting equipment or spring/gas assist covers. The Fibrelite covers are only a one or two man operation with the use of Fibrelite lifting handles.

Benefits of Fitting a Fibrelite

• Customised solutions
• A fit-and-forget product that will not corrode or fade
• Improved productivity for both operational and maintenance crews
• Improved health and safety practices
• Technical support

Sophisticated Highly Specialised Material

Fibrelite is the world leading manufacturer of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composite manhole covers and trench covers. This sophisticated and highly specialised material is fast becoming recognised as the more effective modern alternative to traditional materials such as heavy steel and concrete.

Benefits over metal and concrete covers:

• Lightweight for easy and safe manual removal
• Load ratings from A15 to F900 (BS EN 124)
• Chemically inert and corrosion resistant
• Anti-slip/skid properties