October 2014, Vol. 69, No. 10
New Products
Fibrelite Launches Innovations In FRP Lightweight Composite Access Covers
Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) products are now being widely used for applications where corrosion can destroy underground infrastructure.
One application in which FRP is being widely adopted worldwide, and changing specifications away from metal, is with manhole access and service trench covers. By helping to reduce the costs of corrosion, composite covers can allow utilities and other operators of underground infrastructure to improve the financial strength of their enterprises.
Fibrelite offers manhole and trench access covers that are lightweight, durable and strong. They are manufactured using high-technology Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) production methods to create an engineered, monolithic composite product. This offers the best strength to weight ratio in the industry, allowing for maximum load bearing strength and durability while remaining lightweight and easy to handle. Fibrelite’s standard manhole covers also offer watertight solutions in a wide range of sizes and shapes.
FRP composite manhole covers are ideal for problem areas, particularly those prone to skid related accidents. Traditional cast iron covers quickly become polished and therefore provide a poor level of grip which can lead to serious accidents through increased risk of skidding and slipping, even more so when wet.
“Fibrelite’s covers incorporate a molded anti-slip tread pattern equivalent to a modern high grade road surface. In fact, Fibrelite’s anti-slip/skid surface is guaranteed for the life of the cover providing a Polished Skid Resistance Value PSRV60> when wet which exceeds the requirements of HA 104/09, part 5, for potentially high risk sites,” says David Holmes, technical director and head of product innovation.
In response to customer demand, Fibrelite now offers company logos and other brand markings on its covers. Any style logo or other marking can be permanently molded into the upper surface of the cover in single or multiple colors. For additional brand or product identification, or to blend in with the color or layout of a facility, Fibrelite can mold its composite covers in nearly any color or combination of colors.
By introducing the pigment directly into the resin system during the molding process, Fibrelite ensures that the color is not merely applied on the surface of the cover. Instead, the coloring is evenly and completely infused throughout the composite cover and will not fade or wear over time.
Fibrelite’s comprehensive range of FRP composite trench covers are ideal for covering large areas, gullies, trenches and ducts where occasional or frequent access may be required. 800.421.3297, fibrelite.com
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