COVER STORY | ADVERTORIAL
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When correctly installed , we have never had a riser fail .
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Maintenance Department has used the American Highway Products Pivoted Turnbuckle Manhole Riser to securely raise manhole covers to new grade after paving operations . “ They ’ re sturdy , lightweight , precisely-sized rims of galvanized U . S . steel and are made adjustable through their ‘ Patented Pivoted Turnbuckle ’ design that will expand or contract the riser as needed to match original rim diameters ,” Hurt stated . In practice , installation is designed to be as simple and fast as placing the adjustable riser in the original rim and tightening it , using a screwdriver or similar tool as a lever , thus effectively applying thousands of pounds of force along the entire riser-to-rim circumference , which is designed to seat the riser tightly and permanently . “ We use a two-man crew and a truck , and put in the risers just before new asphalt lifts ,” said Public Works supervisor Jason Carter . “ The pavement seals up tightly against the AHP riser , giving us a seamless new roadway and a very durable manhole — in fact , when correctly installed , we have never had a riser fail .” Before adopting the AHP adjustable riser in 2014 , the public works department used to raise manholes the conventional way , excavating around the chimney as needed and installing new concrete rings . According to Hurt , the process was slow , a little unsafe , came with sustainability costs , and was expensive —“ We estimated $ 500 or more per raised manhole !” Grand Rapids now installs more than 500 American Highway Products risers annually , saving at least tens of thousands of dollars , improving sustainability , and exposing crews to less risk — all with a better quality solution . “ We are 110 % behind American Highway Products and their products ,” says Hurt . “ We expect to keep working with them for a long time .” Grand Rapids is emblematic of probably all cities ... they want their asphalt paved streets smooth with their manholes raised level with the finished pavement !
Angus W . Stocking is a former land surveyor who has been writing about infrastructure since 2002 . American Highway Products can be reached at 1-888-272-2397 or by email at sales @ ahp1 . com .
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