Archetech Issue 57 2021 | Page 16

FIBRELITE

FIBRELITE CUSTOM-ENGINEERS HEAVY-DUTY GRP TRENCH COVERS FOR PRECAST CONCRETE TROUGHS AT AIRPORT MAINTENANCE FACILITY

A third-party engineering and construction company contacted Fibrelite to provide a bespoke GRP composite trench covering arrangement to fit precast concrete service trenches at a UK airport maintenance facility . The concrete troughs had already been sourced , and sizing and specification finalised , making a custom Fibrelite covering solution ideal .
PROBLEM
The fact that the concrete troughs had already been acquired prior to Fibrelite ’ s involvement in the project presented a number of design challenges , as well as those related to the nature of the application .
Key design challenges :
• Custom cover dimensions to fit existing troughs .
• E600 ‘ Super Heavy Duty ’ load rating essential due to frequent high wheel loads .
• Every third cover required 140x50mm apertures for access to compressed air lines .
• Non-standard colour pigment requested .
Fibrelite provided a bespoke composite trench covering arrangement for this airport maintenance facility
In addition to the above , a strict construction programme was mandated .
SOLUTION
Fibrelite proposed a custom , retrofit GRP composite trench cover design which would fit directly into existing troughs . This design was approved by the client shortly after submission .
Cover dimensions custom manufactured to fit trough dimensions
Covers stepped from 40 to 65mm deep
RESULTS
Fibrelite covers enable easy safe manual access to trenches , eliminating the need for specialist personnel or machinery during maintenance or operation ( and resultant costs ).
Key benefits of Fibrelite covers :
• Strength to weight ratio : all Fibrelite trench covers can be safely and quickly removed by two people using their FL7 lifting handles .
• Easy access to trench services .
• Fit-and-forget corrosion-free long-term solution .
An E600 ‘ Super Heavy Duty ’ load rating was essential
Every third cover was modified with a 140x50mm aperture
For more information , visit www . fibrelite . com / archetech
ARCHETECH - PAGE 16