The lightweight GRP products, which are manufactured using the resin transfer moulding (RTM) process, were specified for this project to allow safe and easy access to cable ducts that run across the majority of the site.
Fibrelite composite covers are lightweight, enabling easy and safe manual handling, and they have anti-slip properties equivalent to a high grade road. They will not corrode, and have zero re-sale value to the scrap market so will not be stolen.
| As well as the safe lifting and replacement design, our trench access covers are designed as a ‘fit and forget’ product. The maintenance free ‘FM45’ is perfect for covering large areas, gullies, trenches and ducts where frequent access may be required. |
| David Holmes, Technical Director, Fibrelite |
For this project B125, C250 and D400 (BS EN 124) load rated panels were used in lengths of 0.8, 1.0, 1.40 and 1.60 m.
“Our composite trench access covers are proven to be ergonomically safe for men and women to replace,” reports David Holmes, Technical Director of Fibrelite, a UK-headquartered manufacturer of composite access covers.
“The design of the covers allows them to be lifted by our FL7 lifting aids. These allow the operator to remove and replace the covers without bending over or trapping fingers, thus maximising the safety of the lifting technique.”
When finished, the retail development will have a floor space of 1million ft2 and a forecasted footfall of 23 million visitors in its first year.
