Before GFRP evolved, manhole covers were traditionally manufactured from concrete, steel fiber reinforced concrete, cast iron, ductile iron or PVC materials, but these materials had their own shortcomings like low load carrying efficiency and deteriorating performance due to corrosion.
GFRP is considered to be an ideal alternate material for manhole covers as it has longer life span and has the capability to withstand heavy loads.
GFRP Manhole Covers ensure long term durability in every sector due to its construction using thermoset material, which comprises fiberglass reinforced materials combined with cross-linked polyesters.
With these materials, the covers exhibit excellent resistance against wear and tear and ability to sustain heavy load vehicular traffic moving over it. The fiber reinforced plastic used in the manhole cover makes it 40% lighter and 5 times strong in compressive strength than conventional precast concrete and cast iron covers. The material is also resilient in nature, thus, sustaining constant exposure to weather or sun without any compromise with security or aesthetics.
KEY APPLICATION AREAS:
- Underground Sewerage and Storm Water Drainage Projects developed by Housing sector, Government
- Underground Electrical Installations
- Trench Covers in various applications
- Housing Industry, Malls, Multiplexes
- City Roads and Foot Path Works
- Water, Gas and Petroleum installations
- Traffic lights, Street lights, etc.
SMART BENEFITS:
- CORROSION RESISTANCE: A key advantage of GFRP is the non corrosive characteristic of the material. This helps to eliminate the need of additional lining materials and surface protection coatings.
- LIGHT WEIGHT: structures make it easy to transport and install. The strength to weight ration being very high in comparison to conventional manhole covers, make it an effective replacement.
- COST EFFECTIVE: GFRP manhole covers are cost effective considering overall lifecycle cost
- DURABILITY: GFRP structures contribute to good service life. Coupled with low maintenance requirements, the longevity is a benefit when used in critical applications.
- ANTI THEFT BENEFITS: Zero scrap value of GFRP safeguards the covers from theft leading to a longer operational life.
- AESTHETIC VALUE: Various options of decorative surface designs, color variants and logo embossing are available to choose from for high end applications as well as aesthetically pleasing locations.
KEY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS/ VARIANTS:
- Complies with ISO and BIS Standards.
- Load designation confirming to IS 1726 : 1991 are 2.5, 10, 20 & 35 MT
- Load designation confirming to BS EN - 124 are 1.5, 12.5, 25 & 40 MT
GFRP BASED PROJECTS :
Several installations in India have been completed so far. Few of those include:
- Several renowned municipalities
- Private developments/ societies
Image Courtesy: M/S EPP Composites Pvt. Ltd.
