Fibrelite design & supply custom lightweight F900 load rated GRP trench covers for UK container port cable pit upgrade
Fibrelite's custom lightweight F900 (90-tonne load rated) GRP trench covers were specified for this Northern Irish container port over new cable anchor pits for the gantry cranes.
Key requirements
- Maintenance staff required easy, safe access to these new cable anchor pits.
- Fibrelite trench access covers were specified on the consultant design engineers’ tender drawings to facilitate this.
- F900 (90-tonne) load rated covers light enough for easy/safe manual removal by two people.
- Frames suitable for a port environment, given proximity to the quayside. The standard aluminium material would not be sufficient.
- Tight build schedule, in this instance the frames needed to be delivered in advance of the covers.
- Corrosion resistant covers to resist constant exposure to saltwater.
The Fibrelite Solution
Communication between the Fibrelite technical team, the third-party contractor and the design consultant enabled Fibrelite to custom engineer, manufacture and supply a unique trench covering arrangement which would meet all the specific design criteria for this project, including the demands of this harsh operating environment.
- Trench covers were stepped 117mm to 150mm deep to achieve the required F900 load rating, reducing cover weight and costs.
- Bespoke hot dip galvanised steel frames (to ISO EN 1464) were manufactured and delivered in line with customer mandate. Steel will not react with the saltwater environment consistent with quayside applications.
- Fibrelite catered to the project’s tight build schedule with a split delivery of the hot dip steel frames followed by the GRP trench covers.
- Fibrelite is the only company on the market who can manufacture F900 (up to 90 tonne) load rated GRP trench access covers.
- Fibrelite covers are lightweight, suitable for easy/safe manual removal using ergonomically designed FL7 lifting handles at all load ratings.
- Corrosion resistant Fibrelite GRP trench covers will last for years to come.
Results
The easy access solution provided by Fibrelite ensures there is no need for specialist personnel or machinery during maintenance or operation.
Key benefits of Fibrelite covers at a glance:
- Easy safe manual access to trench services using the ergonomically designed Fibrelite FL7 lifting handles.
- Best strength to weight ratio available in the market.
- Corrosion resistant Fibrelite covers will last for years to come.
- Anti-skid/slip tread pattern.
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