Mark Sennett
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Kelly Rose
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Concrete and composites partnership
13 April 2017
At the end of 2016, the UK government unveiled a record infrastructure spend pipeline of £500 billion-plus, £300m of which will be invested by 2020/21. Composite materials play a growing role in this, with expected growth in the construction industry of 42-78% by 2020 (to £510-640m) and £1240-1520m by 2030.
Precast concrete trenches are used extensively to carry cabling and piping, protecting them from external factors like damage and adverse weather conditions; while allowing access for maintenance. Precast concrete trenches are frequently favoured over concrete cast in-situ to reduce install time and skilled labour required on site.
Historically precast concrete trenches have only been covered with concrete or metal covers. Where high load ratings are required (like road crossings) covers can weigh hundreds of kilograms. As specifications are changing to favour GRP access covers, precast trench and composite cover manufacturers are working together to bring joint offerings to the market.
GRP composite cover pioneer Fibrelite serves as strategic partner on a number of large scale developments specifying composite covers. Their UK design and manufacturing teams work with contractors, architects and end-users to create custom covering solutions for each trench layout.
Fibrelite covers weigh a fraction of concrete or metal alternatives, and offers load ratings up to F900. This means all trench covers can be safely manually removed by two people no matter what the load rating. The composite material is inert, eliminating deterioration from corrosion and extreme temperatures in service (including freeze thaw).
- Lightweight composite covers making drainage and sewerage access safer
- Bespoke F900 GRP trench covers for UK container port
- Made-to-measure composite trench covers
- Safer access covers
- Composite access covers
- Fibrelite launches new website
- Magnox specifies Fibrelite
- Manhole covers reduce injury
- Fibrelite's strategic partnerships with trough manufacturers
- Composites minimise manual handling risks