*Fibrelite provided a bespoke composite trench covering arrangement for this manufacturing and research facility*

Fibrelite were contacted in the early part of 2020 by a third-party construction company. They had been requested to source a GRP covering arrangement for their client’s service duct trenches at a major UK based manufacturing and research facility.

Problem

Operational difficulties posed by the previously existing concrete cover slabs led to an essential replacement programme being mandated. The end user had recently moved into the facility and established that an alternative covering solution would be needed to optimise future operations due to specialist personnel and machinery being required for removal and replacement of concrete slabs and other issues including:

Previously existing D400 concrete covers were extremely heavy and cracked in some areas (as pictured stacked, awaiting disposal)
Central and offset service access ports required in order to allow easy access to services without the need to completely remove covers

A smooth finish was also required (no tread pattern).

Removing the previously installed covers: a costly and time-consuming operation

Solution

Following the requested site survey, which was completed by the Fibrelite team, a solution was presented to the end user. A collaborative process between the Fibrelite team the construction company and the end user was instrumental in engineering an appropriate solution for this unique upgrade project. Fibrelite GRP covers are extremely durable yet lightweight making them ideal for easy manual handling (designed to be removed manually by two people).

Key Fibrelite engineering achievements for this project:

Fibrelite trench covers are designed to be safely removed and replaced by two people using the ergonomically designed FL7 lifting handles
The Fibrelite replacement covering solution included covers modified to include central and offset service access ports
Fibrelite covers moulded without the tread pattern per customer request to achieve a smooth finish
Installation of the Fibrelite framing system into the existing precast rebate using an epoxy grouting system