Approximately 625 metres of custom designed and manufactured Fibrelite GRP trench covers and frames were specified for this project at one of the UK’s largest power stations. Customisation, manual handling and longevity were the key requirements, including nonstandard frame sections consisting of laser fusion welded and hot dip galvanised steel.

Key Requirements

• Initially, the end user had explored Ductile Iron covers as a potential covering solution.
• The additional overheads associated with this material proposal, including the provision of specialised training for operatives and heavy duty lifting apparatus – resulted in this being ruled out.
• F900 (90 tonne) load rated trench covers were required to cope with extremely heavy and slow moving sea port traffic.
• Industrial scale – trench covers required to cover 500 metres of precast concrete trough trench units.
• In order to accommodate frequent access to power supply, trench covers had to be light enough for safe manual removal.
• Dozens of varying custom sized covers were required to suit the trench configuration.

The Fibrelite Solution

• The Fibrelite Technical team worked closely with end user’s nominated Design Engineering Company and the third-party contractor to produce and deliver a custom designed solution which would meet all requirements and specifications.
• 625 metres of custom D400 load rated Fibrelite GRP composite trench covers (in line with the BS EN 124 load classification) with 117-150mm deep step to reduce cover unit weight and ensure safe manual handling.
• Restraining bolt mechanisms for added security.
• Bespoke ‘Shaped’ trench covers to accommodate trench directional changes.
• Nonstandard frame sections consisting of laser fusion welded and hot dip galvanised steel.
• Fibrelite trench covers are designed for safe, fast manual removal.

Read more about our projects here.