What Are FRP Manhole Covers And Where Are They Used?

Manholes are common features of mega architectural projects, especially the ones spanning across acres of land and utilizing extensive underground networks. They are crucial to such constructions because they provide direct access to otherwise remotely located maintenance controls. Using their passageways, workers can access the underground sewage piping system and telecom lines for time to time cleaning or repairing.

Manholes are thought out passages with multiple controlling points that can help in performing advanced maintenance functions like calculating the amount of liquid flow through sewer lines and the overall electricity consumed by the end consumers. However, for the safety of pedestrians, manholes are locked using specially designed covers. Of the three types of composite covers available, FRP manhole covers are the most widely used and preferred variant.

FRP stands for Fiber Reinforced Plastic cover that is made up of a unique combination of unsaturated polyester resin, glass, and quartz. Few of the features that make them a popular choice amongst architects and construction companies are:

1. Prime Quality and Graphic Appearance

Owing to the versatility of its ingredients, FRP manhole covers can be made to acquire an exquisite appearance in any particular shape, size, or color. Thus, they can be used to cover manholes of any possible areas like roads, residential communities, and public parks.

2. High Endurance Towards Load and Corrosion

FRP manhole covers are characteristically strong and have high load bearing capability. In addition, their components display a physiochemical resistance towards corrosive and abrasive agents. Thus, they can be used to cover manholes of the roads and highways without worrying about unexpected damages and risks.

3. Pocket-friendly Costs

FRP covers can be manufactured at relatively cheaper prices without compromising on their quality since their components are abundantly available in the market.

Unlike other protective equipment for manholes, FRP covers can also be used at multiple locations for fulfilling different functions. While most of its uses evolve from the need of industries to create a safe and secure environment, they differ in terms of the physical demands that are exacted from FRP covers upon installation.

Some of the places where FRP covers are unanimously used can be enumerated as follows:

1. Restrict Unauthorized Access to Underground Facilities

Public events like parades, demonstrations, rallies, and army operations can be conducted at almost any place throughout the country. Hence, FRP manhole covers are temporarily welded to manholes in the event area for securing the premises.

2. Conduct Stray Voltage Away from Public Areas

Stray voltage is an electrical discharge that is produced between two charged objects regardless of their connectivity and separation. It is a common concern in residential societies as well as in industrial utilities as it threatens the lives of individuals. Hence, manhole covers made from non-electricity conducting elements like glass, plastics,and resins are preferred over the ones made of metal castings. This is one of the many features that make FRP manhole covers better than Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) covers.

FRP manhole covers are usually manufactured in circular shape because it allows them to be more convenient for installation, transportation, and regular maintenance. In addition, round FRP covers can also be recycled and reused easily after a thorough cleansing procedure. This, in turn, makes them a more environment-friendly choice as well.

Closing manholes with appropriately sized covers is an utmost necessity for ensuring the safety of passers-by and shielding the sanctity of underground facilities laid in public areas. But considering the impending dangers that may fructify upon installation of poor manhole covers, authorities must not think twice before choosing FRP covers in their specific area, since it offers multifarious solutions.