Benefits and Application Areas

Composite (FRP) Cover Benefits:

• Durable – Composite (FRP) covers have a long life and need little maintenance.
• Corrosion Resistance – Composite (FRP) covers resist damage from the weather and from harsh chemicals.
• No Stolen Risk: Composite (FRP) covers has not any scrap value so there isn’t any risk of stolen.
• Light Weight – Composite (FRP) covers is light in weight, compared to most cast-iron and metals.
• High Strength – Composite (FRP) covers can be designed to be far stronger than cast-iron or steel.
• High–Impact Strength – Composite (FRP) covers can be made to absorb impacts.
• Non–Conductive – Composite (FRP) covers are nonconductive, meaning they do not conduct electricity.
• Non–Magnetic – Composite (FRP) covers contain no metals; therefore, they are not magnetic. They can be used around sensitive electronic equipment.
• Radar Transparent – Radar signals pass right through composite (FRP) covers.
• Low Thermal Conductivity – Composite (FRP) covers are good insulators—they do not easily conduct heat or cold.

Composite (FRP) Cover vs. Metal Casting Cover Comparison

Metal has always fascinated builders and architects when it came to add strength and aesthetics both to a project. However, the current market professionals in civil engineering field are more about FRP and composite materials than steel and metal.

Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) is an innovative material that originates when resin chemical pigments and additives, glass fiber are processed with open mould technique. FRP composed material is creating high competition in the market today, replacing steel and other materials that were traditionally used across variable fields such as construction, chemical, defense, aerospace and even electronics.

Compoite (FRP) – Next Level on Construction

Over the centuries, the manhole covers have been made with casting and metal and were thought to be the most durable and functional when it came to protecting the covers and manholes points in residential projects, walkways, factory grating and other usages. However, the tables have turned in the favor of Composite (FRP) material.

The composition of the composite (FRP) material is what make the composite products such as walkways, manholes covers, platforms more attractive for the users. Here is how:

• Material Superiority

Metal weighs around 70% more than composites. While on the other hand, the mechanical strength accumulated as the pure resins are reinforced together with additives is relatively much greater than the normal comparative. As the composite material uses unsaturated polyester resin and glass fiber, it is able to bear all types of molding techniques in the process of production of the final desired industrial product.

Apart from implementing technology features to secure the manholes, many countries are now using composite (FRP) covers instead of the traditional materials. This is because the composite (FRP) material is non-recyclable and thus, have no resale value in the scrap market. Vandalism and theft of manhole covers made from metal, cast-iron, and steel for their value in the scrap market is a phenomenal situation all over the world. Unfortunately, this is not only a loss of infrastructure, but also a safety hazard to humans, animals, and motorist.

• Durability

When installing manhole covers, the following characteristics should be considered to ensure they last for a good 30 – 40 years.

1. Weather resistance
2. Ability to tolerate UV
3. Ability to withstand various loads
4. Non-corrosive
5. Non-slip/non-skid

Metal and casting covers have been around for centuries. They are durable and have a high-compressive strength. However, the material tends to rust with heat/humidity. They can also cause a slippery surface during harsh weather such as snow, rain, and hail.

On the other hand, fiber reinforced polymer is a thermostat material and is water, UV and sunlight resistant. The strength to weight ratio in composite (FRP) is higher than any other material used for manhole covers. This provides the covers with enhanced ability to bear the highest weight even if the composite (FRP) mass is less.

• Maintenance

Labor is often required to go remove the covers and go through the underground chambers for maintenance work. Covers made from casting material are heavy – around 70 – 300+ kg, while composite covers are approximately 70% lighter than other materials, making manual removals easy and safe.

• Aesthetics

Metal covers are usually limited, when it comes to customization. However, composite (FRP) covers allow personalization of coloring, shape, and design to harmonize with the surrounding environment.

These were just some of the reasons why composite (FRP) covers are so popular nowadays as compared to the traditional metal covers. There are many other functionality benefits, subject to the uses and the applications in industrial capacity which are also remarkable – simply adding to the votes for the use of composite (FRP) covers.