Composite Covers
FRP Covers

What is FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) ?

FRP is a composite material consisting of polyester or vinyl ester resin, which is reinforced with glass fiber and increased physical and chemical strength values. FRP metal, wood, glass, concrete and so on. It is superior to other production materials with its ability to easily gain different features suitable for the purpose of use.

• GRP  (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic) in America
• FRP  (Fiber Glass Reinforced Plastic) in the UK
• PRFV in France   (Plastique Renforce de Fibers de Verre)
• GFK  (Glasfaser Kunstsoffe) in Germany
• PRFV  (Plastici Rinforzati di Fibro di Vetro) in Italy

What is FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) Composite Cover ?

Composite (FRP) covers is available at many locations, such as factories, industrial plants, petrol stations, houses, apartments, streets. Manhole or drainage is generally known as the place where sewage or water network connects to the main system. Manholes and drainage are an important place in the flow of life, this is the main reason for the use of composite (FRP) covers in many points in our country and in the world.

Firstly, cast-iron or metal covers are at the risk of being stolen every day because of scrap value, but composite (FRP) covers no risk to be stolen because composite (FRP) cannot recycle so that there isn’t any scrap value. Theft of cast-iron or metal covers is also affect people’s life because of falling in an open manhole, people can cause serious injury and even death.

At first, the metal and cast-iron covers, which look cheap, but they have so many disadvantages. Cast-iron and metal covers are very heavy in their structure and difficult to carry, but composite (FRP) covers are about 75% lighter than competitors. This provides labor advantage at the time of transport, assembly and replacement.

In addition, because they are lightweight, the process is accelerated thanks to easy removal. It saves you both time and money. Cast-iron and metal covers transmit electricity and heat if no extra treatment is required due to their structure, but composite (FRP) covers do not conduct electricity also their thermal conductivity is very low, so it can be used easily in all areas where work-safety is important.

Composite (FRP) covers do not interrupt radar radiation, so they are preferred in areas where radar and signaling are important, such as airports and military facilities.

Composite (FRP) Covers – The Safest Way For Your Project Needs!

Composite materials are identified by their high impact strength and durability; and when they are processed according to manufacturing industrial needs, they have the ability to create composite structures offering greater value in terms of cost and weight efficiency.

It is an undeniable fact acknowledged by industrial experts today that the substitution of metal compounds with composite materials, as a rule, lessens a structure’s mass by 50–60%. Be that as it may, in some exceptional cases, the mix of material properties or composites can actually add more benefits and give a significant improvement in basic execution.

This is the main reason the composite (FRP) are now the most preferred material used in civil engineering infrastructure applications.

Composite (FRP) Covers – Adding to the Safest Cover to Manholes

FRP or Fiber Reinforced Plastic is a popular material used for manhole covers. Traditionally, engineers and constructors’ utilized steel, casting iron, concrete, and even PVC material for the covering of manholes and underground chambers. However, these materials often succumbed to the harsh elements of weather, time, and heavy loads.

The cost of deteriorating or damaged cover on manholes started to become a matter of concern for the project managers, as it took down the entire impact of the complete project. Engineers started to prefer externally rebounded FRP because of their strength and good stiffness to density ratios world wide.

Highlighted Features of the Composite (FRP) Covers

Some advantages of choosing an composite (FRP) cover include:

• Weatherproof
• Non-corrosive
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Low maintenance and low cost
• High strength
• Theft protection
• Anti-slip capability
• Flame retardant
• Physically appealing with customization options

Why  Composite (FRP) Covers Are Builder’s First Preferrance

• Cost Effectiveness of FRP Covers 

Theft is also a common issue with metal manhole covers. With the scrap business being lucrative all over the world, manholes are an easy-to-access targets for thieves who are able to sell them for a good amount. This is not only a loss of infrastructure, but also exhibit a potential life-threatening danger to pedestrians.

Luckily, the composite (FRP) covers provided a relief to all the shortcomings faced from the use of traditional covering material. Prepared using a combination of polymer matrices and fibers, the composite FRB covers are non-recyclable. This means that they have no resale value and ultimately – of no monetary benefit during the theft.

• Strength to Density Advantage

They are also lighter than their traditional counterparts and offer extra strength to endure high-traffic zone. Moreover, the resilient material has the ability to withstand harsh weather elements and constant sun exposure without compromising the aesthetics and functionality.

• Durability and Lock-Fit

Cast iron manhole covers easily pop off, as a result of storms, flooding, and even heavy weight vehicle trucks. However, the composite (FRP) covers are customized according to the size of the specific area and are locked into place, minimizing liability for the utilities department.

Overall, the usage and benefits of FRP covers out rank the use of traditional metal and iron. Builders and civil engineers across the globe prefer working with composite material more as they add value to their work, are customizable to their industry needs and offer a host of functional benefit for a long run.

Above all, the composite (FRP) covers are high on aesthetics. The shape, design, and color can be tailored according to the user’s requirement, providing harmony with the surrounding environment.