When constructing stormwater and drainage infrastructure, access covers and grates are typically bought by the contractor in raw format. However, savvy contractors can benefit immensely from pre-encased access covers and grates manufactured by SVC Products.
Reinforced concrete is strong
Raw access covers and grates are installed with a concrete surround that is boxed up and poured in-situ, often with the same concrete mix used to construct the kerb. The concrete surround is not reinforced in such installations.
Conversely, encased access covers and grates use a high-strength, 40MPa concrete mix, which is additionally reinforced with steel or fibres. The inherent strength of the concrete encasement creates a more robust grate or cover solution that will outperform an in-situ product and provide a longer service life.
Consistent quality and finish
Consistency is ensured with the use of purpose-built steel moulds to produce precast concrete encasements. The products will always be sized correctly to fit exact dimensions. Additionally, the manufacturing takes place in a controlled factory environment, allowing products to be monitored closely to meet the specified quality requirements before they are delivered to site.
In contrast, on-site concrete pours take place outdoors and are fully exposed to the elements, compromising the quality and finish, unlike pre-encased grates and covers that remain consistent, creating a neat, tidy aesthetic that is repeated throughout the project.
Time savings for faster project completion
Encased access covers and grates allow for quick, efficient and simple installation as soon as they arrive on-site. Lifting points within the concrete encasements enable products to be manoeuvred safely and carefully into position, with installation taking less than a day.
In comparison, the in-situ concrete process is time-consuming, labour-intensive and complicated. It typically requires at least 2-3 days to create the timber formwork, followed by pouring and finishing of concrete, and the additional setting and curing time required for the concrete. For contractors working to tight deadlines, these time savings can be crucial in delivering the project on time.
Customisation options
Encased access covers and grates can be produced to specific requirements for colour and finish. When a project demands that the products need to be matched to specific requirements or existing site assets, it can be achieved using covers and grates that are pre-encased in concrete. To ensure colour accuracy, test concrete samples can also be provided beforehand for peace of mind.
How SVC can help
SVC has supplied access covers and stormwater grates to several civil and infrastructure projects. As a specialist manufacturer of precast concrete products, SVC has the confidence to supply high quality purpose-built concrete encasements for their grate and access cover products.
