Skip to main content

Fast utilities inspection with Saint Gobain

A new partnership between MWay Communications, Saint-Gobain PAM UK and Stanton Bonna has resulted in an access cover installation that cuts time on site by 50%. The system also improves site safety and ensures high quality standards are met for reduced future maintenance. The innovative precast concrete motorway communications chamber slab was developed by MWay Communications. The system is now on the market through a joint venture between Saint-Gobain PAM UK and Stanton Bonna to precast the access chamb
July 6, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
A new partnership between MWay Communications, 5475 Saint-Gobain PAM UK and Stanton Bonna has resulted in an access cover installation that cuts time on site by 50%. The system also improves site safety and ensures high quality standards are met for reduced future maintenance.

The innovative precast concrete motorway communications chamber slab was developed by MWay Communications. The system is now on the market through a joint venture between Saint-Gobain PAM UK and Stanton Bonna to precast the access chamber cover slab off site. By manufacturing the access chamber slab in a factory, the partners can reduce the time for on-site installation. This makes a major reduction in overall working time.

The on-site installation is reduced to two steps: excavation and installation of the chamber before installing the precast hard standing and completing the earthworks. The installation work can be carried out in virtually all weather conditions. Saving onsite installation time improves efficiency and frees up resources for other tasks, while reducing manual handling and movement of vehicles and people on site, the solution also improves safety.

The patent pending solution combines high-quality steel reinforced precast concrete with Saint Gobain PAMs high-performance ductile iron Opt-Emax access covers and Warrior surface boxes.  

Two solutions have initially been developed: an A type chamber cover slab and a smaller B type chamber cover slab. Both have cast-in lifting anchors to aid safe offloading and installation. Once installed the Opt-Emax access cover is designed for frequent maintenance and inspection of below ground assets.  The cover sections are individually hinged to reduce lifting effort, it has a skid resistant design and security is provided using Saint-Gobain PAM’s patented T-LOK system.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Successful resurfacing at New York's JFK Airport
    May 3, 2012
    A huge logistics operation has been carried out successfully at New York's JFK Airport. One of the busiest runways at one of the world's busiest airports is now open to air traffic again, following a 120 day closure for resurfacing.
  • Mabey Hire supports the Whorlton Bridge
    June 10, 2025

    Whorlton Bridge in England’s County Durham has had to be closed to traffic while a major programme of works is carried out. Every component is to be removed, refurbished and replaced.

    To facilitate the works, a bespoke catenary system has been installed, with Mabey Hire’s adaptable and modular propping equipment used to construct the temporary structure.

  • Speeding repairs of concrete motorway
    April 2, 2014
    A novel technique is now being introduced in the UK that can help cut construction costs, as well as the time needed for road repairs. Connect Plus, the company that finances, operates and upgrades the 400km M25 network on behalf of the UK’s Highways Agency, has pioneered an innovative method for the replacement of life-expired concrete motorway The introduction of this method is helping reduce the delays experienced by drivers by as much as 80% in the sections of road where it is now being implemented.
  • Road Markings to reduce fatal wrong-way driving
    October 31, 2012
    The latest road marking systems have been used to reduce potentially fatal wrong-way driving and promote the recent EURO 2012 football tournament in Poland and Ukraine. Guy Woodford reports According to statistics quoted by leading road marking firm Geveko, a total of 1,753 people were killed in the United States in wrong-way driving accidents from1996-2000. Wrong-way driving is also a significant issue across Europe and other parts of the world. Work to combat the potentially lethal activity took place re