Skip to main content

Tough covers

Innovative solutions have been developed to meet a need for long-lasting yet low cost access cover applications by Structural Science Composites (SSC). According to SSC its new products outperform rival materials in terms of safety and security as well as whole-life costs. The new composite covers meet requirements for strong covers that can cope with growing traffic densities and tough constraints on financial and operational resources for road building and maintenance. The D400 vehicular grade cover and B
February 7, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Long life composite access covers from SSC are said to provide a good return on investment
Innovative solutions have been developed to meet a need for long-lasting yet low cost access cover applications by 2335 Structural Science Composites (SSC). According to SSC its new products outperform rival materials in terms of safety and security as well as whole-life costs.

The new composite covers meet requirements for strong covers that can cope with growing traffic densities and tough constraints on financial and operational resources for road building and maintenance. The D400 vehicular grade cover and B125 pedestrian covers come in a range of colours and provide surfaces that help boost safety.

SSC says that its new composite covers are light in weight, making them easy to place in position and are also tough enough to withstand heavy vehicle loads. Skid resistance is also said to be good, both in dry and wet conditions, unlike conventional metal or concrete covers. Metal covers pose particular hazards in the wet for cyclists and motorcyclists due to the low skid resistance. Another benefit is that the new composite covers will not be stolen for their scrap metal value, unlike conventional steel and iron units.

As the composite covers are light, this will also allow utility firms better access for routine maintenance of services and with a reduce risk of injury from heavy lifting incidents. The new covers combine the patented ThruBeam technology with reliable manufacturing processes to provide a long-lasting solution according to the firm.

The ThruBeam product has been approved for use in New York and is now available in the UK through builder's merchants. The units are offered in a choice of six coloured options and all the covers comply with the relevant European standards. Composite covers are said to be durable and light weight and are around 33% of the weight of steel and iron and 25% of the weight of concrete units. Also, being inert they will not corrode, are not electrically conductive, are fireproof and have low thermal conductivity. The life expectancy of SSC access covers is over 20 years and each carries a minimum 15 year guarantee.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Shell participating in Myanmar road trial
    September 13, 2016
    An innovative road trial project is now being carried out in Myanmar along Pyinmana Myo Shuang Road, close to Nay Pyi Taw International Airport. This trial section of road has been built in partnership between Shell and National Infrastructure Holdings Co (NIHC). In addition, the project is being supervised by Myanmar’s Ministry of Construction. The road trial is using Shell’s 60/70 penetration grade bitumen, which offers good heat tolerance and resistance to road deformation. This makes it suitable to cop
  • All change: get ready to rethink everything
    November 10, 2022
    How can we make our infrastructure ready for new sustainability challenges? What kind of investments are needed? And who will finance them? Tolling association Asecap has some thoughts. Geoff Hadwick reports from Lisbon
  • US plans alternative energy sources for transportation
    April 26, 2012
    The US Department of Energy (DOE) has published its first Quadrennial Technology Review, which identifies six key strategies to address current energy challenges. Crucially the review indicates that among the transport strategies, the greatest effort will be devoted to electrification of light-duty vehicles. While in the fiscal year 2011 only 9% of DOE’s research budget went to electric vehicles, this field will be given greater support in the coming years with the view of reducing US oil dependency in the
  • Nuphalt is well-prepared to meet the growing challenge for road repairs
    November 21, 2023

    2023 is proving to be a great year for the Nuphalt Group. Beginning in January with a move into their brand-new, purpose-built facility in Rugby, UK, utilising new mezzanine floors (increased manufacturing space by 50%), adding state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment and, of course, bringing everything under one roof. And with 100 kW of PV solar power up there, that’s no ordinary roof! The move to a more self-sufficient premises is all part of Nuphalt’s vision for a greener future.