SSC develops composite access covers range

Structural Science Composites (SSC) discusses how access cover solutions can meet modern road infrastructure requirements for safety, security and whole-life costs.

SSC states that tightening budgets and the growth in traffic density is placing an ever-increasing strain on our highways.

Those responsible for road infrastructure are being forced to stretch their financial and operational resources to the limits to meet their road building and maintenance targets.

This is putting more pressure on the road infrastructure supply chain to develop products and systems that offer improved functionality as well as significantly reduced cost of ownership.

One area of concern is access covers which have to provide a surface that is equivalent to a high quality road surface for the safety of road users, as well as meeting the stricter demands of communications and utilities organisations as they seek safer, more secure and affordable underground access positions.

The existing technologies inherent with traditional iron, steel and concrete access covers cannot meet both above and below ground requirements.

Above ground, the increased density of traffic on highways means that road safety is high on the agenda.

Access covers have come under focus with evidence showing that wet, worn metal covers can cause serious accidents for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists alike.

Below ground, telecoms companies are increasingly investing in expensive and technically advanced equipment in the form of fibre optic cabling for our modern advanced communications networks.

In addition, water utilities need to protect the millions of pounds invested to upgrade current water supply and waste water systems to reduce wastage.

SSC has developed a range of covers for vehicular (D400) and pedestrian (B125) areas incorporating the very latest composite technology.

In addition to satisfying today's above and below ground demands, the range outperforms traditional verisons.

The company has combined patented structurally superior Thrubeam technology, design and composite materials with reliable manufacturing processes to deliver a new generation of 'fit for purpose' covers.

Following rigorous third party testing in 2007, the Thrubeam product was approved for use in New York and is now available in the UK through builders merchants.

Offered in a choice of six coloured options, all covers are third party certified by Lloyds British to comply with European standards EN124: 1994.

Composite covers are durable and light weight enabling single person removal preventing the risk of injury to operators.

They will not corrode, are not electrically conductive, are fireproof and have low thermal conductivity.

Additionally, because there are lockable options and they have no inherent material value, they offer increased security.

When it comes to road safety, SSC composite access covers provide more grip than iron or steel which, because of the inherent material characteristics, the tread surface becomes polished, providing a poor level of grip.

SSC products provide a high-grade anti slip/skid surface which is guaranteed for the life of the product, minimum 15 years, with a value of PSRV50> when wet which meets the requirements of HA 104/09.

SSC composite access covers are currently being trialled by five major UK utilities/water authorities and a framework agreement bid is now in place with one leading water company.

Back to top