Manhole cover. Manhole covers
What should manhole covers be like
Among the main functions of modern sewage manhole covers are protecting manholes from damage and, of course, ensuring the safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Depending on the load that manhole covers can withstand, they are installed on roads, sidewalks, roadways, yards, and pedestrian walkways.
Traditional material for making manhole covers is cast iron. Depending on the application area, several types of cast iron sewage manhole covers are distinguished:
Type T sewage manhole covers. These covers are installed on manholes only by professional services, as they are too heavy. These covers are made of high-strength cast iron, resistant to corrosion and the negative effects of water. They are usually installed in industrial areas and on highways.
Type L manhole cover. Similar sewage manhole covers are quite light and much less strong than type T cast iron covers. That is why they are used only in places where there is no vehicular traffic.
Manhole covers - advantages and disadvantages
Cast iron manhole covers are strong, reliable, and durable. However, cast iron covers are most often the target of theft.
As an alternative to cast iron covers, most municipal services and builders use polymer manhole covers.
These covers are light and durable, environmentally friendly, and do not contain toxic substances or harmful toxins. These polymer structures are not susceptible to the influence of aggressive environments, temperatures, and moisture.
Special fillers are added to the material from which the covers are made, making it impossible to recycle polymer covers, so they are not of interest to recyclers. Thanks to a variety of colors, polymer covers can perfectly blend in with sidewalk tiles, lawns, or road surfaces. The production of multicolored covers involves the use of special heat-resistant dyes that penetrate the entire thickness of the cover, so the color of the product will not fade or wear out during use.
