When deciding on Manhole Covers during any urban infrastructure project you have two main options. You can either go for traditional cast iron manhole covers or you can choose glass reinforced plastic GRP manhole covers to ensure the safety of your underground utility services.
But which one of these two options is the best for you? This blog tries to answer this question in detail. Here we are going to look at both of these types of manhole covers to figure out what sets them apart from each other and what are some qualities that you get from each of these manhole covering solutions so keep on reading till the end.
- GRP Manhole Covers
- Benefits of GRP Manhole Covers
- Durable and lightweight
- Corrosion Resistance
- Slip-Resistance
- Enhanced Aesthetics
- No Risks of Theft
- Non-Conductive
- Drawbacks of GRP Manhole Covers
- Benefits of Traditional Cast Iron Manhole Covers
- Low Maintenance
- Cost-Effective
- Enhanced Safety and Security
- Fewer Risks of Unauthorized Access
- Drawbacks of Traditional Cast Iron Manhole Covers
- GRP vs. Traditional Manhole Covers: Which is Better?
GRP Manhole Covers
These are a special class of composite manhole covers that consist of a combination of glass fiber, polymer matrix, resin, and polyethylene. The building material of GRP Manhole Covers is made from woven together strands of glass and an aluminium oxide aggregate surface which makes these highly wear-resistant.
Benefits of GRP Manhole Covers
The following are the main benefits of GRP manhole covers that make them superior to traditional cast iron manhole covers.
Durable and lightweight
The GRP Manhole Covers are much lighter but stronger than traditional covers. Their high wear and tear resistance combined with substantial load capacity makes these an ideal option for industrial and urban projects where increased durability is paramount.
Corrosion Resistance
As these composite manhole covers are made from non-mantellic materials, they offer superior resistance to corrosion or rusting. This makes these manhole covers keep looking new for decades.
Slip-Resistance
Another feature of these manhole covers is their greater slip resistance. These covers can be designed in different shapes and textures and with gritted surfaces which increases the friction and prevents accidental slips.
Enhanced Aesthetics
GRP Manhole Covers offer greater freedom in terms of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes. You can have them designed for any type of setting such as roadways, pavements, parking lots, etc., and they will blend right in.
No Risks of Theft
Unlike traditional manhole covers, the GRP Manhole Covers are made from a plastic and glass combination which has zero scrap value. As a result, these manhole covers are not an attractive target for thieves.
Non-Conductive
And last but not least, these manhole covers offer high resistance to heat and electricity. The non-conductive feature of these manhole covers prevents electrical shocks and damage by overheating in harsh sunlight which increases their lifespan.
Traditional Cast Iron Manhole Covers
Traditional Manhole Covers are a combination of metals like cast iron and magnesium. When coated with suitable materials, these covers can offer enhanced moisture resistance. These manhole covers are a top choice for parking lots, highways, and industrial zones owing to their superior strength and ductility.
Benefits of Traditional Cast Iron Manhole Covers
Here are a few main benefits of cast iron manhole covers
- Low Maintenance
Cast iron manhole covers are very low maintenance. With simple surface-level cleaning, these covers can stay in their best shape for years to come.
- Cost-Effective
The initial cost of traditional cast iron manhole covers is much lower than their GRO counterparts owing to the abundance of raw materials and simple manufacturing processes.
- Enhanced Safety and Security
Traditional manhole covers are extremely heavy. The high density of metal makes these extremely difficult to move. This leads to better security and concealment of the underground systems.
Drawbacks of Traditional Cast Iron Manhole Covers
Here are a few drawbacks of these manhole covers
- The high scrap value of metals like iron makes these prone to theft.
- These are susceptible to wear and tear by corrosion.
- The heaviness of these covers poses maintenance and cleaning challenges.
- The long-term maintenance costs of these manhole covers are high.
- These are not durable in harsh weather conditions like intense sunlight and rain.
GRP vs. Traditional Manhole Covers: Which is Better?
So, now that we have looked at the benefits and drawbacks of both of these types of manhole covers, which one should you choose?
You can go with GRP Manhole Covers if you are looking for a lightweight, sturdy, easy-to-install and maintain, and corrosion-resistant option. Moreover, these manhole covers are a long-term cost-effective solution. With proper care and maintenance, these covers can last for many decades without any major structural deformation or performance issues.
Cast iron covers, on the other hand, are much heavier and they offer low resistance to heat and moisture which shortens their lifespan.
Conclusion
GRP Manhole Covers are a better option as they are lightweight but sturdy. Moreover, these manhole covers offer a high load-bearing capacity and resistance to heat, electricity, and rot.
Cast iron covers on the other hand are cheaper and they offer enhanced security. But these covers have shorter lifespans owing to their low resistance to heat and wear and tear.
Cast iron covers also have a higher scrap value which increases the risks of theft. This is why most modern urban infrastructures are opting for GRP Manhole Covers over the traditional alternatives.
Visit Naran Precast Concrete Co. today to have your own customized GRP Manhole Covers designed and installed all over the UAE.