GRP or glass reinforced plastic manhole covers are growing in their use and popularity every day. They have become a popular manhole covering solution in high-traffic roads, parking lots, and pavements for their distinct features and exceptional quality.
Compared to traditional iron, steel, or aluminum-based manhole covers, the ones made from this material are stronger, cheaper, and more durable. In this article, we will share with you some of the most useful features of GRP-based manhole covers that make them an ideal option.
Here is all you need to know about the benefits of GRP manhole covers
- What is GRP?
- Benefits of GRP Manhole Covers
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
- Low-Maintenance
- Affordability
- Corrosion-Resistance
- Non-Conductive
- Slip Resistance
- UV-Resistance
What is GRP?
GRP, also known as fiberglass or composite plastic, consists of glass fiber and a polymer matrix or plastic. It is a strong, lightweight, and extremely versatile material.
It is being used in a wide range of applications owing to its amazing features such as very high thermal stability, durability, corrosion resistance, easy molding, and high energy absorption.
GRP is made from strands of glass known as fibers that are woven together to create a flexible fabric. GRP composites come with an aluminum oxide aggregate surface which is known for being diamond hard and having high wear resistance.
Benefits of GRP Manhole Covers
Following are the main reasons why GRP manhole covers should be your top pick for any kind of project
1. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio:
GRP is known for its amazing bi-directional strength and load-bearing qualities. This is possible due to its very high strength-to-weight ratio. It is lighter but stronger than conventional materials like steel.
This makes it very easy to design, transport, and install manhole covers made from this material. These manhole covers can bear up to 40 tons which makes them an ideal solution for industrial sites and roadways.
So, if you are looking for a durable manhole cover solution, we suggest you give GRP manhole covers a go to get your money’s worth.
2. Low-Maintenance:
GRP-based manhole covers need virtually zero maintenance and care. Traditional manhole covers need to stay clean, dry, and free from frequent wear for them to last long.
You can install these manhole covers in areas with high footfall and traffic without having to worry about regular maintenance.
Apart from that, the colors used within GRP undergo pigmentation which ensures there is minimum fading or discoloration even in harsh weather conditions.
You don’t have to color top or spray paint these any time soon after the installation.
3. Affordability:
This is another reason why GRP-based manhole covers are the top pick for most people. This material is extremely affordable as compared to its alternatives.
Moreover, the low-maintenance feature of this material further lowers its costs. Once you invest in manhole covers made from this material, they will last you for decades. There will be no need to replace these manhole covers every few years which further cuts down costs in the long run.
GRP material has a very low theft value which means you don’t have to worry about someone stealing manhole covers from your premises saving you both the hassle and expense of replacing them.
4. Corrosion-Resistance:
GRP manhole covers can withstand a wide PH range and stay intact even after continuous exposure to water and harsh chemicals. Manhole covers made from this durable material do not corrode easily.
Unlike iron-based manhole covers, these do not react with the oxygen and moisture in the air. High corrosion resistance makes these manhole covers a suitable option for use in industries and very high-traffic areas.
5. Non-Conductive:
Electrical hazards are a very common threat in factories and public transport areas. Using iron or some other metal-based manhole covers in such locations puts your safety at great risk since electricity can easily flow in these materials.
This is not the case with GRP manhole covers which are completely non-conductive for both heat and electricity.
This makes glass-reinforced plastic manhole covers a smart and safe choice in areas where electricity hazards are common.
6. Slip Resistance:
GRP alone or reinforced with carbon and silicon grit gives you a very high slip resistance. The strong grip of this material prevents accidental slips and makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
Even when wet, this material doesn’t pose any slip risks, unlike iron and steel. You can use these manhole covers in any wet or damp areas to ensure the safety of the people who walk over them.
7. UV-Resistance:
The manhole covers made from GRP incorporate high-quality UV-inhibiting features. Long exposure to UV in the sunlight can cause damage to manhole covers made from normal materials owing to their high UV sensitivity.
But with GRP covers there is virtually zero degradation as a result of long UV exposure. You can use these manhole covers in open spaces like parking lots and highways without any worry.
The durability of these manhole covers is exceptional and that is why you need to consider these for your residential, industrial, and commercial projects. This will not only help you save money but also free you from the hassle of regular maintenance and cleaning.
Conclusion
The advantages of GRP-based manhole covers are so many and, in this article, we have just gone over a few of them to give you an idea of how effective they are.
GRP manhole covers give you strength, high thermal stability, and very high chemical and corrosion resistance.
So, if you are looking for manhole covers for your residential or commercial projects, we suggest you go with GRP covers to get the best value and performance for your money. Visit Naran Precast Concrete today to find the perfect manhole solutions for any application.