As the urban population grows at an unprecedented rate, the need for durable, safe, and sustainable construction materials is now more than ever. One major component of urban infrastructures is their sewerage and drainage systems. These are responsible for concealing and supporting a wide network of utilities that are essential for any urban society.
This is why it is extremely important to protect these underground networks using sturdy and durable covers. This job is done by manhole covers that completely conceal the openings of the sewerage systems thus ensuring safety and smooth functionality for years to come.
Traditionally, cast iron manhole covers were used globally but now the trend has shifted to precast concrete manholes and precast covers and there are good reasons for that.
If you are not familiar with precast manhole covers and their many benefits then this article is all you need.
This blog lists some of the main reasons why the precast manhole covers are the best choice for urban areas so keep on reading to learn more.
- What are Precast Manhole Covers?
- Reasons Why You Need to Choose Precast Manhole Covers for Urban Areas
- Resilience and Durability
- Reduced Theft
- Enhanced Aesthetics
- Sustainable Manhole Covers
- Infiltration Prevention
- Longevity
What are Precast Manhole Covers?
Before we go ahead and discuss the benefits, let’s first look briefly at what these manhole covers are.
Precast concrete manhole covers are sturdy and durable lids that are prepared off-site by pouring concrete in special molds and using industrial equipment. These are used to cover ground openings like drains, sewage system entrance points, and other underground utility networks.
These manhole covers are typically installed in highways, roads, parking areas, and industrial zones where the traffic is high and strength and durability are needed.
Reasons Why You Need to Choose Precast Manhole Covers for Urban Areas
If you are wondering what makes precast manhole covers a better option than traditional cast iron covers then this next section is for you.
Here are a few main reasons why every urban infrastructure is incomplete without precast manhole covers
Resilience and Durability
Unlike traditional manhole covers that are susceptible to corrosion when exposed to high moisture levels, the precast covers are not affected by it at all.
These manhole covers are impervious to rusting and decay even in extremely harsh environments which makes these ideal for water and sewage systems.
The uniformity and high structural integrity of precast manhole covers make these highly durable. This means you can install these covers in urban areas without having to worry about making frequent repairs or replacements even after several years.
Reduced Theft
The crucial role of precast manhole chambers for ensuring public safety is also noteworthy. Manhole covers are a very common and easy target of thieves. Cast iron covers, especially, have some scrap value that 006Dakes these a good target. If these covers go missing, it leaves dangerous holes that can cause severe accidents.
Precast concrete covers on the other hand have no scrap value which means there is no point in stealing them. If you install these covers in your urban projects, it can not only save you the trouble of buying new covers but also enhance public safety to a very great extent.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Another reason why these covers are so great is that they give you greater design freedom than regular cast iron covers. You can choose from a wide range of colors and textures when ordering these manhole covers to match the surroundings.
Moreover, if you need these for a private project, you can have your own logos of text imprinted on them. You can ask the manufacturer to design these covers so that they blend well with the public spaces, sidewalks, or roads to create a harmonious and consistent landscape.
Sustainable Manhole Covers
The creation of cast iron manhole covers requires more energy and the overall process generates a lot of emissions as well. Moreover, the shorter lifespan of these manhole covers leads to greater production demand which further leads to more emissions and raw material consumption.
The precast concrete manhole covers, on the other hand, are more durable. The longevity and recyclability of these manhole covers make them an eco-friendly option.
Infiltration Prevention
The traditional cast iron manhole covers are not completely infiltration-proof. Water, dirt, and debris can easily enter through the cracks or very small openings at the circumference of these covers.
Over time, this accumulation of dirt or water can damage these manhole covers and that can affect the sewage or other utility systems by exposing them to external elements.
This is not the case with precast covers as these are designed by keeping the exact dimensions of the openings in mind. Moreover, these covers can be sealed with a strong mastic strip which ensures complete watertightness.
Longevity
Precast concrete manhole covers are resistant to high heat and wear and tear. Moreover, these covers also have a much higher load-bearing capacity as compared to traditional cast iron covers.
With proper care and maintenance, these covers can last up to 50 years. On the other hand, cast iron covers only last for about 20 to 30 years.
Conclusion
For urban projects, precast manhole covers offer myriads of benefits like high load-bearing capacity, durability, and unparalleled aesthetics. The use of these covers offers sustainability and an overall increase in any infrastructure’s efficiency.
As compared to traditional cast iron manhole covers, the precast solutions offer greater resistance to wear and tear which makes them ideal for use in high-traffic areas like roads, parking lots, pavements, etc.
Precast concrete manhole covers can be quickly designed and prepared off-site in different shapes and sizes and their installation and maintenance are also quite simple as compared to GRP or cast-iron manhole covers which makes them an ideal choice for commercial and public space applications. Visit Naran Precast Concrete Co. today to order our top-quality precast concrete manholes and precast manhole covers all over the UAE.