In the News

This regional UK airport was looking for an upgrade for their access covers over the off-apron runway lighting pits. Fibrelite was chosen as an ideal supplier for this retrofit project due to the bespoke FRP access covers they can offer as well as their industry-leading strength-to-weight ratio.

PROBLEM

Ease of access to the runway lighting pits off-apron was of paramount importance as onsite staff have a window of approximately two minutes to complete maintenance and/or repair works between take-offs and landings, including removing and replacing the access cover.

Key requirements for the new installation and issues with the previous solution included:

• Replacement must be F900 (90-ton) load rated, as per end user mandate.
• The previously installed cast iron trench access covers were extremely heavy, making them difficult to maneuver.
• The high levels of physical exertion required (pictured below) for the two-person manual removal/replacement of these cast iron covers put operatives at significant risk of manual handling injury/s.
• The new covers needed to be yellow in color to assist the maintenance team with the identification of services beneath.

SOLUTION

The Fibrelite technical team presented a bespoke, lightweight proposal comprised of yellow composite FRP trench access covers retrofitted directly into the existing frames, minimizing upheaval to the site and avoiding breaking concrete.

Key features of the Fibrelite solution:

• F900 load rated, as per end user mandate.
• Fibrelite lightweight FRP access covers eliminate health and safety risks surrounding manual handling: Fibrelite covers can be easily and safely removed and replaced manually by two people (even with an F900 load rating) using Fibrelite’s ergonomically designed FL7 lifting handles.
• Fast and safe removal/replacement allowing maximum time for maintenance work (2-minute window).
• Fibrelite access covers were manufactured using yellow color pigment in order to assist the maintenance team with the identification of services beneath. The pigment is added to the resin during the manufacturing process, so there are no issues with color scratching or fading over time.

RESULTS

The easy-access solution provided by Fibrelite eliminates the need for any specialist personnel or machinery during maintenance or operation.

Key Fibrelite benefits at a glance:

• Easy, fast access to trench services using the ergonomically designed Fibrelite FL7 lifting handles.
• Best strength-to-weight ratio available in the market today.
• Corrosion resistant.

Explore Fibrelite’s full library of technical case studies here.