The benefits of INTELGRIP composite covers over
traditional covers

New materials are of little value to an Engineer, Specifier or Operator, unless they deliver real benefits.  SSC combine THRUBEAM technology, design, and composite materials with reliable manufacturing processes to deliver 'fit for purpose' covers that offer an attractive commercial solution when the total cost of ownership is considered.

SSC INTELGRIP composite covers are proven and guaranteed to meet the structural and fatigue requirements of AASHTO and are fully compliant with European EN124 : 1994 regulations.

Ease of removal/replacement

INTELGRIP composite covers are typically 25% of the weight of concrete, 33% of steel/iron and 70% of aluminium.  One of the benefits is single person removal and replacement without risk of injury, when using our ergonomic lifting tool. They slide rather than lift out of the frames The single person removal and replacement procedure eliminates risk of back injury The special ergonomic lifting tool transfers removal forces to the safest position for an operative Click here for more information

Get Flash to see this player.
Ease of Removal / Replacement	ergonomic lifting tools

Low wear characteristics

Wear is negated by the combination of the materials and design. SSC composites materials are robust and will not break under normal in-service loads.  Each INTELGRIP cover has a close tolerance interface with a special torsional resistant frame (D400 Composite, B125 Aluminium), which prevents movement and distortion from the eccentric forces that are a major cause of wear and failure.  A recent report by a US test house indicated that the top surface would have an estimated life of 15 to 18 years based on 15,000 Foot Contact Events on the same contact point each day for the whole period.

A wear indicator is fitted to all our standard covers.

Security locking

Additional security can be included through the addition of a restraint system to either our Class D400 or Class B125 products.

Restraint devices – both classes of our covers are fitted with an optional key operated restraint device.  This is designed to provide security against malicious damage and vandalism.  Higer levels of security are available if required. 

B125 restraint device – is operated by a BS standard key (available from Monument Tools) and is designed to re-engage automatically when the cover is refitted into the frame without the use of the key.

D400 restraint device automatically unlocks and locks when the cover is removed or replaced with our ergonomic tool.   When the lifting aid is disengaged from the key housing the restraint device is returned to the locked position, providing a fail-safe locking process. 

Click the illustrations to enlarge

Water, sand and airtight

INTELGRIP D400 covers can be fully sealed against water or sand ingress.

A special sealing method creates a water, sand and airtight barrier, when the cover is replaced. A secondary effect of this seal is that it makes the cover very difficult to remove and forms a very good unauthorised barrier to entry, without the SSC special ergonomic tool, which incorporates a seal breaker. The position of the seal and the sealing action promotes self-cleaning which reduces any maintenance requirement

We do not currently have a sealing solution for our B125 class products, but please ask if you would be interested in a sealing system for this class of product.

Fire proof

Covers and frames do not support combustion and maintain structural integrity during a manhole fire.  Tests show a high resistance to flame; very little smoke and no gases were produced that would cause any hazard to the public.

Electrically non-conductive

Composite covers are electrically non-conductive and ideal for areas where electrical shock and stray voltage has to be negated or avoided.

Thermal insulation

INTELGRIP covers have a very low coefficient of thermal conductivity compared to metal covers.  Temperatures below the cover can be up to 400º F. but the top surface of an INTELGRIP cover will stay below the ASTM requirement to prevent first-and second-degree burns
[approximately 125º F].

Reduced Maintenance programme

Longevity, ease of moving and superior performance allows a reduction in maintenance programs.  Fitting a INTELGRIP cover is the best ‘whole life’ choice.

Pry Points and key housings

These can be moulded into our covers as an alternative.  Locking and sealing will not be available for covers with pry points.

Venting

Venting can be incorporated in our INTELGRIP composite covers and is a useful method for reducing the build up of explosive gases in the underground facilities.  Hole sizes comply with ADA regulations. 

Poor thermal conductivity

Composite covers have very poor thermal conductivity.  This is a benefit on thermal installations and where extremes of ambient temperature are experienced

Non-corrosive

Unwanted and potentially destructive elements are unavoidable in the manhole environment and they have a continuous degrading effect. Composite covers and frames are inert and will not corrode or cause corrosion when subjected to elements such as wind borne sand and salt [even at elevated temperatures], water and all chemicals met in road environments.

Automatic meter reading

Covers allow transmission of radio frequencies used in AMR and from sub-structure equipment.  This helps promote a better signal, and negates lifting the cover to collect data.

Secure in the location