Fibrelite developed a completely bespoke cover and frame for this complicated application. The main requirement was easy access for operators who regularly need to enter these feeder chambers that supply the overhead lines to power the trams. The covers were designed as a large one piece cover to sit exactly over the electrical chambers. Due to the very public areas that will eventually be a station platform the covers needed to be non-slip and lockable. Each cover has a tread pattern incorporated with anti-slip / skid properties and each cover had 4 locks moulded in for additional security. The panels are lifted regularly to ensure services are working efficiently. For operators working on the development, ease of access and safety are critical.

Fibrelite’s access covers are lightweight, durable and very strong. Every Fibrelite cover is manufactured using high technology resin transfer moulded (RTM) production methods to create a highly engineered, monolithic composite product.

Bespoke trench covers for trackside gear

Customised Solutions from Fibrelite

Due to the complexity of this application, the covers were pre-made with the frames and locks in Fibrelite’s UK Manufacturing Facility. This meant each of the forty-four covers would be exactly the same and meant continuity of quality. For Fibrelite the challenge was to design the trench covers to fit an existing chamber that had been designed for an alternative solution. Working to an extremely tight deadline and challenging conditions, Fibrelite manufactured a completely bespoke trench cover arrangement. Widths and depths had to be changed and panels cut to exact dimensions to accommodate locking mechanisms. Fibrelite’s lightweight medium duty composite trench cover was identified as the solution. Designed as a ‘fit and forget’ product, the maintenance free covers provide easy and safe access to the essential pipework.