As part of the essential refurbishment and strengthening of this iconic London flyover, roller bearings at the base of the supporting piers were replaced due to wear, corrosion and the ever increasing vehicular traffic volume. The replacement spherical sliding bearings are located in underground bearing pits, which are now covered by an encapsulating row of bespoke FRP GRP trench covers. The cover design layout accommodates minor movement of the pier.

The previously installed concrete recess covers were cumbersome, preventing easy inspection and maintenance access to the bearing pits. They also exhibited major fatigue. A solution was required in specific sizes with a securing mechanism to prevent unauthorised removal of the covers while allowing easy access when essential maintenance was required. As the covers would potentially experience both pedestrian foot traffic and the occasional vehicular wheel the covers had to be designed for both environments.

Fibrelite worked in close collaboration with the designing engineers (Ramboll) and the installation contractor (Pro Steel) to design, manufacture and deliver a custom made covering solution for the 15 piers, totalling 500 individual FRP GRP trench covers encapsulated within a purpose designed frame. The bespoke FRP GRP trench covers were equipped with locking device to prevent unauthorised access.

Fibrelite’s FRP GRP composite access covers have an inherent resistance to corrosion, offering a maintenance free ‘fit-and-forget’ solution. This means when you fit Fibrelites, they will continue to perform over time and retain their snug fit, minimising water ingress. When essential maintenance is required, the lightweight trench covers can quickly, safely and easily be removed using the custom ‘key’ and Fibrelite’s ergonomically designed lifting handles. Fibrelite’s FRP GRP covers also have anti-slip properties equivalent to a modern high-grade road surface whether wet or dry, far exceeding health and safety advisory limits (independent test reports) providing a safe walking surface. All Fibrelite access covers are BS EN 124 load test compliant, meaning consistent high quality is assured.