Choosing the Right Manhole: Function, Material, and Application

Choosing the Right Manhole: Function, Material, and Application for accessing underground infrastructure requires more than just a hole in the ground. It requires the right cover for the right environment. Whether you are monitoring groundwater, securing a utility vault, or installing a general access point in a high-traffic area, the material and design of your manhole cover matter.

In this guide, we break down the specific features of Composite, Monitoring Well, and Steel Manholes to help you choose the right fit for your project.

1. Composite Manholes: Lightweight & Durable

Composite manholes are rapidly becoming the industry favorite for general access due to their ease of handling and resistance to environmental wear.

Características principales:

• Lightweight Design: Significantly lighter than iron, reducing the risk of back injuries during maintenance.

• Slip-Resistant: Designed with surface textures to ensure safety for pedestrians in wet conditions.

• Advanced Manufacturing: We use the latest technology to ensure porosity-free molding. This means a compact, homogeneous distribution of reinforcing fiber throughout the cover, eliminating weak spots.

• Weather Proof: These covers utilize a specific UV-resistant treatment to protect against sun degradation and weather damage over time.

Monitoring Well Manholes: Identification & Compliance

When dealing with groundwater monitoring, compliance is key. Our monitoring well manholes are built to meet strict industry standards, including specific identification markings.

Approvals & Ratings:

• Load Rating: Meets AASHTO H20 wheel loading (traffic rated).

• Identification: Incorporates cast-in triangles in accordance with API recommendations.

• City of LA Approvals: BR800075 A0721-001ID, A0721-008CEID, A0721-101ID, A0721-108ID.

Construction Details:

• Material: Painted ductile iron lid and rim.

• Skirt Options: Optional galvanized steel or polyethylene skirt (Available in 8” & 12”).

• Throat: Open throat design for easy access.

Sealing Capabilities:

Large Diameter Models (24” – 48”): These larger units come equipped with a Diamond plate steel lid, hot rolled steel skirt, concrete anchors, a T-bar frame, and a recessed handle.

Steel Manholes: Multi-Purpose Access

For versatile access to underground storage or containment vessels, our steel manholes provide a robust solution. Like our monitoring wells, these are built to withstand heavy traffic.

Especificaciones:

• Load Rating: Meets AASHTO H20 wheel loading.

• Design: Open throat design for easy equipment insertion.

• Handle: Built-in 18” handle for easy lifting.

Size Variations:

• Standard: Available with galvanized steel or polyethylene skirts.

• Large (24” – 48”): Features a Diamond plate steel lid, hot rolled steel skirt, and concrete anchors for secure installation in concrete pads.

Utility Vaults: Secure Square Access

Utility vaults are essential for housing tank hardware and monitoring equipment. Our vaults prioritize security and ease of access for technicians.

Heavy-Duty Construction:

• Lid: 3/8” heavy-duty diamond plate (Square design).

• Skirt: 16-gauge steel.

• Rating: Meets AASHTO H20 wheel load rating.

The "Locking Vault" Advantage:

Security is often a concern for utility vaults. Our locking models feature:

1. Double Hinged Lid: Opens and folds back 180° for unobstructed access.

2. Anti-Theft: The lock-access lid is permanently fastened with an anti-theft chain.

3. Security: The unit is secured with a single pinned bolt mechanism.

Which Cover Do You Need?

• Need lightweight & UV resistance? Go with Composite.

• Need specific API ID & Watertight seals? Go with Monitoring Well Manholes.

• Need general multi-purpose storage access? Go with Steel.

• Need square access for hardware? Go with Utility Vaults.