The rattling manhole cover, road degradation around covers and sub-standard locking mechanisms on castings are a familiar sight on civil works projects today.
The additional hassle for local authorities in relation to traffic disruption due to reinstatements – with the added risk of public safety issues and potential court cases which can result from product failures – can prove very costly in the long run.
A small saving in cost at the procurement/installation stage can lead to a larger cost implication for asset owners over the lifetime of a manhole cover.
In Ireland, there are many examples of ironworks that are procured and installed in a non-compliant way. This has led to road traffic issues as well as posing risks to the public on footpaths as potential trip and slip hazards.
In this context the role of a specifier, procurement officer or contractor in the selection of manhole covers and drainage gratings is hugely significant. It is important to remember that for safety critical products such as manhole covers and gully gratings your choice cannot be taken lightly.
You are responsible for the whole life performance of an installation which, in turn, will influence ongoing public safety and can deliver real cost savings. There is only one opportunity to get it right!
Roadmastic Ironwork Reinstatement System
EJ and Tarstone combine our product offerings of high-quality, third-party certified ductile iron castings with accredited ironwork reinstatement services, to offer a complete solution that will address your road maintenance needs.
Since road surfaces are essentially 'flexible' in performance while ironwork is 'rigid' it follows that over time with transition dynamic traffic loading and changes in temperature (freeze/thaw effect) deterioration will take place around the manhole cover leading to a potential safety hazard for road users.
We know that engineering bricks combined with a mastic asphalt (strain absorbing proprietary polymer type) as bedding mortar and as an ironwork surround provides a smooth transition mechanism from a rigid to a flexible performance. The two materials - mastic asphalt and the ductile ironwork - can function together to enhance the longevity of the installation.
Summary
Budgets are already stretched on most projects but it must come down to more than costs in evaluating products; much more consideration must be given to the suitability of a proposed solution. The below cost tendering forced on contractors in the past few years in the face of weak demand drove down prices to win work and made imported, minimum performing manhole covers more attractive. There are many examples around the country of such product having to be removed.
Working with a reputable supplier/manufacturer/installer will guarantee you independently certified, high-quality castings – assuring you of improved durability and fit for purpose products, minimising risk to the public and will deliver greater performance and value to the end user.
EJ and Tarstone offer Lunch and Learn seminars on the Roadmastic Ironworks Reinstatement system please contact 057 9123100 or email
caroline.obrien@ejco.com for more information.