Power and Rail Infrastructure ElementsProducts
A power cable manhole is a precast concrete chamber used on underground power cable routes for cable pulling, jointing, changes of direction and maintenance. It gives access to the cables without excavation and helps keep the network running smoothly.
A power cable manhole is a precast concrete chamber placed at intervals along underground power cable routes. It usually consists of a base, walls and a roof slab, with the opening in the roof slab closed by a manhole cover. The walls have entry openings to which the protective ducts carrying the cables are connected.
On routes where cables are pulled through protective ducts, manholes divide the cable pulling into sections. Cable joints are made inside the manhole and can be inspected later; where the route changes direction or branches, the manhole allows cables to be turned while keeping to their permitted bending radius. In the event of a fault or for maintenance, crews reach the cables without excavation.
Manhole types differ in internal dimensions, the number and position of duct entries and the load they will carry. The cable manhole types used on a distribution network are selected according to the technical requirements of the relevant distribution company. A manhole can be produced in one piece or modularly as base, walls and roof slab. The cover is chosen in a class suited to the load at its location, such as a footway or carriageway; TS EN 124 is the reference standard for manhole covers. Details such as access steps, lifting anchors and a sump are added to suit the project.
Manholes are cast in the plant in moulds fitted with reinforcement, compacted and cured under controlled conditions. Duct entry openings, steps and lifting anchors are placed during casting. In modular manholes, the joint faces between sections are produced to tight dimensions for watertightness.
The manhole is lowered by crane into the excavation onto a compacted, levelled bed. Protective ducts are connected to the entry openings and the joints sealed. Once the surrounding backfill has been placed and compacted in a controlled way, the cover is set to the road or footway level. Compared with a chamber cast in place, the excavation stays open for less time, which means less disruption to traffic and pedestrians, especially in towns.
Manholes produced in the plant are consistent in dimensions and concrete quality, and there is no formwork or curing time on site.
Dimensions, reinforcement and load capacity are set by structural design for each project; contact us for technical details.
Infrastructure Elements
A precast concrete pile is a reinforced or prestressed foundation element made in the plant and driven into the ground on site. It carries building loads past weak upper soil layers down to firmer strata.
Perimeter and Protection Elements
A concrete fence post is a reinforced precast post set into the ground to carry chain-link mesh, barbed wire or panel fencing. It provides a durable, low-maintenance fence line around land, industrial sites, vineyards and orchards.
Facade and Floor Elements
A precast facade panel is a reinforced concrete wall unit made at the plant and fixed to the precast frame of an industrial building. It gives the building a durable, non-combustible envelope that goes up quickly.