Low and buried man holes (MHs) are a constant headache and expense for councils. They allow inflow of water and soil into the sewer network and can be hard to locate and access, resulting in wasted time.
Low MHs make maintenance activities and necessary inspections more difficult and hazardous. Low MHs in roadways are also a hazard for traffic while failing concrete, brick or mortar risers accelerates this problem.
Traditionally, the approach to raising MHs has been to use heavy concrete riser rings and to use shims and packers to adjust MHs to match ground level and sloped roads. The use of mortars/shims and packers to adjust MHs results in weak points that can quickly fail allowing water, soil and root intrusion, causing damage to surfaces and roads and the need for additional repairs in a short time.
Heavy concrete risers are difficult to handle, require multiple personnel and are a manual handling risk for contractors and council staff. They also have the potential, not only for back injuries and strains, but also for associated costs, including:
- Lost time
- Medical treatment
- Compensation claims
Moving these heavy concrete rings into backyards is even more difficult, due to tight spaces and side passages.
With many water authorities wanting to work towards achieving zero environmental impacts and zero carbon emissions, addressing inflow and infiltration (I/I) – both in new constructions as well as repair and rehabilitation of existing assets – is increasingly important. With innovative and cost effective solutions available, reducing I/I is achievable.
The benefits of addressing I/I are many, and include:
- Reduced operation and capital costs
- Lower power consumption and CO2 emissions
- Reclaiming network capacity (supporting increased urban infill with existing infrastructure)
- Less wear and tear on pumps, pipes and assets
- Reduced potential for overflow
- Less potential for formation of voids and associated damage to assets and surface structures
- Lower insurance and litigation risks
- Reduce pressure on already stretched personnel
Low MHs and leaking MH chimney/neck sections are a disproportionately high contributor to inflow and infiltration. Undertaking actions to properly repair these assets can be carried out quickly, increase safety and accessibility and provide a quick return on investment.
Pro-Ring™ Maintenance Hole grade adjustment rings are a simple and innovative solution to accurately raising MH covers to grade, while providing a watertight and gas tight seal, stopping I/I while protecting the MH chimney and reducing the damage from failing concrete and mortar.
Pro-Ring™ are increasingly being used by councils and contractors to reduce WHS risks for workers, as well as to improve the efficiency of MH raising activities.
Pro-Ring™ are 1/20th the weight of concrete, and yet, are trafficable with load testing to Class D (AS3996:2019). A single person can easily carry multiple Pro-Rings, and no heavy equipment or vehicles are required to move and install them, making them more cost efficient, simpler and safer than concrete. Pro-Ring™ also generates only half the CO2 emissions of concrete.
Click here to find out more about how Pro-Ring™ can improve safety and increase the ROA for your MH’s.
This sponsored editorial is brought to you by ISC. For further information, please visit: https://iscservices.com.au/products/cretex-pro-ring/.
