Did you know that under those metal manhole covers you see all over your town is a large opening that provides access to an underground network for workers to service utilities such as sewage, television, internet and more?
Most people just think of them as the “sewer” and picture them full of flowing wastewater. While that is part of it, there can be more to it.
But what happens when those structures fail? It can be costly both for taxpayers and the environment to replace them.
However, there’s been a recent development that makes it easier, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. So, what is it? Polymer concrete manhole inserts.
What are Manhole Inserts?
Manhole inserts are structural rehabilitation inserts that go inside of an existing manhole structure. This method is referred to as “sleeving” because you use the existing structure as a sleeve and insert the new structure within it.
The best, long-lasting manhole insert is made of polymer concrete, because this material does not require any coating or lining and does not depend on the structural integrity of the old structure for success. Once the new polymer concrete manhole inserts are in place, the old structure can rot and break down without impacting the new insert, which is protecting the integrity of the system.
Why are Manhole Inserts Important?
Manhole inserts are important because they reduce the excavation required to repair a broken system and eliminate the need of a bypass line.
By using the existing structure as a sleeve and inserting the manhole rehab inserts within the existing structure, there is no need to dig up the old structure, reducing the work to be performed and minimize how much the project disturbs the earth and ground around the structure.
Additionally, the same benefits apply when you eliminate the need for excavating and building a bypass line. Both of these save time and money and are more environmentally friendly. It’s a win-win-win for the construction crews, the municipality and the environment.
Polymer Concrete Manhole Inserts Last Longer
It’s probably no surprise to you that when old, traditional concrete structures fail, teams look for a newer, better alternative to replace it. Polymer concrete is that newer, better option because it is lighter, stronger, corrosion proof and overall, more environmentally friendly.
Lighter
Polymer concrete is lighter than traditional concrete because it is made up of a polymer and does not contain any heavy aggregates.
Concrete is heavy and is used to build large and long-lasting structures. Concrete is made of a mixture of cement, sand, and gravel and then some water and other chemicals. The cement and the gravel are the heaviest parts of the cement mixture, so while it is strong, it can be difficult to transport and install. It also has issues such
Stronger
Polymer concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, water, and polymers. These polymers are usually styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), which is a synthetic rubber product, or polypropylene. The polymer replaces the traditional aggregate in the concrete mixture, making the polymer concrete stronger than traditional concrete.
Corrosion Proof
Polymer concrete is more corrosion proof than traditional concrete because it eliminates the tiny air bubbles or pockets in found in traditional concrete, making it resistant to moisture penetration.
Environmentally Friendly
Polymer concrete uses a variety of recycled materials, such as plastic and limestone, which reduces the need for the mining and production of new materials. Waste from the production of polymer concrete can be recycled or used as a feedstock for a cement kiln, reducing the need to burn fossil fuels to make cement.
