Access Covers
Access covers are robust pit cover solutions for stormwater, electrical and communications applications, and are widely used across civil and infrastructure construction. There are several types of access covers with varying characteristics, such as concrete covers used in footpaths and driveways, stormwater pit covers in garden beds and heavy-duty ductile iron pit covers designated for major roads and motorways.
To ensure safe installation and long-lasting product durability, contractors should always opt for compliant, load-rated access covers that are purpose-built for each specific application.
SVC Civil supplies a broad range of access cover types to suit various requirements, whether it’s general residential construction, local council drainage, or major works and infrastructure. Our pit covers are manufactured in compliance with the regulations of local government as well as VicRoads/DTP. Various material types are available, each offering different product benefits.
Our Access Cover Products
Sewer Covers
Access Covers: Pit, Stormwater, Concrete & More
For high quality access covers in Australia, look no further than SVC’s pit cover range, which includes traditional precast concrete covers, lightweight polymeric covers and heavy-duty ductile iron covers. Many sizes are available to accommodate most stormwater pit applications.
Precast concrete covers have historically been the material of choice for Australian access covers, used to cover stormwater pits in local council drainage systems. As one of Australia’s oldest precast manufacturers, SVC offers a diverse range of robust, high-strength concrete access covers, frames and inserts to suit most Victorian council requirements.
SVC’s lightweight GridLite Evo covers are designed for easy handling and maintenance, available to suit standard stormwater pits. Our Evo covers are load-rated to Class B as per AS 3996:2019 – they offer a convenient alternative to heavier cast iron covers, and are lockable to prevent unauthorised access.
Ductile iron access covers are available from SVC in multiple sizes, designed to be infilled with concrete, which results in air-tight installation. SVC supplies ductile iron covers in raw or concrete-encased options, load-rated to Class B, Class D or Class E as per AS 3996:2019. Options for VicRoads/DTP-approved covers are also available, to suit stormwater, electrical or communications pits.
Why Choose SVC For Your Access Covers Needs
Operating since 1948, SVC is an ISO-certified supplier of access covers Australia wide. Our team has specialist expertise in access covers manufacturing, combined with in-depth civil industry knowledge amassed from decades of experience. Customers can safely rely on our excellent product quality and dedicated customer service.
All SVC access covers are made in accordance with the relevant industry standards and quality tested to achieve compliance with all regulations. Our products are manufactured under the strict controls of a factory environment, ensuring products satisfy all requirements for performance, longevity and sustainability.
Download Our Pit Cover Datasheets
SVC’s pit cover datasheets provide comprehensive material specifications and technical data about our diverse range of access covers. They include product diagrams and photos to assist you on your product selection journey.
By downloading these free resources, you will be able to determine what type of access cover – whether it’s a precast concrete pit lid, lightweight SMC cover or a cast iron gatic cover – will be best suited for your specific project application.
Custom Access Cover Solutions
For unique project requirements, SVC’s local team of manufacturing experts can produce custom access covers tailor-made for the specific application. We excel in the fabrication of bespoke multi-part covers for large-format pits, which are often used to house electrical and data cabling on large infrastructure projects.
By opting for a custom-made prefabricated solution, customers unlock significant time savings by eliminating the need for building complicated formwork and pouring concrete onsite. An added benefit of receiving product deliveries only when the site is ready for installation is that large products do not need to be stored on the construction site, taking up precious space.
To speak to an SVC representative regarding custom access covers, send a request to our friendly SVC Civil team today via the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different types of access covers offered and what are their primary applications?
SVC offers a wide range of access covers for various civil and infrastructure projects. These include:
- Ductile Iron Covers: Used in stormwater, sewer, electrical, and communications applications. Available in single and multi-part configurations.
- Precast Concrete Covers: A traditional and durable solution for junction and side entry stormwater pits.
- Lightweight Polymeric Covers (GridLite Evo): Ideal for roadworks, maintenance, and construction where ease of handling is a priority.
- Ready Replacement Covers: A simple solution comprising a sturdy concrete frame and a removable lightweight insert, allowing councils to replace damaged drainage pit covers with a durable, high-performing product.
- VicRoads Pit Covers: Specifically designed to meet VicRoads (DTP) SD requirements for side entry and junction pit applications.
- Trade Waste Covers: Class B and Class D circular cast iron covers encased in precast concrete, designed for trade waste applications and are airtight and watertight when sealed.
- Sewer Covers: High-quality cast iron covers for various sewer infrastructure applications.
- Temporary Covers: High-visibility covers used to cover exposed pits and trenches on job sites to prevent accidents.
2. What load classes are your access covers compliant with?
Our diverse range of access covers have various load ratings dependent on cover type, with many options manufactured in compliance with the requirements of AS 3996:2019.
Polymeric covers (GridLite Evo and Ready Replacement Covers) are load-rated to Class B, which allows their compliant use in areas subject to slow-moving domestic traffic (i.e. residential driveways).
SVC’s purpose-built DTP covers (comprising a circular polymeric insert within a rectangular concrete surround) are compliant with Load Class C, ensuring their safe application in VicRoads infrastructure.
Ductile iron infill and encased access covers are available in Load Classes B, D, and E. This ensures they are suitable for a wide range of applications, from footpaths and driveways to major roads and motorways.
While precast concrete covers are the traditional choice for council drainage assets, they have no official load certification and are equivalent to Load Class A. Despite this, they are often specified by local authorities and are perfectly suited for use in many off-road applications.
SVC’s temporary covers are not load-rated to any particular class, and have a loading capacity of 800kg. They are designed to accommodate pedestrian traffic only.
3. Are your access covers compliant with local and national standards?
Yes, all our access covers are manufactured in accordance with relevant industry standards and council applications. They are quality tested to ensure compliance with all regulations, including those set by local governments and VicRoads/DTP.
4. What materials are used in your access covers?
We use a variety of materials to suit different applications and performance requirements:
- Ductile Iron: For high strength and durability in heavy-duty applications.
- Precast Concrete: A traditional, robust, and weather-resistant option for council stormwater assets.
Polymeric Materials: Used in our lightweight covers for easy handling and maintenance.
5. Do you offer custom or specialized access cover solutions?
Yes, we can provide multi-part ductile iron access covers that are made to order and purpose-built to suit specific project requirements. Two- and three-part covers are available with a standard lead time of one week.
6. What are the sustainability features of your products?
Our concrete-encased access covers incorporate sustainable materials, including:
- 10-35% supplementary cementitious material (fly ash & slag).
- Lightweight plastic aggregate made from mixed plastic waste.
- Reclaimed rainwater harvested on-premises.
7. Are there lightweight options available for easier handling and installation?
Yes, our GridLite Evo range features lightweight polymeric access covers, each weighing just 25kg. These are an ideal solution for maintenance and construction applications where manual handling is a concern. Compared to traditional precast concrete or ductile iron access covers, GridLite Evo covers are about two-thirds lighter, therefore much easier to lift and handle.
8. What is the expected design life of your ductile iron access covers?
Our ductile iron access covers have a design life of 50 years, ensuring long-term performance and durability for enduring civil infrastructure projects.
