Precast Concrete Covers

Reliable, Durable Covers Providing Secure Pit Access

Description

SVC’s precast concrete pit covers have historically been the traditional choice for councils when securing underground pits and chambers in municipal drainage infrastructure. They are a proven solution for stormwater pits and utility vaults where access is infrequent but strength, security and durability are essential.

SVC has supplied precast concrete covers to councils for many decades, and offers the broadest range of concrete cover options on the market with 50+ sizes stocked in our yard. Our robust precast covers can withstand harsh environmental conditions and heavy loads over decades of service, solving the need for a highly durable, cost-effective and low-maintenance cover.

Developments in civil construction materials and methods have seen the rise of alternative cover materials such as lightweight SMC composite, ductile iron and galvanised steel – options which are also available from SVC. However, precast concrete covers are still ideal for many civil and local government applications such as council reinstatement works, road maintenance projects and any instance where a simple, no-frills cover solution is required.

Features & Benefits

  • A wide variety of concrete frame, inserts and single-piece covers to suit junction and side entry pits
  • Our team can provide guidance on council-specific cover requirements
  • All covers, frames and inserts have lifting points cast-in to ensure safe handling
  • Cost-effective and readily available, supporting busy civil contractors

Material Specifications

  • 32MPa reinforced precast concrete
  • Contains up to 35% supplementary cementitious materials, reducing cement content and associated CO2 emissions
  • Made using reclaimed rainwater harvested on SVC premises
  • Design life: 50 years

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Operating since 1948, SVC Products is a well-respected local manufacturer and supplier of high quality products to the civil construction industry. Contact our friendly team to discuss your next project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are precast concrete covers compliant with Australian Standards?

SVC's precast concrete covers have been used extensively as the main stormwater access cover solution for council drainage infrastructure for many decades. However, they are not currently certified with an official load rating as per the Australian Standard AS 3996:2019 - Access covers and Grates.

Despite this, their strength and performance characteristics are perfectly adequate for many Victorian municipalities. Many local councils accept, or even specify, SVC precast concrete covers for side entry stormwater or junction pit applications, ensuring they are safe and fit for purpose.

If in doubt, please consult your SVC representative or the relevant governing authority to determine the access cover compliance requirements for your project.

How do you lift a heavy concrete cover safely?

Our concrete covers must be lifted mechanically, as they are too heavy to be safely lifted by hand. They typically incorporate small pick holes or cast-in lifting anchors, designed to be used with certified key lifters or compatible lifting clutches for safe, controlled handling and transportation.

What applications are concrete covers best for?

Precast concrete access covers are perfectly suited for stormwater pits, valve chambers, and utility vaults where access is infrequent and the site is not subjected to vehicular traffic. They are still used in many Victorian municipalities for maintenance or reinstatement of council drainage infrastructure.

Compared to alternative cover materials, precast concrete covers offer the most cost-efficient solution for a simple access cover, while also providing excellent strength, long-term durability and protection from unauthorised access.

What does the “clear opening” measurement mean?

The clear opening refers to the size of the open space or void beneath a cover or grate, and typically matches the internal size of the pit chamber below. It is the most critical dimension when ordering pit covers.

Access covers and grates are usually larger than the clear opening size in order to sufficiently cover the pit beneath. It is important to note that any dimensions in the product descriptions typically refer to the nominal clear opening, not the external dimensions of the cover or grate itself. For specific product dimensions, SVC can provide technical datasheets or product drawings for accuracy.

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