DO I REQUIRE A GRATE OR LID?

One of the more common questions we receive at Civilcast is “do I require a lid or a grate?” In this blog we will try to answer this question as fully as possible, to help you plan for your current or future construction project.

Caveat: as with all things when constructing stormwater and sewage systems, a great deal depends on the location, such as the surrounding natural and artificial features, the user requirements (does your grate or lid need to be cast in or drop in? Does it need to be trafficable?), the wheel loading, as well as all relevant standards that determine the correct product, materials, manufacturing and installation processes required for your application.

Grates vs Lids

Stormwater grates are designed to manage and filter stormwater as it enters the pit. The mesh-like composition of the steel catches leaves, rubbish and other unwanted debris on the surface of the grate, which can then be cleared. Grates assist with keeping stormwater systems clean and easier to process for water recycling and other purposes.

In contrast, sewer lids or covers are designed to fully seal an electrical pit, manhole, sewerage system or underground pipe. Lids are commonly made in ductile iron and concrete and in some cases will be designed to be accessed by personnel when required, but otherwise inaccessible to the public. Lids and covers completely seal off the possibility of outside materials entering the pipe system.

Stormwater Grates

Grates play an important role in managing stormwater in civil engineering applications and residential landscaping. As a result, grates vary widely in respect to where they are located and what forces they need to withstand.

Safety is an important consideration when installing grates. Residential and public spaces should consider Heelguard Drop in Hinge Sump Grates, to ensure that pedestrian foot traffic and bike wheels do not get caught when passing over the grate. Furthermore, a lockable feature is desirable to deter internal vandalism.

However, when managing large volumes of stormwater, Galvanised Surcharge Grates are recommended. These grates are built to last and effectively manage water in open parklands, verges and canals.

A match between load bearing, safety and water/debris management needs to be reached when selecting the right stormwater grate for your project.

Concrete Lids and Pit Covers

Lids and pit covers also need to be designed to guarantee pedestrian safety, however, their primary task is to close access points within stormwater, sewer and electrical infrastructure. For this reason, Concrete Infill Pit Covers are gas tight and suitable to Class B and Class D load ratings, as well as bike and pedestrian safe. Specified load ratings may go even higher to Class G in applications such as airports or where extra heavy plant and equipment is being used. They are also lockable and manufactured to AS 3996-2019 ratings.

Where heavy work is expected, Solid Top Pit & Concrete Infill Covers are ideal for high trafficable areas and built to withstand years of traffic and other kinds of wear, in accordance with Australian standards.

The Best Precast Steel and Concrete Solutions in Australia

We invite you to learn more about Civilcast and our custom and precast grates, lids and pit covers manufactured to suit the civil and construction industries.

Civilcast imports and manufactures grates and lids suitable for electrical, stormwater and sewer applications. We are Sydney Water accredited and Quality Assured to ISO9001 and provide a dedicated yard for stock and distribution. We have decades of industry experience and customer service excellence under our belt.

If you would like more information about any of our products or wish to discuss custom precast manufacturing for your project, please enquire online or call 1300 01 CAST (2278).

3 min read

01 Enhancing Infrastructure Stability with Civilcast Solid Wall Custom Road Pits

3 min read

02 ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS FOR STORMWATER COVERS AND GRATES

2 min read

03 ADVANTAGES OF GALVANISED STEEL GRATES

2 min read

04 THE ADVANTAGES OF PRECAST CONCRETE

3 min read

05 SELECTING THE RIGHT WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM

4 min read

06 THE BENEFITS OF PRECAST CONCRETE VS IN-SITU CONCRETE

4 min read

07 THE IMPORTANCE OF ENSURING COVERS AND GRATES COMPLY TO AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS.

4 min read

08 WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS FOR CIVIL PROJECTS (& WHY THAT’S IMPORTANT FOR YOU)

4 min read

09 ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEADWALLS

6 min read

10 WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SOURCING A HEAVY DUTY MULTI-PART ACCESS COVER