Well manhole height. Sewer manholes types standard sizes classification according to the material of manufacture how to choose the best

The sewer manhole, despite its apparent simplicity, should be chosen very carefully. The thing is that it performs a rather important function, at the same time providing access to an inspection or revision well, and protecting the underground part of the sewer network from damage.

Below we will tell you what features of this part you should pay attention to first of all, and which product is better to choose when equipping a drainage line in different conditions.

Design features

Device

The hatch of the sewer well is a structure that is installed in the upper part of the inspection or revision shaft.

As mentioned above, this part performs two functions:

On the one hand, it prevents unauthorized access to pipes.
On the other hand, using the hatch, we ourselves can go underground to perform diagnostics or repairs.

The device of the hatch is not difficult:

In the well itself, an annular neck is fixed - the stationary part.
A cover is installed on top, which can be removable or hinged (folding design).
In some cases, two covers are mounted in the neck: a protective one, which is placed on top, and a locking one, equipped with a lock.

Note! Many are interested in why sewer manholes are round and not square. There are quite a few answers to this question, but the most plausible is the following: a round lid, unlike a square one, cannot fall into the neck, no matter how you turn it.

So you don’t have to get a heavy cast-iron “pancake” from a depth of several meters.

This is how the square cap falls into the neck. With a round one, such a “trick” will not work - it will still get stuck!

The outer surface of the lid is made smooth or convex. The use of concave parts is irrational: they will collect rainwater.

Manhole locks

Usually, the connection of the neck with the lid is equipped with various locks.

Their main function is to prevent spontaneous opening, and - less often - to block the opening of the lid without a special key.

The heavy cast-iron sewer manhole familiar to us, as well as some models made of polymer-sand composite, are equipped with side protrusions that fit into the grooves on the neck.
The sewer plastic manhole can be made with a threaded connection of the cover and the well itself.

Steel models are equipped with mechanical locks of the flag, bolt or spacer type. However, such structures are rarely used in drainage systems: more often, shafts of communication lines, power lines, etc. are completed with locking covers.

Functional classification

The weight of a sewer manhole depends on two parameters: its dimensions and the type to which it belongs. To date, varieties of cast iron are most commonly used, and therefore we will list their characteristics in the table below:

Marking	Product type	Weight, kg		Usage
Marking	Product type	lid	frame	Usage
R	Repair	–	35	It is used for temporary blocking of the neck during roadwork.
L	Light	30	35	It is installed within green spaces, on footpaths, in private households.
T	Heavy	50	50	It is applied at the equipment of manholes on highways.
TM	heavy trunk	45	50	It is mounted in the neck of wells located on highways with high traffic intensity.

Note! In addition to the type, the marking of sewer manholes, which is applied to products during their release, should include the designation of the engineering network for which the part is intended, the year and month of production, etc.

The dimensions of sewer cast-iron manholes according to GOST are also strictly fixed. Most often, models with a diameter (over the cover) of 645 or 800 mm are used for underground network equipment. However, polymer and steel models may have other dimensions.

Popular varieties

Cast iron

If we have dealt with the main parameters and typology, let's take a closer look at the classification by materials.

The first place in popularity will be occupied, of course, by cast iron hatches:

Both necks and lids are injection molded.. For the manufacture of cases, material SCH15 and stronger is taken, and covers are cast from cast iron of a grade not lower than SCH45.

Note! The design strength of the structure must exceed 60 tons.

In some cases, the joint between the lid and the neck is additionally sealed with a rubber gasket.. For this, dense rubber is used, capable of being compressed for a long time without losing elasticity.
The service life of such structures is practically unlimited.. In Europe, you can find products that have been regularly performing their functions for more than a hundred years: outwardly, if they differ from new ones, then only in worn edges.

Cast iron is characterized by minimal temperature deformations, because the roadway around the neck does not collapse.

As for the cons, they are:

Due to the high mass, the installation of a sewer hatch requires the involvement of assistants, and sometimes the use of additional devices.
The price of the product is also very significant, which, however, is partially offset by the service life.
But the main thing is that manhole covers are systematically stolen, which makes it irrational to install them in an unguarded area.

Polymer

Recently, for installation on footpaths and in the green space, instead of cast-iron hatches, structures made of plastic and composites are used:

The sewer polymer manhole is usually made on the basis of quartz sand, cement and molten plastic. The mixture is heated to 300 0 C and placed in a special mold under the press.
To give the product the desired shade, green, brown or orange pigments are introduced into the composition of the raw material. This allows you to either make the hatch as inconspicuous as possible, or, conversely, draw attention to it in order to avoid injury.
The result is a fairly light (up to 45-50 kg) structure, which, depending on the internal structure, can withstand from 3 to 15 tons.

Note! In the most reliable hatches, a reinforcing cage made of steel rods or metal fibers is laid in the thickness of the polymer.

Such parts are quite easy to assemble with your own hands, just open and close. In addition, they are not of interest to "hunters for non-ferrous metal", and the case itself is very vandal-resistant.
Other advantages include significant tightness, which is ensured by exact observance of dimensions during pressing, as well as the fact that in winter the lid does not freeze to the neck even at very low temperatures.

Well, the price of such products is incomparable with cast iron ones, therefore, for private construction, they have been mainly chosen lately.

Structures from other materials

Along with cast and polymer models, other hatches can be found on sale:

Plastic (most often polyvinyl chloride). They are produced by injection molding, often equipped with composite or steel reinforcement. Due to their high elasticity, they cope well with pedestrian loads, but in the cold they become very fragile.

Concrete. Such parts are most often used as a temporary plug - during construction or when a metal hatch is stolen. They are reinforced concrete discs with one or two brackets used for movement.

The main disadvantages of concrete hatches are the almost complete lack of tightness (it is difficult to fit the lid tightly to the neck) and an unattractive appearance.
Steel - lighter than cast iron, but less durable. Most often they are equipped with locks and are mounted in those places where it is necessary to block the access of outsiders to the sewer.

Conclusion

A polymer or cast iron sewer hatch must be selected in accordance with the loads that it must experience. Then the drainage system will be reliably protected, and it will take a very long time to spend money on replacing the part ().

There is a square one and a round one. The design of the underground well itself consists of a round shaft, an observation room and a cover. Most often, the observation room and the shaft are round in order to provide unhindered access for housing office workers and plumbers. The cover itself prevents the possibility of various household wastes and foreign objects entering the sewage system, which can provoke emergencies. In most cases, these lids are round in shape, not square. This is done in order to prevent the possibility of failure of the structure into the system. Also, the presence of a round cover makes the work of the ZhEK employees safer, since there is no such probability that it could fall on the worker's head. What can not be said about square installations. The square plastic sewer manhole gives in to the pressure of road traffic and falls into the network, slipping at an angle. Since the diagonal of a square is greater than any of its sides, and the circle has the same radius.

Any communication system (sewerage, engineering and cable networks) has a manhole, which must be closed to prevent people and animals from falling into it, ingress of foreign objects, the spread of odors, destruction and theft. Manholes for sewerage differ in variety depending on the scope of use, installation location and operating conditions.

Materials for the manufacture of sewer covers, product dimensions

The design of all hatches is similar - a support ring (shell), which is directly mounted on the neck of the inspection shaft, and a cover that performs protective functions.

The purpose, the degree of strength and tightness, the cost of the hatch depends on the type of material:

Cast iron. The most durable and durable, but also the most expensive material. Products from it are mounted in areas with increased load (roads, access roads), the service life is up to 100 years.
Polymer. The best option in terms of performance and cost for installation in pedestrian areas, green areas, areas of private households.
Concrete. They are rarely used, as a rule, in the case of non-standard sizes of the neck of the sewer well. The main disadvantages are a low rate of tightness and a large mass.

Most hatches are made with a circular cross section, rectangular (square) products are also produced for the corresponding shafts. It is rare to find triangular, oval and other exotic shapes. Round models are easier to install, practically do not sag relative to the initial installation level, their fall to the bottom of the shaft is completely excluded.

Sewer hatches are presented in a wide range of sizes, which makes it easy to choose the right product:

cast iron round– from 380 to 810 mm;
polymer round- from 315 to 1000 mm;
square– length of one side from 300 mm to 800 mm in 50 mm increments.

Advantages and types of polymer sewer covers

The basis for the manufacture of polymer hatches is a polymer sand mixture. The introduction of various additives makes it possible to obtain a protective device with the desired performance properties. Due to a number of advantages, this type of sewer hatches has become the most popular:

high rates of permissible mechanical load (up to 25 tons);
high-precision pressing method ensures excellent tightness;
several color versions allow you to organically fit the equipment into any landscape;
long service life (20–50 years);
ease of transportation and installation - one person can handle the installation;
interchangeability of parts in case of damage - the sizes of covers are standardized;
operating temperature from -50 to +50 degrees;
resistance to chemicals;
do not rust and do not fade;
do not emit a metallic ring and do not spark when hit by a car;
low cost compared to cast iron counterparts.

The whole variety of hatch models are classified according to several criteria.

Classification by purpose

Marking in the form of a letter designation is applied to the sewer cover:

water wells- "V";
sewerage- "TO";
rain wells- "D";
heating network- "TS";
gas network- "GS";
trunk roads- "TM";
urban cable network- "GKS";
city telephone network- GTS.

By load class

Depending on the maximum allowable load, products made of polymeric material are divided into:

light garden (L)- 1.5 t;
light sewer (L) – 3 t;
medium sewer (C)- 7.5 tons;
heavy sewer (T)- 15t;
heavy main sewer (TM)- 25 t.

Looking like a castle

The locking mechanism serves to prevent theft and accidental opening of the sewer cover and happens:

spacer;
flag;
threaded.

Specifications

The choice of manholes for sewerage is carried out taking into account its type, rated load and other indicators that are regulated by GOST-3634-99.

Name	Class	Weight, kg	Common dimensions (diameter/height), mm	Installation location
Lightweight	A15	1,5	11 - 25	540*80;	Gardens, green areas, sidewalks
Light	A15	5,0	52	750*90	Parks, car parks, pedestrian areas
Average	B125	12,5	57	750*100	Streets with moderate traffic
Heavy	C250	25	60	800*110	High traffic roads
Heavy trunk	D400	40	140	810*120	Motorways
Superheavy	E600	60	155	810*150	Territories of industrial enterprises, transport terminals
Superheavy	F900	90	174	785*160	Airfields, seaports

Features of installing sewer covers

Installation of a cast-iron and polymer sewer manhole is carried out according to one scheme. The difference lies in the fact that the installation of a lighter polymer product will be performed by one person.

Work order:

Get access to the mouth of the well. If necessary, remove the top soil in such a way that after installation the hatch does not protrude above the surface of the site. Recommended depth levels: 24–45 mm for light, 60 mm for medium, 85 and below for heavy models.
Carry out the installation of a concrete support ring K60 or KTs01, which will reduce the bearing load on the slab. You can build brickwork, but it will not be durable enough. Over time, under the influence of precipitation, the bricks will begin to collapse, which will lead to deformation and failure of the entire structure.
Install the shell, avoiding a slope - this can lead to subsidence of the hatch during operation. If necessary, lay the seal. Check the level, firmly fix - the presence of grooves for fastening greatly facilitates this stage.
Build a formwork around the shell and pour it with concrete mortar. Let dry completely for 2-7 days.
Lubricate the working surface of the ring with grease or lithol - this will prevent freezing at sub-zero temperatures.
Install the lid on the hatch, check the opening, close the lock.

If the product does not fit well into the landscape, it can be masked with decorative elements in the form of a boulder stone, stump, signpost, statue or flower bed. This is not only an original exterior solution, but also additional protection. At the same time, the site should not be overloaded - access to the manhole should be easy at any time of the year.

A plastic sewer hatch is necessary to protect the sewage system from the ingress of waste, debris, as well as to prevent possible damage and theft. Polymer is one of the most common materials for the manufacture of such hatches.

The described products are one of the important parts of the drainage structure. They are able to withstand an impressive load, sometimes up to 20 tons. With the help of such hatches, it is possible to reduce the slip of cars on the roads. Such products are installed on household plots of cottages, private houses and summer cottages, as well as on pedestrian sidewalks, in landscape gardening areas.

In the production process, a polymer sand mixture is used. But special additives help to make the characteristics of the product better. This should include water resistance, as well as long service life and frost resistance. And yes, the look is worth it. If cast iron products are unsightly and are presented in a traditional color, then polymer ones look more attractive and can have different shades, which allows you to fit the hatch into the exterior.

Dimensions

The sewer plastic hatch usually has standard sizes. This is due to the fact that the parameters of the wells are standard. The diameter of the hatch, together with the frame, is 80 cm. Its hole, like the cover, has a diameter of 62 cm. This is enough for a worker to climb into the well for technical work.

For underground wells, light, medium and heavy products are usually used. The size of their body is indicated by two parameters: diameter and height. When studying the dimensions, you should also pay attention to the size of the cover, it is also limited by the diameter and height. Square sewer polymer manholes are capable of carrying up to 2 tons. The diameter and height of their body are 640x640 mm. As for the size of the cover, it is 600x600 mm.

But if the design is able to withstand up to 1 ton, then its dimensions can be equal to 720 x 600 mm, which is true for the case, and 600x25 mm (diameter and height of the cover). On sale you can find another type of light hatches that can withstand the weight of a car up to 2 tons. In this case, the dimensions of the case will be somewhat larger, they are equal to 75x90 mm. But in the case of the lid, the parameters reach 690x55 mm.

By purchasing light and medium hatches up to 5 and 15 tons, respectively, you become the owner of products with the following dimensions: 750x90 mm and 750x100 mm (body size), 690x55 mm and 690x50 mm (lid size). If you are interested in the dimensions of sewer polymer manholes, then you should also pay attention to a product that can withstand up to 25 tons. Its dimensions are the largest and equal to 800x110 mm (case size), 700x70 mm (lid size). Light hatches are installed with a recess ranging from 25 to 45 mm, while medium and heavy hatches are mounted to a depth of 60 and 85 mm, respectively.

Dimensions of hatches with a low level of load

If you are a private user, then most likely you will choose a garden hatch or a green light hatch. In the first case, we are talking about a product that corresponds to the load class A15. The surface can be affected by a weight of up to 1500 kg. The mass of such a product is 11 kg, it is ready to serve for about 50 years. The dimensions of such a small hatch are 540x540x80 mm.

By purchasing a green plastic light hatch, you become the owner of a product with the same load class. The weight of the structure is 10 kg, its surface can be subjected to the same load as in the above case. Such a hatch is used for squares, parks and areas of adjacent territories. The product is ready to serve up to 20 years, and its dimensions are 750 x 750 x 80 mm.

On sale are also sewer polymer hatches with a lock. These locking products belong to the same load class, their weight is 46 kg, but they are intended for park areas, as well as pedestrian roads. The service life remains the same, but the dimensions change somewhat: 780x789x110 mm. Polymer hatches are good because they fit perfectly into the interior of suburban areas. This is due to the appearance of products that can have a variety of colors, including:

green;
Brown;
grey;
black.

Specifications

Among the main technical characteristics, the weight of the product should be highlighted. It was discussed above. Next, you need to consider the load class. It depends on what mass the surface of the structure can take on itself. This factor often plays a decisive role in the choice.

Polymer sewer hatches (GOST 3634-99) are designated by different letters that determine the purpose. For example, if you see the letter L in the marking, then this indicates that you have a lightweight device with a nominal load of 1.5 tons. Such products cannot be placed on the roadway.

But heavy structures and medium hatches are installed on yard driveways and parking lots. They are able to withstand loads up to 25 tons. All characteristics are prescribed in state standards. In practice, you can understand that cast-iron hatches are also on sale, their diameter can vary from 380 to 810 mm. As for plastic ones, this parameter starts from 315 mm, and the final value is 1 m.

Under certain conditions, it becomes necessary to install a rectangular hatch, one side of such a product is 300 mm. Further, this value is increased in increments of 50 mm. But as for the maximum indicator, it reaches 800 mm.

The main types of hatches according to the material of manufacture

Hatches sewer iron, plastic, polymer and plastic are presented for sale in a wide range. As for cast iron products, they have increased strength and a long service life, which reaches 100 years. In most cases, such products are installed in areas with increased load on the structure, this should include roads and access roads. But in private areas, such hatches are almost impossible to meet, because there are no high requirements for the strength of products. In addition, such options are sometimes not so affordable.

Plastic hatches have gained wider popularity, because they have many advantages. Among others, an affordable price, as well as a wide range of models and rich colors. The weight of such structures is negligible, so it is very easy to install them. The most suitable option for private households will be plastic hatches. But plastic structures are also good because they are not of interest to scrap metal collectors. The material does not rust, does not fade in the sun and remains resistant to moisture and ultraviolet radiation. Such characteristics are characteristic of plastic hatches for the reason that heat-resistant pigments and additives are added to the ingredients during the production process.

Compared to cast iron, plastic hatches are very light. And you can install them even on the territory of the lawn, where it will merge with the green mass of grass. Polymer-sand hatches are resistant to temperature extremes, so they can be operated in any climatic zones. Their operating range is limited to -50 to +50 °C.

Why else should you choose a polymer hatch

The sewer polymer hatch, the characteristics of which are described in the article and should be studied by you before purchasing such a product, does not make a ringing sound when a car hits it. This is especially true for residential areas. Plastic hatches are also installed at gas stations. This is due to the fact that they do not spark when opening and closing, as well as at the time of the passage of vehicles on their surface.

The cost of hatches

You now know the dimensions of polymer sewer manholes, but consumers are also interested in cost. You can buy a light product with a slight height for 380 rubles. a piece. The weight of the lid and ring is 25 kg. But a light high sewer manhole costs already 580 rubles, its weight, together with a lid and a ring, will be 45 kg.

Price for medium and reinforced hatches

An average product with a lid and a ring in the kit will weigh 52 kg, and its price is 650 rubles. The dimensions of polymer sewer manholes were mentioned in the article. Now you know what parameters a heavy product has. Additionally, it is worth noting only the weight, it is 57 kg, while you will have to pay 800 rubles for such a hatch. A reinforced polymer heavy hatch costs already 950 rubles, and its weight is 60 kg.

Mounting Features

A polymeric sewer hatch, the price of which is sometimes much lower than a cast-iron counterpart, can be installed independently. The only difference in the installation of other hatches is that the polymer cover will have much less weight, which makes installation easier. Before starting work, it is necessary to install a ring, which is also called a shell. It is located on the cover of an underground well.

Work methodology

There must be a support ring between the well cover and the hatch. It will reduce the load on the plate several times. Instead of a ring, brickwork can be used, but over time it can collapse, which will cause the lid to fail.

A sewer polymer manhole, the price of which is acceptable for most consumers, is installed according to a certain algorithm. At the first stage, it involves aligning the ring horizontally using a level. This will evenly distribute the load. The structure should not be sloped, as this can cause subsidence and destruction of the device.

Final works

To fill the ring from the outside, it is necessary to use a concrete solution, which is located around the perimeter. After laying it, you must leave the mixture to dry completely. Next, you can proceed to the installation of the installation in the ring. The upper part is lubricated with grease and lithol, which will ensure easy opening of the device even at low temperatures.

Conclusion

Since the dimensions of the sewer polymer manholes are standard, you can replace one product with another. It speaks of interchangeability. Modern polymer-based covers can be installed in a metal case. The material will be able to withstand high loads. Water resistance is an added benefit. After installing a sewer polymer manhole, you can forget about its existence. It will last long enough, because the inner surface of the cover is reinforced with stiffeners.

Sewer manholes are engineering structures and are installed above the wells of underground systems of urban and storm sewers, water, heat and cable lines, main gas pipelines.

Hatches protect wells and drains from debris, foreign objects, falling people and animals. Serve to provide free access during maintenance and repair of engineering systems. Provide safety on highways, city streets, green areas and suburban areas. Designed for access to storage tanks when pumping sewage.

Fig.1. Sewer hatch.

Classification

Sewer manholes have a non-slip ribbed surface that provides good grip on shoe soles and car tires. The weight of structures mounted on the roadway must be at least 60 kilograms to prevent spontaneous opening when vehicles run over them.

By appointment

By appointment, sewer manholes are divided into the following groups:

Viewing rooms are designed to monitor the condition of engineering systems and pipelines. Are established on turns, branches, in places of change of diameters or slopes of pipelines.
Accumulative serve for access to storage tanks when pumping sewage.
Stormwater. Are established on wells of the rain sewerage.
Inspection hatches are suitable for servicing internal plumbing and sewerage systems. Mostly produced in a rectangular shape. Can be installed in bathrooms or bathrooms in a wall or box, plasterboard or siding.

All hatches are designed to protect wells for various purposes. Ensure the safe presence of people, animals and vehicles in the places where engineering communications pass.

By shape

The most popular hatch shape is round. This design is compact and easy to use. Has no sharp corners. If necessary, the heavy round lid can be rolled for ease of transport.

Square or rectangular hatches are less common. They are usually installed on storm sewer wells. They are produced in sizes of one side from 300 to 800 mm.

The production of square manholes is economically unprofitable, since more raw materials are spent on them than on round ones of similar sizes.

The rectangular cover is not convenient for transportation, installation or maintenance. It can fall into the well if you accidentally move it diagonally.

2. By execution, hatches are:

standard parameters;
with locking mechanisms that prevent penetration into the well and theft of products;
with recesses in the lid for the possibility of weighting with concrete or polymer aggregates;
with devices built into the cover for lifting them with the help of lifting equipment.

By Application

Manholes of engineering communications according to their intended use are divided into two main groups:

Manholes installed on expressways, airfields, transport terminals and production sites, parking areas for tracked vehicles and heavy vehicles. For these purposes, heavy cast-iron products of the T-type, weighing 80-150 kilograms, are suitable.
Well covers installed on sidewalks, in squares and parks, city courtyards and private households are marked with the letter "L". Light hatches are made of polymer, rubber and composite materials, weighing from 15 to 60 kilograms.

Heavy cast-iron hatches in many respects exceed light analogs in cost.

materials

For the production of sewer manholes, a variety of compositions are used.

Cast iron

Until recently, the most common material for the manufacture of hatches was SCH 20 cast iron, which is an alloy of iron with carbon and graphite.

Fig.2. Cast iron hatch.

Cast iron constructions are durable, practical and have a long service life. Not afraid of extremely low or high temperatures. Not susceptible to aggressive anti-icing agents, fuels and lubricants, salts and acids.

Cast iron hatches can be mounted on the carriageway of city roads and highways, in unloading terminals and airports, in parking lots for heavy vehicles and in places where weight control passes.

It is the weight of the cast-iron hatch that is an obstacle to the penetration of children and adults into the wells.

Depending on the application, cast iron sewer manholes are: light, medium, heavy and super heavy.

The disadvantages of cast-iron hatches include a high price, which is offset by practicality, durability and wear resistance.

Plastic

Manufactured from thermoplastic polymers by injection molding. To increase the strength characteristics of the product, it is reinforced with fiberglass reinforcement or other compatible materials.

Fig.3. Lightweight plastic hatches.

Plastic models can be installed on lawns and sidewalks where there is no traffic. They are environmentally friendly and durable. Available in different color options. For use in parks and urban areas, products with various patterns are produced. They can imitate natural stone or various decorative products.

Plastic hatches are ideal for installation in a private house or in a summer cottage.

Polymer-composite

They are made on the basis of polyester resin, various fillers and dyes. Reinforced with fiberglass to increase strength. Inexpensive, durable designs are suitable for installation in urban courtyards, parks and pedestrian areas. Withstand loads up to 40 tons. Composite products are more expensive than plastic ones, but much cheaper than cast iron ones. They are convenient to use. Lids do not freeze to the neck in winter.

In addition, like all polymer products, they are not in demand among vandals.

Fig.4. Polymer-composite manhole.

Polymer sand

Durable and practical hatches are made from a mixture of polymers with the addition of sand and iron oxide.

Often, plastic bottles and other synthetic waste are used as polymer raw materials, which significantly reduces the cost of products.

Currently, polymer-sand manholes are in the greatest demand due to their high technical and operational properties:

the service life of polymer-sand manholes is from 30 to 50 years;
products do not lose their qualities at temperatures from -60 to +60 ° C;
the material is not subject to corrosion, is not susceptible to the action of fuels and lubricants, acids and salt mixtures;
easy to use, inexpensive;
available in a wide range of colors, do not fade in the sun.
withstand loads from 1.5 to 12.5 tons, depending on the product class and their purpose.

In case of damage, polymer hatches can be recycled.

Concrete

Least common. They are heavy, inconvenient to use, not airtight. Represent the reinforced product with loops for convenience of installation. They are used in cases where the well has non-standard dimensions and does not need regular maintenance.

Sometimes concrete covers are installed over cast iron to prevent the theft of cast iron.

Fig.5. Concrete sewer cover.

Rubber hatches

They are made from a mixture of rubber with various fillers, stabilizers and plasticizers. Products do not crack under the influence of high loads and extreme temperatures. Suitable for installation directly into hot asphalt. Designed for wells for various purposes located in green and pedestrian areas, sports fields, bike paths, yard areas with low traffic.

Polymer and rubber hatches are not stolen, unlike cast iron or steel, which can be scrapped.

Table 1. Comparative characteristics of hatches.

Manhole material	Technical and operational characteristics
Manhole material	Design loads (tn)	Withstands temperatures °C	Cover weight (kg)	Service life (years)	Installation locations
					Highways, airfields, transp. terminals.
					City roads, squares, green and pedestrian areas
Sand polymer					Roads, yards, sidewalks, car parks.
Composite					Yard areas, green areas, sidewalks.
					City roads, driveways and sidewalks.
					Green areas, footpaths, suburban areas.

Sometimes, hatches made of lightweight steel sheet are used as temporary structures. They are made to order. Steel hatches are inconvenient to use, do not provide airtight protection and quickly rust.

They can be used as an internal cover with locks in telephone sewer wells in order to prevent cable theft.

GOST and marking

Technical characteristics and requirements for sewer manholes are regulated by GOST 3634-99. This standard applies to covers of wells and chambers of underground storm and city sewer networks, water supply, heat supply, communications and gas pipelines.

The properties of hatches for telephone sewer wells are regulated by GOST 8591-76.

Manholes made from modern polymeric materials that do not meet the requirements of GOST are manufactured according to the technical specifications of the customer or according to the specifications developed by the manufacturer.

According to interstate standards, hatches are marked with an alphanumeric abbreviation and are divided into the following types:

ST (E600) - Super heavy, designed for loads up to 61 tons. The weight of the hatch is more than 155 kg. Designed for installation in unloading terminals, airfields, on highways.
TM (D 400) - Main heavy. Designed for installation on high-speed roads. Easily endure local loads up to 40 tons. Weigh up to 140 kg.
T (250) - Heavy hatches are installed on urban roads with heavy vehicle traffic. The own weight of heavy hatches can reach 120 kilograms. Designed for loads up to 25 tons.
C (B125) Medium sewer structures, for installation in city yards, on sidewalks and lawns. Designed for loads up to 12.5 tons. The weight of the structure is up to 95 kg.
L (A15) Lightweight hatches that can withstand loads up to 1.5 tons are installed in pedestrian areas where there is no traffic. Weigh 45-60 kg.

To simplify the procedure for choosing sewer manholes, manufacturers use special markings, in accordance with the purpose of utilities:

K - household and industrial sewerage;
D - rain and storm sewerage;
GV - urban water supply networks;
B - conduit;
TS - heating networks;
PG - fire hydrants;
MG - main gas supply networks;
GTS - urban telephone networks.

According to the State standards, sewer manholes must be equipped with special inscriptions and trademarks or logos of the manufacturer.

Fig.6. Storm drain hatch.

Basic sizes

Sewer hatches usually have standard sizes corresponding to the dimensions of the wells.

The diameter of the hatches should allow maintenance personnel to freely enter the well to carry out repairs and maintenance of networks.

For sewer wells, heavy, medium or light hatches are usually used.

Common dimensions of manhole bodies with covers:

case 720 × 60 with cover 600 × 25;
case 750 × 90 with cover 690 × 55;
case 750 × 100 with cover 690 × 50;
case 800 × 110 with cover 700 × 70.

Square manholes are usually 640 × 640 mm in size, while the size of the cover is 600 × 600 mm.

Fig.7. Heating hatch.

Criterias of choice

When choosing hatches, it is necessary to take into account the climatic conditions of the area, the purpose of the engineering systems passing in the well, the location of the hatches, and the possible maximum loads.

For unguarded open areas, it is better to choose hatches equipped with locking devices. This will help to avoid theft of products and protect the well from unauthorized entry.
In parks, recreation areas and in the immediate vicinity of residential buildings, it is better to install composite and rubber structures that have good soundproofing qualities.
Covers intended for installation on the roadway must weigh at least 50 kilograms so that they do not move during heavy traffic.

On the territory of private households and summer cottages, you should not use expensive and bulky cast-iron hatches. Polymer or composite hatches will withstand one-time loads from trucks or cars.

Manhole covers of sewer wells should not pop and make sharp sounds when hitting them. The front surfaces should have a relief rough texture, have good grip with car tires and shoe soles.

Popular brand

Sewer hatches from the German company ACO are ideal for Russian conditions.

They are distinguished by reliability, practicality and solid appearance.

ACO covers are made of anti-corrosion cast iron alloys with high wear resistance and resistance to aggressive reagents, oil products, waste water. The unique material makes it possible to create products with a high tensile strength. The neck frames can be made of plastic concrete or cast iron.

Fig.8. sewer manholeACO.

The advantages of ASO products are in the presence of anti-vandal fasteners, with which the covers are attached to the necks of the structures.

Locks protect against intrusion by unauthorized persons and prevent theft of covers.

The ACO brand represents round and square sewer manholes for various purposes, with blind covers, or with storm water inlets.

ACO has developed a modern technology for installing sewer manholes in asphalt using the Bituplan system. The advantage of this method is the installation of hatches without the use of mortar. The load with this method is distributed evenly on all elements of the system. Hatches are installed exactly at the same level with the asphalt surface, which prevents shocks when hitting the structure.

Due to the presence of sealing inserts made of elastic materials, noiseless passage of vehicles through the hatches is ensured.

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