« Back to Facilities Management News Home
March 19, 2015 — The rapid growth of content-heavy mobile applications and cloud-computing means that the demand for efficient and secure computer hardware to store data is growing exponentially every year.
As a result, dedicated data centers to house the legions of networked computers required to keep this online world turning are being built in almost every corner of the world. And Fibrelite composite covers are in the midst of this high-tech building boom.
David Holmes, technical director at Fibrelite, explained: “Cloud storage facilities require miles and miles of fiber-optic cabling, which is installed in protective but readily accessible concrete vaults so that impaired sections can be swiftly replaced – or more cables added, as companies are incorporating extension plans into their first-stage new-builds.
“Then, in order to maintain optimum hardware performance, each server room requires additional electrical power and battery backup systems to operate its vital environmental and mechanical controls such as continuous cooling, fire and security alarms. These too require their own cabling in their own identifiable, readily-accessible trench.
“So taking all this into account, it’s no surprise that designers are specifying from the outset lightweight composite trench covers which can be quickly and easily removed by hand.”
Fibrelite composite covers are available in a range of sizes and load ratings. Designed to be easy to install and durable, they are maintenance-free, lightweight, and very strong as a matter of course.
Custom-made trench covering solutions are available on request, which means that dimensions, internal stiffeners, and fibre-architecture can be altered to optimize the performance of each panel based on project-specific design criteria.
Fibrelite composite covers can also be molded in virtually any color or color-combination and as the pigment is added into the resin during manufacture, there are no problems with the color scratching or fading over time. This means that covers can incorporate logos and/or be color-coded to match a facility’s branding or even to identify the specific underground service that can be accessed via a particular cover.
Fibrelite has been at the forefront of composite technology since 1980. The first ever composite manhole cover was designed by Fibrelite for gas stations, to eliminate health and safety issues associated with traditional metal covers. Today, Fibrelite is established as a global leader in its specialist field.
To learn more about how composite access covers can resolve specific onsite problems, visit http://ow.ly/IAQc0.
