During the construction of any building, engineering communications are laid first, access to which is made out in the form of special wells. They allow craftsmen to easily get to the equipment for its timely maintenance and elimination of accidents. Typically, such exits were closed with cast-iron lids, but recently, for these purposes, a polymer-sand hatch has been increasingly used. Let's look at what this product is and what are its main characteristics.
Short description
The manufacturing technology of polymer hatches is based on the method of casting and hot pressing of all components of the material (sand, thermoplastic polymers and dyes). This method of production allows you to get a product that has the highest performance and has a presentable appearance.
Similar products are used by services of urban water utilities, heating networks and road enterprises. In large-scale and private construction, a sand-polymer hatch is also used to equip sewers. GOST 3634-99 and the sanitary and environmental standards by which the product is manufactured establish clear dimensions and basic qualities of the finished product. For this reason, the buyer does not have difficulty replacing the covers, and the product itself is completely safe for the environment.
Main advantages and disadvantages of products
The polymer-sand hatch is endowed with a number of positive qualities that attract the consumer. These include:
- low cost;
- long service life (up to 50 years);
- ability to withstand heavy weight;
- ease of transportation of the device;
- resistance to ultraviolet rays;
- ease of installation (without the use of special equipment);
- environmental friendliness;
- resistance to corrosion;
- resistance to sudden changes in temperature;
- light weight;
- rich selection of colors.
If we talk about the shortcomings that this product is endowed with, then it should be noted that some varieties of such covers are designed for small loads. This circumstance does not allow them to operate on roads where heavy vehicles travel. However, the problem is easily solved by careful selection of hatches, taking into account the environment of their use.
Varieties of polymer hatches
So, the main criterion for choosing this device is the load that a polymer-sand hatch can withstand. The weight of the structure is the main indicator of this ability: the larger it is, the stronger the product. According to this parameter, hatches are divided into 5 classes:
- type "L" (garden variety);
- type "L" (light);
- type "C" (medium);
- type "T" (heavy);
- type "TM" (heavy, trunk).
Hatches marked “L” (garden) have low weight (up to 25 kg) and are able to withstand loads of not more than 1500 kg. Most often they are installed on sidewalks and lawns.
Products "L" (light) weigh about 45 kg and withstand loads of 3000 kg. They are designed for installation in car parks, in pedestrian and green areas.
The "C" class sunroof (polymer-sand) is able to withstand moderate loads (up to 7500 kg), while its weight is 52 kg. The scope of this design is city parks, parking lots, sidewalks.
Heavy products (groups “T”) can already be mounted on roads where moderate traffic is observed. Their weight is 57 kg, and the maximum allowable load is 15,000 kg.
Massive main hatches are able to withstand up to 25,000 kg of load, so they can be used on any freeway. The mass of such a cover is 60 kg.
In addition to the difference in load, polymer hatches can vary in shape. Most often, round covers are produced (this is due to the fact that the underground well shaft is usually round), however, the manufacture of square products is also possible (on order).
Dimensions
Another difference between products of different groups is the dimensions that a polymer-sand hatch may have. The size of the caps also depends on their severity. Lightweight garden covers have a diameter of 600 mm and a height of 25 mm, while the body of the structure itself is slightly larger (720x60 mm).
A group of light hatches is characterized by a size of 690x55 mm along the lid and 750x90 mm along the hull. Products that can withstand medium loads have dimensions of 690x50 mm (on the cover) and 750x100 mm (on the body). The size of the heaviest varieties is 700x70 mm. Case dimensions of hardened structures - 800x110 mm.
Mounting
Installation of different types of polymer products also has its own characteristics. So, the polymer-sand hatch of the light type is mounted to a depth of 25-45 mm, and the structure of medium gravity is mounted at 60 mm. Heavy hatches deepen most of all - they are mounted 85 mm below ground level.
The installation process of the polymer structure begins with the installation of the ring (on the concrete floor). It is poured with cement mortar and left to dry completely. Next, the master installs the hatch itself.
Around the well (with a slight slope) a blind area is arranged. It is needed to prevent moisture from entering the collector. The width of the blind area usually varies from 1 to 1.5 meters. Significantly facilitate the installation of the hatch, you can buy a product with special grooves for fastenings.