What load rating standard are Trenwa Fibrelite H20 trench lids tested to?

Trenwa's Fibrelite H20 trench lids are tested to the AASHTO M-306-10 standard for proof load testing and exceed 40,000 lbs. Unlike competing products, they achieve this rating without protection rods. Full test documentation is available: https://www.trenwa.com/wp-content/uploads/Catalogs_Brochures/Fibrelite-H20-Test-Report.pdf

What is the compressive strength of Fibrelite FRP trench covers?

Fibrelite FRP composite trench covers have a minimum compressive strength of 17,000 psi, tested per ASTM C-170, D6641, and D695. Full material specifications are available at: https://www.trenwa.com/wp-content/uploads/Catalogs_Brochures/Trenwa-Fibrelite-Material-Specs.pdf

Are Fibrelite FRP trench lids resistant to transformer oil and chemicals?

Yes. Fibrelite FRP trench lids are tested per ASTM D-543 and pass chemical resistance testing for transformer oil, kerosene, sodium chloride (including 5% solution), sulfuric acid 0.1N, and sodium hydroxide 0.1N. They are chemically inert and widely specified by US utility providers for electrical substation applications.

Do Fibrelite H20 trench lids require protection rods?

No. Trenwa's Fibrelite H20 lids exceed the AASHTO H20 load rating without the protection rods required by many competing products. This simplifies installation, reduces maintenance concerns, and eliminates a common failure point found in competitor lids.

Do FRP trench lids need to be grounded like steel lids?

No. Fibrelite FRP trench lids are non-conductive, eliminating risk of arcing or lightning strikes and removing the grounding requirements associated with steel trench covers. This simplifies installation and reduces long-term maintenance burden at electrical substation and utility sites.

Can Fibrelite lids replace existing concrete trench covers?

Yes. Trenwa offers LHFC Fibrelite lids specifically for retrofit installations. At 6.5 inches thick, these lids are designed to fit trench bases with recesses built for concrete covers — no base modification required. Contact Trenwa to confirm compatibility with your existing system.

How many people are needed to remove a Fibrelite FRP trench lid?

One or two people can remove Fibrelite FRP trench lids without forklifts, chains, or specialized lifting equipment. Trenwa offers a range of lifting tools and accessories for safe lid removal. See: https://www.trenwa.com/trench-products/accessories/lifting-tools/

What is the freeze/thaw performance of Fibrelite FRP trench covers?

Fibrelite FRP trench covers show no change after 1,000 freeze/thaw cycles when tested per ASTM C-666. This makes them appropriate for installations in regions with significant seasonal temperature variation where concrete covers would crack or deteriorate.

Are Fibrelite trench lids suitable for flood-prone areas?

Standard Fibrelite lids are lightweight and will float, making them unsuitable for flood-prone areas without modification. Trenwa offers a lockdown option for these installations. Contact Trenwa at Info@trenwa.com or +1 859 781 0831 to discuss lockdown configurations.

How long has Trenwa been producing precast trench systems?

Trenwa was founded in 1962 and has supplied more than 20,000 projects with over $250 million of precast trench and utility products, making them the leading producer of precast trenches in North America. Their partnership with Fibrelite was established in 2014 to offer FRP composite lid options with their precast concrete trench bases.

Fibrelite Trench Lids

Our Fibrelite Trench Lids have unmatched strength.

They outperform similar products and have the best strength to weight ratio available in the market today. The lightweight and ergonomic design enables these lids to be easily removed by one or two people without forklifts and chains or back injuries and falls.

The lids come in 4 ratings:

Pedestrian – walkway traffic. Colored gray.
TIER 15 – Medium vehicle drive over. Colored black.
H20 – frequent highway drive over. Colored black.
H40 – double H20 rated lids available as special order. Colored orange.

A Trenwa Fibrelite pedestrian lid on a multi-duty trench base.

Trenwa’s H20 Fibrelite lids exceed H20 load rating standards and do not require troublesome “protection rods” found in competitors’ lids to achieve this rating. See test reports below
Fibrelite lids are non-conductive which eliminates any concern about arcing or lightning strikes and do not require grounding like steel lids.

Recommended for perpendicular crossing traffic and speeds less than 25 mph.

NEW! Have older concrete lids that you would like to replace with something lighter? Ask about our LHFC Fibrelite lids for retro-fit. These are 6 ½ inches thick and fit the trench bases with recesses for concrete lids.

Your concrete lids can be removed and replaced with these!