
Blog Do all E600 Manhole covers perform better than D400? 11 April 2024 Barry Turner Technical Manager - Castings When it comes to access covers, the load classification is an important factor in determining the suitability of a cover for a particular application. The E600 load classification, as per the European standard EN 124, designates that the cover is capable of withstanding a 600kN (approximately 60 tonnes) test load. This classification is generally intended for areas imposing high wheel loads, such as docks and loading areas. However, a higher load classification does not necessarily equate to a "better performing" access cover in all aspects. The performance of an access cover is context-dependent and must be matched to the specific requirements of the installation site. The controlling standard is performance based and therefore does not dictate all aspects of manhole cover design, so designs of even identical load class units can vary hugely. Before selecting a cover, it’s important to consider the following criteria: Application: The suitability of an access cover for a particular application depends on the expected traffic and load. The load class for any application is governed by the worse-case traffic scenario, as it is this traffic type or density that is likely to induce failure. For instance, a residential area with light traffic may require a B125 class cover, whereas a commercial dock would need at least an E600 class cover. Material and Design: The material (e.g., ductile iron, steel, or composite) and the design of the cover (e.g., bedding sympathetic features and characteristics) also contribute to its overall performance, including durability, security, and ease of installation. Installation: The correct installation of an access cover is vital for its performance. A higher load class cover improperly installed may not perform as well as a lower classification cover that is correctly installed. Maintenance and Longevity: Some covers, regardless of their load classification, may offer better resistance to corrosion, ease of maintenance, and longer service life due to their construction and materials used. Compliance and Standards: It's important to ensure that the access cover meets the relevant standards and regulations for the area where it is to be installed, which may include factors beyond load classification. Cost: Higher classification covers are typically more expensive, so using an E600 cover where a lower classification would suffice could result in unnecessary expenditure. So, when might installing an E600 cover be more appropriate than a D400? Before we examine the specific scenarios where an E600 might be suitable, it's essential to understand the load classifications. An A15 load category is required in pedestrian areas, while the minimum class for carriageways is D400, designed to withstand traffic from cars and regular trucks. E600 covers are engineered for areas where heavy goods vehicles frequent, indicating their ability to endure greater loads. Group 4 Applications: The Crucial Factors Group 4 applications generally refer to settings such as carriageways of roads. The standard recommendation is for D400 covers, which cater to most scenarios encountered on public roads. But when might an E600 cover be more appropriate? Find out more about EN 124 groupings and classes here. Heavy-Duty Traffic Zones In areas where traffic is not just frequent but consists predominantly of heavy goods vehicles, E600 covers provide an extra layer of safety and durability. Their robust construction meets the demands of substantial, repetitive loads, making them a prudent choice for locations with intense HGV movement. Due to the requirements for E600 covers, their frame flanges cover a larger area and therefore apply a lower stress to the surrounding bedding materials. Likewise, their increased load capacity means that they resist movement more effectively. Both of these factors result in longer installation life. Safety and Longevity Considerations Wrekin Products' E600 manhole covers come with enhanced load-bearing capacity. Our Unite range, including D400 gully grates, features a raft of unique innovations, designed to prolong the lifespan and enhance the safety of installations. Enlarged frame corners also aid in distributing loads onto the ground reinforcement, which is crucial in Group 4 settings. When longevity and ease of maintenance are at the forefront, our products will not let you down. Cost-Effectiveness vs. Upfront Investment While D400 covers are sufficient for most Group 4 applications, investing in E600 variants can be cost-effective in the long run. The initial higher cost may be offset by the reduced need for replacements or repairs due to their superior strength and resilience. Compliance with Regulations Lastly, it's imperative to consider regulations. The New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) road categories and Highways England DMRB HA104/09 standards dictate the requirements for manhole cover installations. E600 covers may exceed these standards, providing peace of mind in compliance and assurance in performance. As another example, did you know the National Highways CD 534 standard states E600 manhole covers should be installed in place of D400 covers where the Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) is greater than 1,500 in each direction. In Summary The choice between D400 and E600 covers isn't solely about meeting the minimum requirement but about surpassing expectations for safety, durability, and performance. While D400 is often adequate for Group 4 applications, there are circumstances where E600 is not just suitable but preferable. In many cases though, a poorly designed E600 cover would be more detrimental to an application than a well-designed D400 cover. In like-for-like comparisons, Wrekin E600 covers are superior to D400. Wrekin Products is dedicated to guiding you through these complex decisions with our expertise. We put forth solutions that encompass innovation, quality, and a forward-thinking approach to meet and exceed the needs of the civil engineering landscape. Trust in our decades of experience to steer your project to success. Top blogs Planning budgets? Is it time to change your focus on ironworks? How ironwork specification affects potholes, and what it means for local authorities? Woven vs. Nonwoven geotextiles How consistent low-leak manhole covers could be key in flooding controls The Importance of F900 Load Class Manhole Covers in High-Demand Environments Related products Highway D400 Surface Boxes Our Highway D400 surface boxes come with indexed covers, enlarged frame corners and are 70+ PSRV tested. Highway Gully Grates The Highway range offers our most extensive variety of gully grates, including three flange, four flange and V gully grates. Highway Manhole Covers Highway is the the most comprehensive range on the market with a huge variety of shapes, sizes and options, including our HaloHinge covers, which enable single person lifting. Unite D400 Gully Grates Our premium Unite D400 gully grate combines new technology with proven features to deliver a super long-life and the lowest whole-life cost of any D400 gully grate. Unite Manhole Covers The most robust manhole cover range, packed full of features which combine to give Unite the longest life and lowest whole life cost available. Share this page

Blog

Do all E600 Manhole covers perform better than D400?

11 April 2024

Barry Turner

Technical Manager - Castings

When it comes to access covers, the load classification is an important factor in determining the suitability of a cover for a particular application. The E600 load classification, as per the European standard EN 124, designates that the cover is capable of withstanding a 600kN (approximately 60 tonnes) test load. This classification is generally intended for areas imposing high wheel loads, such as docks and loading areas.

However, a higher load classification does not necessarily equate to a "better performing" access cover in all aspects. The performance of an access cover is context-dependent and must be matched to the specific requirements of the installation site. The controlling standard is performance based and therefore does not dictate all aspects of manhole cover design, so designs of even identical load class units can vary hugely.

Before selecting a cover, it’s important to consider the following criteria:

Application: The suitability of an access cover for a particular application depends on the expected traffic and load. The load class for any application is governed by the worse-case traffic scenario, as it is this traffic type or density that is likely to induce failure. For instance, a residential area with light traffic may require a B125 class cover, whereas a commercial dock would need at least an E600 class cover.
Material and Design: The material (e.g., ductile iron, steel, or composite) and the design of the cover (e.g., bedding sympathetic features and characteristics) also contribute to its overall performance, including durability, security, and ease of installation.
Installation: The correct installation of an access cover is vital for its performance. A higher load class cover improperly installed may not perform as well as a lower classification cover that is correctly installed.
Maintenance and Longevity: Some covers, regardless of their load classification, may offer better resistance to corrosion, ease of maintenance, and longer service life due to their construction and materials used.
Compliance and Standards: It's important to ensure that the access cover meets the relevant standards and regulations for the area where it is to be installed, which may include factors beyond load classification.
Cost: Higher classification covers are typically more expensive, so using an E600 cover where a lower classification would suffice could result in unnecessary expenditure.

So, when might installing an E600 cover be more appropriate than a D400?

Before we examine the specific scenarios where an E600 might be suitable, it's essential to understand the load classifications. An A15 load category is required in pedestrian areas, while the minimum class for carriageways is D400, designed to withstand traffic from cars and regular trucks. E600 covers are engineered for areas where heavy goods vehicles frequent, indicating their ability to endure greater loads.

Group 4 Applications: The Crucial Factors

Group 4 applications generally refer to settings such as carriageways of roads. The standard recommendation is for D400 covers, which cater to most scenarios encountered on public roads. But when might an E600 cover be more appropriate? Find out more about EN 124 groupings and classes here.

Heavy-Duty Traffic Zones

In areas where traffic is not just frequent but consists predominantly of heavy goods vehicles, E600 covers provide an extra layer of safety and durability. Their robust construction meets the demands of substantial, repetitive loads, making them a prudent choice for locations with intense HGV movement.

Due to the requirements for E600 covers, their frame flanges cover a larger area and therefore apply a lower stress to the surrounding bedding materials. Likewise, their increased load capacity means that they resist movement more effectively. Both of these factors result in longer installation life.

Safety and Longevity Considerations

Wrekin Products' E600 manhole covers come with enhanced load-bearing capacity. Our Unite range, including D400 gully grates, features a raft of unique innovations, designed to prolong the lifespan and enhance the safety of installations. Enlarged frame corners also aid in distributing loads onto the ground reinforcement, which is crucial in Group 4 settings. When longevity and ease of maintenance are at the forefront, our products will not let you down.

Cost-Effectiveness vs. Upfront Investment

While D400 covers are sufficient for most Group 4 applications, investing in E600 variants can be cost-effective in the long run. The initial higher cost may be offset by the reduced need for replacements or repairs due to their superior strength and resilience.

Compliance with Regulations

Lastly, it's imperative to consider regulations. The New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) road categories and Highways England DMRB HA104/09 standards dictate the requirements for manhole cover installations. E600 covers may exceed these standards, providing peace of mind in compliance and assurance in performance.

As another example, did you know the National Highways CD 534 standard states E600 manhole covers should be installed in place of D400 covers where the Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) is greater than 1,500 in each direction.

In Summary

The choice between D400 and E600 covers isn't solely about meeting the minimum requirement but about surpassing expectations for safety, durability, and performance. While D400 is often adequate for Group 4 applications, there are circumstances where E600 is not just suitable but preferable. In many cases though, a poorly designed E600 cover would be more detrimental to an application than a well-designed D400 cover. In like-for-like comparisons, Wrekin E600 covers are superior to D400.

Wrekin Products is dedicated to guiding you through these complex decisions with our expertise. We put forth solutions that encompass innovation, quality, and a forward-thinking approach to meet and exceed the needs of the civil engineering landscape. Trust in our decades of experience to steer your project to success.