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Understand the link between poor ironwork installations and pothole creation. Our new whitepaper Potholes - More than a surface issue is now available.  Get your copy

A QUALITY ABOVE THE REST

Unite™ manhole covers

Using the very latest tools and software, the Unite range of manhole covers have been engineered for an extremely long life which in some instances has exceeded 20 years.

Key to Unite’s longevity is minimising seat wear between covers and frames. The range has the stiffest cover structure in its class and on top of this, seating which is less vulnerable to any movement caused by covers flexing. We're so confident in Unite's performance, it's available with a 10 year warranty*.

Unite manhole cover installed at Picadilly Circus

D400 VS E600

There are several advantages available when increasing the load classification from D400 to E600, including:

Frame bedding area is increased. Thanks to the unique frame design, featured in Unite, it results in a reduction in applied compression on the bedding during trafficking. This increases the longevity of the product and installation.

Stiffer covers for the same traffic loads. Unite covers provide a reduction in movement within the cover to frame contact points, this results in lower ‘seating’ wear and longer seating life.

A greater factor of safety against traffic loads.

E600 products are more likely to be more resistant to unintended traffic loads e.g. pre-service loads, such as those from tracked vehicles, which are commonly found on construction sites.

Traffic on a busy London road

> 1,500 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)?

With the introduction of CD 534 there were several key changes. This includes the requirement for E600 manhole covers to be installed in place of D400 covers where the Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) of light goods vehicles travelled on a road is greater than 1,500 in each direction.

As a "rule of thumb", most A roads will have an annual average daily traffic number over 1,500 light goods vehicles. Full traffic data can be found for many locations around the UK on the Government website.

Unite manhole cover installed in Piccadilly Circus
Unite 10 year warranty

Unite 10 year warranty

When installed with either our Unipak polymer resin bedding mortar, or Instarmac Envirobed® CD534 flowable bedding mortar, the Unite range is available with a 10-year product warranty*.

Due to its unique design and overwhelming success in the local authority and utilities sector, Unite is the proven choice for durability and longevity for highway ironwork installations.

View further warranty information

* Subject to terms and conditions

Unite universal beam
Universal beam

A strength above the rest

Unite's high rigidity support beams, based on 'Universal Beam' otherwise known as I-beam technology, result in lower seat wear, improved longevity and lighter covers.

Developed using advanced computer modelling and testing, this technology, incorporated in bridge and building construction, offers maximum strength and stiffness, dissipating the effects of forces exerted from high volumes of traffic. It also ensures that wear of cover seating is minimised (where the cover meets the frame), which is a common cause of failure in many rival covers.

This all combines to provide the longest service life possible for the whole structure.

Unite D400 manhole cover showing mortar gripping feature
Bedding material interlock

Mortar ‘gripper’ system

Unites flange surface provides a textured finish for bedding mortar to adhere to and the holes allow for interlocking between both sides. This will enable Unite to utilise the mechanical properties of bedding mortar, not just its adhesive characteristics.

The bevelled frame edge as standard, prevents sharp edges from cutting into and breaking mortar away over time, as vibrations from traffic are transferred into the foundation.

These unique, mortar-sympathetic, and advanced design features, allow Unite installations to stand the test of time in extreme environments.

Unite D400 manhole cover with a large cover seat area
Large cover seating area

Increase your asset life

Cover seating wear has been attributed as a major reason for failed manhole covers, which can lead to rocking, unwanted noise and eventually, failure.

To further increase the lifespan of our Unite range, we have included a larger cover seating area. This increases the resistance to general wear by providing a large interface between covers and frames.

In addition, we seat our covers as high up the frame as possible. This minimises frame movement, which otherwise would be transferred through the frame to the flange and bedding mortar, causing premature failures.

Packed full of features

  • GritBlocker™ anti-blockage keyway insert comes pre-installed.

    Anti-blockage keyway
  • The covers feature a universal beam (also known as an I beam) providing significant improvements to rigidity, reducing seat wear for an enhanced service life.

    Universal beam icon
  • The high seating position ensures that forces are transmitted more directly downwards, meaning conversion of traffic loads into mortar-compatible compression forces.

    Cover support geometry
  • The enlarged frame corners help to dissipate loads onto the foundation, providing a longer service life and increased reliability.

    Enlarged frame corners
  • Meets the requirements of CD 534 v0.1.0 (formerly HA 104/09).

    CD534 v0.1.0
  • Safety keyway prevents accidental disengagement of the lifting key during the handling process.

    Safety keyway
  • Surface texturing above and below the flange enables better mortar engagement, reducing any lateral movement which could result in cracking.

    Textured mortar engagement flange surface
  • Mechanical lifting points are provided.

    Mechanical lifting point
  • Keyway lifting points are provided on the frame for safe handling.

    Keyway lifting point in the frame
  • 70+ PSRV tested at top surface of chequer by UKAS accredited 3rd party.

    PSRV tested
  • Unite is available with a 10 year warranty (subject to terms).

    Unite 10 year warranty
Road breaking up around gully grate installation creating a pothole

POTHOLES - MORE THAN A SURFACE ISSUE

Helping to find solutions to the UK's pothole problem

Potholes across the UK’s road and highway network are a real problem. But did you know ironwork specification and selection can affect and even increase the likelihood of a pothole forming?

Our new report explores;

  • Some of the ways in which potholes are caused; including identified links to ironwork
  • What features of ironwork can increase the likelihood of pothole formation 
  • Suggests solutions you should be looking for when specifying ironwork
  • and much more.
Unite manhole cover being installed

How much can I save?

Ironwork replacement typically takes around 3 hours*. Studies show the 2,000 users per hour of A-roads are delayed by an average of 4 minutes in roadworks**. This loss of earnings and productivity equates to over £3,000 per hour. The saving to society of not having a 3-hour long unnecessary manhole replacement is at least £9,000 and cuts the associated noise, dust and waste.

  Unite Typical MHC
Approximate cost £225 £110
Installation frequency 1 2+
Installation cost £600 £1,200
Total cost £825 £2,620
Total Savings £1,795
Sustainable saving Social cost £9,000

*Based on independent analysis commissioned by a major water utility.
**Statistics collated from Department for Transport & The National Traffic Survey 2014
***Based on a 600 x 600mm clear opening

Unite D400 gully grate showing the 3 options of the reversible hinge
A quality above the rest

Unite gully grates also available

Our premium Unite range also includes D400 gully grates.

Unite gully grates offer a new way of thinking, with cutting edge design and are packed full of proven features. This package combines deliver a super long-life with the lowest whole-life cost of any D400 gully grate available today.

D400 manhole covers
Product comparison

Find the right range for you

Our manhole cover comparison chart gives you a detailed overview of which features, options and accessories are available for each product range.

The tool provides information on our three primary iron ranges; Tristar, Highway and Unite, making it easy to find the best solution for your project.

Related case studies

Related case study

Junction 9 improvements for the M27

Wrekin secured the exciting opportunity to supply Unite manhole covers and ironwork installation systems to the county’s most significant infrastructure project in recent history. Hampshire County Council and Highways England have committed to funding a £23m infrastructure project, which will improve the M27 and benefit motorists for years to come.

MJ Church
MJ Church
Read more
Related case study

First ever commemorative LGBTQ+ manhole cover takes pride of place

Wrekin Products has created and installed the first ever commemorative access cover, commonly referred to as a manhole cover, dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. The revolutionary cover, which was created as part of a partnership between Wrekin and Thames Water, was designed to symbolise and immortalise the organisation's loyalty and commitment to increasing diversity on the streets of the UK.

Thames Water and Stonewall
Thames Water and Stonewall
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Contact us

Contact us

Whether you are looking for live project support, or are in the initial stages of specification, we are always on hand and happy to help.