Why Many Australian Municipalities Favour Using Ductile Iron Manhole Covers
Posted on: 15 December 2016
One of the most widely used access covers in various towns and cities across Australia is manhole covers. Ever wondered why most of the manhole covers you see on the roads as you travel across Australia are made of ductile iron? There are so many good reasons for this. Here are a few you may want to know about.
They are less prone to theft
Scrap metal dealers help us give old metal material a new lease on life. Instead of sending our scrap metal to the landfill, we can sell it to a scrap metal dealer for a few pennies or dollars, depending on the quality and quantity of the metal. The scrap metal dealer then decides to resell the metal to buyers or smelting companies. The downside of this kind of business is that some people use unacceptable methods to get scrap metal, including stealing manhole covers from random streets in the city. Because manhole covers made from ductile iron are so much lighter as compared to steel or traditional cast iron covers, thieves see them as being less valuable. This acts as a disincentive to manhole theft.
They are tough and durable
Ductile iron manhole covers are lighter than comparable steel or traditional cast iron covers, but you should not be fooled – they are tougher than you may imagine. In fact, the impact value of ductile iron is similar to that of carbon steel and by far greater than that of grey cast iron. What is more, ductile iron is usually sprayed with rustproofing materials, such as asphalt paint to improve its anti-corrosion properties. This way, ductile iron covers can hold out against constant exposure to rain.
They are cost-effective
Another key reason why many municipalities favour the use of ductile iron manhole covers is their low-cost advantage. When compared to alternatives such as steel manhole covers, ductile iron covers are generally easier on the pocket. Ductile iron manhole covers cost less to manufacture. In addition to that, they cost less to transport, as they are lighter, meaning more covers can be delivered onsite with a single trip.
If ever you need to use manhole covers for your residential or commercial construction or upgrading project, you should consider opting for covers made from ductile iron. But before making a purchase, consult a professional, as there are several varieties of ductile iron manhole covers available out there.
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