ABSTRACT
Field evaluation of performance under conditions of use, of precast manhole cover system using PFRC composite has been studied over a period of ten years. The conditions of use included exposure of PFRC manhole covers/system of various shapes and dimensions over manhole chambers (to sewage gases from below) and impact load/vibrations of moving vehicular traffic on busy city roads in various parts of India, including coastal regions. The evaluation was against the conventional steel reinforced concrete for similar products. During evaluation, the PFRC composite manhole cover system demonstrated that: (i) it could continue to withstand impact load/vibrations of moving vehicular traffic; (ii) it could retain structural stability of the manhole cover system; and (iii) it did not show any signs of debonding of concrete from plastic fibre reinforcement, inspite of routine maintenance of the system, confirming thereby the satisfactory keying/bonding capacity of fibres with concrete.
