How to Install a Road Trench Plate
If you've ever driven over road construction work that involves digging a trench, then you've probably taken a bumpy ride over a trench plate. This basic cover helps protect both the driver and the work partially performed underneath. The process, however, isn't as simple as just dropping a metal plate over a hole in the road. A bit of science is involved, depending on how deep the trench is and the condition of the surrounding soil inside the trench. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Construction permits
- Digging tools
- Backhoe
- Steel chains
- Certified structural engineer's evaluation
Instructions
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1
Get planning and construction permit approval from the municipal authority that oversees the road to be worked on. Keep a copy on file when you begin the construction work in case you are inspected on-site.
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2
Dig the road trench as planned using digging tools or a backhoe as needed. Clear out the loose dirt and pack the walls so that the surrounding dirt area doesn't begin to crumble into the new cavity in the ground.
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3
Use the backhoe to lift and move the trench plate over the trench, suspending it with a set of steel chains. Lower the plate onto the trench so that it is supported by the top of the vertical walls and supports inside the trench.
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4
Apply anchors to the edge of the steel plate into the nearby asphalt so that it doesn't move as vehicle traffic moves over the plate when cars are allowed to pass. Have a certified structural engineer check the trench plate installation before allowing traffic to move over it.
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5
Monitor the trench plate regularly and the surrounding area for any signs of structural weakness, bending or cracking in the steel. Use chains and the backhoe or a similar heavy equipment vehicle to remove the plate when access is needed again.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have the equipment yourself to handle a trench plate installation or removal, many contractors are available with their own equipment and plates for hire.
Always keep personnel and bystanders clear of the area and surrounding path when moving a trench plate onto a trench or removing it. These plates are 1-inch thick and at least 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, which makes a very heavy piece of steel. Serious injury can occur if the plate drops onto or bangs into a person accidentally.
References
- Photo Credit Oli Scarff/Getty Images News/Getty Images
