When an access cover is installed in an environment with heavy traffic, high wheel loads or sensitive infrastructure, a standard solution is rarely enough. The cover must sit securely, withstand long-term loads and provide safe access to underground installations.
Gatic access covers are developed for exactly this type of project. They are robust cast iron/ductile iron covers with high precision, long service life and several load classes for different applications.
At Elkington, we offer Gatic access covers for industry, airports, ports, roads, technical facilities and other environments where performance and reliability are essential.
Access covers built to stay stable
One of the main advantages of Gatic is the precise fit between the cover and frame. The covers are manufactured with machined seating faces, helping them sit securely and remain non-rocking when correctly installed.
This is especially important in trafficked areas, where movement, vibration and impact can lead to wear, noise and future maintenance issues.
Gatic access covers are gas, air and watertight under normal conditions, thanks to the seal between the contact surfaces. This makes them suitable for applications where underground installations need protection from water, dirt and external impact.
Gatic access covers in different load classes
Every project has different requirements. That is why Gatic access covers are available in several load classes according to BS EN 124. This makes it possible to choose the right solution based on traffic environment, load requirements and application.
- B125 – for footways, parking areas, driveways and lighter loads
- C250 – for kerbside installations, yards and pedestrian areas
- D400 – for roads, carriageways, hardstanding areas, data centres and vehicle parking areas
- E600 – for areas with high wheel loads, such as heavy industry, some airport areas and port environments
- F900 – for extreme loads, such as airports, taxiways, container ports and dockyards
For the most demanding environments, F900 is often the preferred choice. This load class is designed for areas where very high wheel loads occur, such as aircraft hardstandings, taxiways, container ports and dockyards.
For heavy traffic, airports, and ports
Gatic access covers are often used in environments where loads are high and downtime can be costly. This includes airport areas, ports, industrial sites and technical service areas where heavy vehicles operate regularly.
For projects with high load requirements, but where F900 is not required, E600 or D400 may be the right choice. The correct load class depends on traffic type, wheel load, installation environment and the safety margin required for the project.
By selecting the right load class from the start, the project gets a solution designed for both current use and future demands.
Assist Lift – easier and safer opening
Heavy access covers do not have to be difficult to handle. With Gatic Assist Lift, heavy covers can be opened in a more controlled way.
Assist Lift is designed to make opening and closing easier, especially where covers need to be opened regularly for inspection, service or access to technical installations. The solution can enable single-person operation of F900-rated access covers, either as a standalone cover or as part of a larger construction.
For larger openings, Assist Lift can also be integrated into multispan solutions, where one or more assisted covers provide easy access without the need to handle the entire construction every time.
Security and locking options
Different projects have different security requirements. Gatic access covers can therefore be equipped with several types of locking and security solutions depending on the application.
Gatic access covers are always opened with the correct lifting key, helping to reduce the risk of unauthorised access. Depending on the required security level, the covers can also be fitted with different types of bolts – either standard bolts that can be opened with a regular key, or security bolts that require a specific key. For areas with heavy traffic, a vibration-resistant locking system may be recommended.
Why choose Gatic access covers from Elkington?
Choosing the right access cover is not just about dimensions. Load class, traffic environment, tightness, security, opening frequency and installation conditions all affect which solution is best suited.
With Gatic, you get a cast iron/ductile iron access cover designed for long-term use in demanding environments. With the correct load class and specification, you get a solution that sits securely, withstands heavy loads and provides safe access when needed.
At Elkington, we help you choose the right solution for your project – whether it is for industry, an airport, a port, a road, a technical facility or other infrastructure.
Contact Elkington for advice on Gatic access covers, load classes and Assist Lift solutions.
