Manhole covers are critical component for the safety of manholes in rural and urban areas. The conventional design of such manhole covers is made from conventional cast iron steel, which is costly, has a greater impact on the environment and will corrode due to the environment in which they are placed in. Alternative options such as FRP manhole covers are made from composite material, corrosion resistant and far more sustainable than the conventional alternative. While FRP Manhole Covers have been adopted in various places around the world, some places such as the GCC region are still reluctant to utilize such applications due to a lack of knowledge and awareness about the benefits, misconceptions about the material as well as the cost in comparison to cast iron. The paper details the methodical approach towards addressing each of the challenges while gaining the maximum benefits of the applications. Additionally, the paper will detail the transition towards such alternatives, while shedding light on the trial process as well as the testing procedure for qualification.
As the world is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the building and construction industry started to lead the path towards the new normal. While previously construction was a fairly straight forward experience, the world post COVID-19 has proven itself not to be the same anymore. One of the clear differences between the world pre and post COVID-19 was the concern regarding sustainability and CO2 emissions. Typically, CO2 emissions would not be a direct factor in determining a project cost, however it was found that construction companies post COVID-19 monitor their CO2 emissions and try to promote the most sustainable material during their material selection process. Additionally, building and construction companies as well as the relevant entities such as designers factor life cycle cost to ensure that the material selected is the most suitable as well as most advanced material. With such factors a new concept was introduced to the world which is promoted as material transition. Upon closer inspection of the promoted concept, it is safe to assume that polymer material has a clear advantage in both life cycle cost, as well as CO2 emissions especially when compared to material such as cast iron. The unique features of polymer material allow it to be recycled at the end of its use, as well being extremely light weight in comparison to the conventional material. With this in mind, the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) started researching adoption opportunity which can benefit the environment as well as provide a more feasible solution for the country's several ongoing projects. Upon researching the market, a number of opportunities were identified for mass deployment potential. However, prior to proceeding with the mass deployment, the OSP realized that significant due diligence must be performed to ensure that the opportunity is ready from all aspects. The most important elements to verify that the opportunity is actually ready for mass deployment were noted as the following:-
○ It is technically ready with international and local technical standards available
○ It adds significant technical value in comparison to the conventional alternative
○ It has verified local manufacturers
○ It is relatively easy to deploy and doesn't require significant additional work
○ It has a local partner that is willing to collaborate
○ It has a governing local standard or entity
