Airports, like many other industrial and commercial spaces, implements the usage of several cast iron solutions. Among the numerous solutions, access covers are one of the most commonly used casting products in airports. Although it may not seem of great importance, an airport access cover is truly essential for ensuring a well-functioning drainage system of an airport. To contribute to the seamless functioning of an airport as well as the air traffic, good quality access covers are a must. 

Importance of Access Covers

Although typically categorised to be the same as manhole covers, access covers are distinguishable when it comes to design and functionality. Access covers typically come in square and rectangular shapes, and varying designs. Access covers are built to allow accessibility into external and internal segments – such as electrical wiring, cables, plumbing, drainage and other segments. Both airport access covers and manholes serve their purpose in order to access drainage and sewer systems. Typically, they can be hinged or latched as well as secured with a lock.  

Why is Airport Drainage Essential?

Be it a residential, commercial or industrial property, drainage is essential. Similarly, drainage solutions at locations such as airports and ports are of prime importance for several reasons. 

1. Proper drainage facilities prevent any loss to the landscape of the airport. Due to water-logging, the airport pavements become prone to rapid  absorption. That, in turn, may result in saturated and weak pavements. 
2.  Airport access covers can aid in the prompt removal of surface and subsurface water to ensure the durability of the airport premise. 
3. Drainage facility is needed to facilitate movement on the airport property. Immobile aircraft and vehicular activity naturally restrict the efficiency of the airport. Therefore, water clogging contributes to air traffic, operational safety and flooding. 

How To Choose Access Covers?

Since airports have varied requirements for drainage solutions, choosing the access covers also depends on the purpose and location. For external uses, such as on the runaways, pavements, hangars and aprons, heavy duty access covers are used. With heavyweight aircrafts, airbuses as well as airport shuttles plying, the drainage solutions must be durable enough to withstand the load. For internal uses, such as the premises within the airport, light to moderate-duty airport access covers may be used.

The material of the covers must be chosen on the basis of functionality and durability. Cast iron serves as a suitable option for airports since it is not only strong but also corrosion-resistant.  Quality and grade are also important factors to consider before choosing covers for an airport. 

Airport access covers can also be chosen on the basis of their customisability. Depending on their usage and location of use, they can be chosen from their steel, cast iron or plastic variants. Different designs as well as the shapes & sizes from reputed access cover manufacturers also determine the choice of access covers. 

Recommended Reading : Access Covers- What Is It & Top 5 Uses

What are the other airport drainage solutions?

Access covers are not the only drainage solutions that help in a better drainage system in airports. 

• Manhole Covers

Available in several materials and varying thicknesses, manhole covers are a common sight in airports. Primarily implemented to access the drainage and sewerage systems, manhole covers contribute majorly in ensuing efficiency of airports. 

• Channel & Gully Gratings

A metal frame with several parallel spacings is called a channel or gully grating. Serving the same purpose of draining rain or waste water from a levelled land or an enclosed space, channel or gully gratings allow water to flow out. Gratings are typically installed between the apron and taxiway. Airport gratings without legs have better resistance and are therefore more durable. These must be placed maintaining the same level as the surroundings – to avoid shock,  whenever it is passed by a load. 

• Solid Top Multi Leaf Cover

Airports have certain areas, such as electric rooms and other underground portions, that are massive and need to be accessed for maintenance. Solid multi leaf covers make it convenient to reach such areas. The multi leaf design allows partial as well as complete access to the components inside. 

Several incidents have repeatedly made airport authorities all over the world understand the value of a proper integrated drainage system within the premises. The fact that most airports are designed to be flat-levelled makes it natural that water cannot run off and therefore, remains stagnant. Water must be removed from the apron, taxiways, runways and parking lots. Surface ditches, inlets and underground storm drainage systems facilitate the flow of excess water. Together with the other drainage solutions, airport access covers play a greater role in smooth functioning airports.