As the company’s 100th birthday fast approaches, Gatic’s reputation for durable, high-performance access cover systems is as robust as ever. Since 1928, Gatic has rolled out an ongoing programme of research and development. The result is a product range that consistently meets the demands of harsh modern industrial environments, with Gatic Access Covers widely specified across airports, ports, container terminals, data centres, water treatment facilities, power infrastructure, highways and tunnels.

Designed for Critical infrastructure

Gatic Access Covers are based around a modular design comprising ductile cast iron components. This allows covers to be manufactured in almost any size or configuration, providing secure access to underground services in heavy-duty commercial and industrial settings. Typical applications include:

• Manhole, pump, valve and transformer chambers
• Pipe and cable service trenches
• Cable draw pits
• Lighting pits
• Fuel and fire-hydrant pits
• Machinery and plant access chambers
• Combined sewer and overflow chambers

These environments often carry high operational risk, making a secure, durable access system essential.

Heavy Duty. Precision Sealed

The ductile iron used in Gatic Access Covers is produced to strict composition controls, and castings are manufactured within stringent tolerances.

Covers and frames are pre-assembled at the factory to achieve a metal-to-metal fit with a tolerance of 0.25 mm. When correctly installed, this tight fit eliminates rocking under traffic and prevents the ingress of dirt and debris, supporting long-term structural integrity and operational reliability. A film of graphite grease between the contact faces of the units provides a gas-, air-, and water-tight seal, and a water-tight joint under normal rainwater conditions. This unique seal is BBA approved for gas-, air- and water-tightness.

Gatic systems are engineered to withstand heavy wheel loads up to loading group F900 (35-tonne slow-moving wheel load; test load 900 kN). Gatic covers can be supplied recessed for concrete infill or as solid-top variants, according to project requirements. Both types are compatible with Gatic Assist Lift, enabling safe single-person operation.

All units comply with BS EN 124 permanent-set criteria for their respective loading classes and are load-tested under service-condition scenarios. Standard features include anti-slip surfaces, locking lifting keys for controlled operation, keyway plugs to prevent blockage, and built-in vandal-resistant design.

Technical Support and Specification Guidance

With such a wide range of sizes, configurations and performance options available, selecting the correct product is essential for achieving the expected lifespan and load capability. Gatic’s technical team has a combined experience spanning decades. They provide comprehensive technical support throughout the specification, design and installation process, including BIM and CAD resources.

Gatic Civil Drainage & Access Covers sits under the AWMS umbrella alongside Alumasc Rainwater Gutters & Downpipes; Skyline Architectural Aluminium; Harmer Building Drainage; Wade Building Drainage. All five brands are well known for innovation, quality and longevity.

Download the Gatic Access Covers Brochure

For more information, call AWMS on 01787 475151, or visit www.alumascwms.co.uk