Bearing Area

Have you ever heard the phrase "only strong as the weakest link"  Why have a 200,000lb grate with a grate support area adequate only for 75,000lbs. 

Bearing area failure due to heavy loading and inadequate grate bearing area can result in catastrophic failure of trench system.  Our XHD products have the highest bearing area in the industry.

Load Transfer

The transfer of the load into the concrete support is another key component in the longevity and durability of a trench drain system.  Many grates have a flat bottom that concentrate the load on the rail dangerously close to the edge of the trench wall.  This can often lead to shear failure of the concrete edge.  ABT's XHD grates are designed to concentrate the load at the farthest distance possible from the trench wall

Modulus Sandwich

The design of most plastic (HDPE) trench drain systems often sandwich a layer of the plastic (low modulus material) between the concrete and steel (high modulus materials).  As a result, the low modulus material (plastic) becomes deformed when loaded.  The result is a grating and rail system that develops movement and slowly deteriorates over time.

The low modulus products are also subject to ESC (Environmental Stress Cracking) failure.

Inspectability

Poor Concrete consolidation during construction can accelerate deterioration of the grate support area resulting in premature failures.

Inspectability of the grate seat area is critical for heavy loading applications.  Plastic and Fiberglass systems are notorious for hiding construction defects which result in catastrophic failures.  All Trench Former products enable the inspection of the concrete consolidation after construction and before the trench is loaded.