Step 1 – Preparation

• Excavate the original access cover or gully grating ensuring the trim back is a minimum width of the frame flange plus 50mm. This is typically 200mm from the chamber wall.
• For instances where the gap between the frame flange and the vertical edge of the trim back is greater than 50mm, suitable formwork/shuttering may be utilised in accordance with the performance recommendations of the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH). By clearly defining the area of flowable mortar placement, the required material quantity can be accurately calculated, reducing cost, waste and ensuring a robust installation.
• Position the new access cover frame or gully grating over the chamber and align to chamber walls to verify you have the correct product for the chamber.

Step 2 – Assemble & Fit Elev8™

• Assemble the Elev8™ three components (Base, Body & Bolt).
• Pack up the frame of the access cover or gully grating to allow easy access and prevent trapping fingers. Alternatively, install Elev8™ whilst the covers are on a pallet.
• From the underside of the frame flange, push the Elev8™ assembly into the Elev8™ frame points (minimum of 4). In some instances a rubber mallet may be needed to tap into place.

Step 3 – Measure

• Measure the depth from the surrounding road surface to the top of the chamber and deduct the height of the frame to give the bedding depth.
• The minimum required bedding depth below the frame flange is 15mm (Fig. a) and the maximum below the frame flange is 50mm (Fig. b). Anything above 50mm requires an additional brick course.

Step 4 – Position & Align

Carefully position the frame into place, ensuring the flange is fully supported with no bridging or overhang. Check and adjust the frame alignment to the surrounding road surface using an M16 spanner or socket set on each Elev8™ lifting point. For multiple covers or products with several Elev8™ lifting points, start with the corners and then work inwards. Recheck alignment with the road surface both longitudinally and transversally to ensure the cover and frame are level with any road camber or gradient. With the Elev8™ in situ within the frame, there will be a minimum 15mm gap between the cover and chamber top. To prevent ingress of flowable mortar into the chamber, create a dam with a suitable mortar (in line with bedding manufacturer specifications) between the chamber face and the bottom of the frame and allow it to set.

Step 5 – Encapsulate

Mix the flowable bedding mortar in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions using a mechanical mixer. Immediately after mixing, pour the flowable material in a controlled manner from the side of the excavation. Allow the mortar to flow beneath the frame, ensuring all voids are completely filled around the perimeter. Continue mixing and pouring until the mortar encapsulates the frame and reaches the Elev8™ horizontal fill line indicated on the top face of the Elev8™ body. Allow the mortar to cure in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 6 – Key

The final layer of bedding mortar should be compacted and not trowelled smooth. A brushed finish should be applied to provide sufficient texture and mechanical key for subsequent road-fill materials.

Step 7 – Seal

Before backfilling with proprietary road fill materials, heavily coat the outside face of the frame and the inside face of the road surface with a suitable bitumen-based cold joint sealer and ensure that the bedding mortar has cured.

Step 8 – Surface

Install the remaining road fill and wearing course/pavement materials.

If using flowable materials such as concrete, form a barrier over any hinge apertures to prevent ingress of surfacing material.

Take care not to disturb the frame, particularly where mechanical equipment is employed.

Step 9 – Complete

Apply overbanding to the join between the new surfacing material and the existing surface.

Ensure any saw cuts extending beyond the reinstated area are covered in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 10 – Protect

Where the final wearing course is to be installed at a later date, apply a ramp around the projecting frame to ensure public safety and protect the frame from impact.