Over the years, many have measured the strength of a product by its weight. The heavier, the stronger, was roughly the old assumption that still strongly lingers in the construction industry. However, advances in modern material technology have slowly but surely debunked this myth. One proof can be seen from composite manhole cover products such as Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) which weigh only around 42 kg, yet are able to withstand loads up to 25 tons. How can this happen?

Composite Material: Light Yet Highly Strong

Unlike conventional metals such as cast iron or steel, composite materials consist of a mixture of resin and reinforcement that are designed to achieve maximum strength with minimum weight. In the case of BMC, this strength is obtained through glass fiber reinforcement, which is the main component forming the backbone of this material structure.

Glass fiber has very high tensile strength, even able to rival steel under certain conditions. When mixed with high-quality thermoset resin, this fiber forms a rigid, strong bond that is highly resistant to pressure. That is why although it appears light, BMC manhole covers can withstand extreme pressure from heavy vehicles without deforming.

Stable and Durable

Besides being light and strong, BMC-based manholes also excel in weather resistance, chemicals, and corrosion. Unlike metals that rust easily and require periodic maintenance such as repainting, composite-based manholes are more stable in the long term. This makes them very suitable for highway applications, industrial areas, or public areas with high traffic.

Efficiency in Transportation and Installation

The much lighter weight also offers another advantage: efficiency. Transporting the product becomes more cost-effective and installation can be done faster without heavy equipment assistance. This certainly directly impacts project time acceleration and labor savings.

Origa Mulia: Provider of Tested FRP-Based Manhole Products

As a specialist producer of FRP and BMC materials, Origa Mulia presents various modern infrastructure solutions, including lightweight manhole covers with extraordinary strength. The developed products not only consider technical aspects but are also designed to meet safety and practicality standards needed in the field.

Trust in light materials is no longer just a choice, but part of the evolution in the construction world. Because in the end, strength does not always come from weight but from how the material is designed and used.