Aquatec’s fibreglass (FRP/GRP) maintenance holes are a critical component of Australia's water infrastructure, providing durable, economical, and fully sealed solutions for wastewater management.
Modern methods of construction – installation and customisation benefits
Delivered to the site as a one-piece vessel, the benefits of installation include:
Environmental benefits
Reduced flora and fauna impact due to quick construction times and lower embodied carbon generated by less concrete use and on-site activity
- Lower risks of environmental leaks, spills, and groundwater ingress
Community benefits
Low noise and dust impact on nearby neighbourhoods, homes and businesses, as there is no need for concrete pours, formwork, or vibrating equipment
Faster reinstatement, due to the quicker backfill and site restoration, which results in returning parks, footpaths, and roads to the public sooner
Safety benefits
Safer construction phase with works completed within a factory environment and limited site works
Customisation options
The maintenance holes are customisable using modern construction methods, with diameters ranging from 1200mm to 5000mm and depths up to 25m; deeper options are available upon request. These structures are manufactured using advanced techniques, including modular and prefabricated construction, computerised winders as well as factory-fitted mechanical assembly in controlled environments.
This approach enables precise tailoring to project requirements, incorporating customised chase designs, access points, and safety features, while reducing on-site disruption and enhancing overall efficiency and durability.
Manufactured from Fibreglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) in accordance with ISO 9001 standards, these maintenance holes offer high corrosion resistance, lightweight handling, and guaranteed seal integrity, making them suitable for a wide array of industrial, commercial, and municipal applications.
Grey Street Maintenance Hole Installation
Aquatec worked with SRG Global Utilities, Urban Utilities‘ selected partner to design, manufacture, and install a 1.8m Ø x 13m deep fibreglass maintenance hole, built to Urban Utilities specifications.
About the project
The installation of the maintenance hole was part of the upgrade to the sewer network in Darley to ensure reliable service and support urban growth in the area. The works took place at the intersection of Grey Street, Fitzroy Street, and Gisborne Road, as well as along the northside bike lane on Grey Street, between Nelson Street and Gisborne Road.
The new sewer pipes complement the existing network and help reduce the risk of spills during peak times.
Lockerbie Branch Sewer Maintenance Hole Installation
Aquatec worked with JAYDO, Yarra Valley Water‘s selected partner to design, manufacture, and install 30 maintenance holes, each piece manufactured to a different model.
About the project
The Lockerbie Main Sewer runs next to the Melbourne to Sydney rail line and connects into the Amaroo Main Sewer at Donnybrook. The Lockerbie Main Sewer collects and transfers sewage flows from a majority of the proposed new developments and communities in the Donnybrook, Beveridge and Lockerbie area.
The nine-kilometre-long pipeline incorporates 14 branch sewer connection points to service future development and collects wastewater from Wallan Sewage Treatment Plant. Click to read more.
Design, manufacturing, and safety standards overview
Other standards that guide the engineering, safety, and durability compliance of Aquatec’s GRP maintenance holes include:
BS EN 15383:2012 / BS EN 13121-2:2003 / BS EN 13121-3:2016: European standards specifying design, manufacturing, and testing requirements for fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks and structures, ensuring structural integrity and durability.
AS 1170: Australian Standard for structural design actions, detailing loadings such as wind, earthquake, and traffic that structures must withstand.
AS 3600: Australian Standard for concrete structures, providing guidelines for design and construction to ensure safety and performance.
AS 3735: Australian Standard for concrete structures for retaining liquids, relevant to maintenance holes that may contain fluids.
AS 5100.2: Australian Standard part concerning bridge design, including structural requirements potentially applicable to large or covered maintenance structures.
AS 1657: Australian Standard for fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders, ensuring safe access and egress within infrastructure such as maintenance holes.
Whether integrated into new infrastructure or used to upgrade existing systems, Aquatec’s maintenance holes offer durable, high-quality performance while minimising site disruption and meeting stringent safety and environmental standards.
As infrastructure demands evolve, Aquatec’s FRP/ GRP maintenance holes stand out by combining innovative construction techniques with high levels of customisation, efficiently meeting diverse project needs. Their robust design, adaptable dimensions, and factory-controlled manufacturing not only deliver superior durability and safety but also minimise environmental impact and site disruption.
They ensure the long-term resilience and functionality of essential water and wastewater systems, supporting both community needs and environmental stewardship.
Click to read the Shepherds Lane Project – wastewater system to enhance the water supply capacity to support a section of the Sunbury Growth Corridor Plan.
