RESUB RECD 11-26-18.pdfInstallation Guide for Bulk Vault with Ductile Iron Covers
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This Installation Guide provides general information useful for installation of the Channell Incredible Bulk line of
below grade handhole vaults configured with ductile iron covers and a galvanized steel support ring. The guide
cannot anticipate all situations that could be encountered in the field, and therefore, represents information
applicable to common installation conditions. Please consult local company practice for proper product
configuration for each application.
The use of the iron lid/steel ring combination is intended for applications where there is by design, vehicular
traffic present. Applications such as alley ways and parking lots would be illustrations of these applications. It is
important to note that the steel frame must be imbedded in a concrete surround or collar as part of the
installation.
The BULK vault body is reinforced by the use of custom fabricated embedded racking in the sidewall of the
vaults. In the course of vault placement, it may be necessary to drill holes for ducts or cut away portions of the
HDPE vault to fit in a previous installation. Under no circumstances are the vertical racks to be cut in the
process. Failure to observe this requirement may lead to premature failure of the installation.
Site Preparation
1. Ensure that all federal, state, local, OSHA, and company specific regulations and safety practices are met
prior to beginning and continued throughout the installation process.
2. Excavate the hole 8-10 inches larger than the width and length dimensions of the handhole body.
3. Excavate the depth of the hole 6 inches deeper than the overall depth of the vault. Tamp the excavated
bottom of the hole to compress any loose soil and flatten the bottom.
4. Place 5-6 inches of Y4" crushed rock over the entire floor. The rock should be free of soil and other
organic matter. This important step prevents subsistence of the vault over time, aids in drainage, and
provides a solid foundation for the handhole.
a. As an alternative, a dry mix of cement and crushed rock in a 1:10 ratio may be used to form a
higher strength foundation.
b. NOTE: Do not use "pea gravel" or other "round stone" for this step
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Installation Guide for Bulk Vault with Ductile Iron Covers
Placement of the Handhole
1. If duct openings are needed, drill holes in the HDPE sidewalls using a properly sized hole saw. Other
clearances that may be required during a retrofit of a previous installation may be obtained by using a
"sawzall" or equivalent.
a. NOTE: Do not cut the metal embedded racks in the sidewall of the handhole body
44,
2. Place the handhole vault with the steel ring in place in the pit. Level the vault assembly to grade by
adding/adjusting of the crushed rock foundation.
3. Remove any soil or rock pieces from the cover seat in the steel ring. Place the support beam(s) onto the
ring and place the iron covers in the ring. Assure the support beam and covers are properly seated.
Cover the bolt holes with an adhesive backed tape, such as "duct tape" to prevent filling or
contamination during backfill of the pit.
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Installation Guide for Bulk Vault with Ductile Iron Covers
Backfilling
1. The excavated pit should be backfilled with fine crushed gravel, or "crush and run". Hand tamp the
gravel in layers of 4-6 inches to insure flow of backfill into the cells of the vault wall.
a. NOTE: Care should be taken to prevent excessive damage of the cellular ribs during the tamping
step.
2. Add backfill to a level 6-8 inches from the top of the cover. Tamp the final layer the backfill to a uniform
level to grade.
Adding the Cement Collar
1. The final step is the addition of cement to the top of the handhole/ring assembly
2. Add cement to the pit assuring that cement flows into the sidewall cells and is uniform under the steel
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Installation Guide for Bulk Vault with Ductile Iron Covers
flange on the galvanized ring. If possible, add rebar along the sides and around each of the four corners
at 3 inches or so into the cement pour.
3. Finish the cement layer to the top of the ring.
4. Add any cement finishing steps to the top layers as required.
Final Steps
1. Clean uncured concrete from the iron lids and the gaps between the ring and covers.
2. Remove tape from the bolt counter bore location and place bolts into threaded locations.
3. Assure the cement is properly cured before vehicular loads are applied to the covers.
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