The Importance of Understanding Tier Ratings for Hand Holes

Every hand hole that a customer purchases for their project has a tier rating. Understanding these tier ratings is essential in getting the right product that your customer will need. To do this, the first step is to look at the different traffic types there are. In today’s market, manufacturer Oldcastle Infrastructure is one of the top leaders in producing these hand holes.

ANSI 77 has six types of load ratings. Consider each of these when determining which tier rating is needed for the project. Several tier ratings could work, but be sure all factors are considered when choosing the correct one.

Here are the tier ratings you will typically find when looking for hand holes.

Light Duty: Rated up to 3000 pounds - Pedestrian traffic only
For example, grassy areas in residential properties are located away from vehicular traffic.

TIER 5: Rated up to 7500 pounds - Sidewalk applications with a safety factor for occasional non-deliberate vehicular traffic.
Example: Residential sidewalk that is not crossed by a driveway.

TIER 8: Rated up to 12000 pounds - Sidewalk applications with a safety factor for non-deliberate vehicular traffic.
Example: Most public sidewalks
Example: Within parking curbs of parking lots where it is highly unlikely to be run over.

TIER 15: Rated up to 22500 pounds - Driveway, parking lot, and off-roadway applications subject to occasional non-deliberate heavy vehicular traffic.
Example: Sidewalks in residential or public areas where heavy vehicle traffic is unlikely but may occur.

TIER 22: Rated up to 33500 pounds Driveway, parking lot, and off-roadway applications subject to occasional non-deliberate heavy vehicular traffic.
Example: Non-paved median between a divided highway or non-paved shoulder area.

Keep in mind another misconception that people often overlook when sizing these hand holes. Often customers will get a tier 15 body with a tier 22 lid. This does not make it a tier 22 box. The tier rating must match the box and lid to get the correct tier limit.

For more information regarding Oldcastle Infrastructure contact CBM.