Box Systems MGF Tech File 2019 New
Box Systems MGF Tech File 2019 New
PRODUCT NOTES
1. Boxes should only be used in the configurations shown
in ground assessed as self supporting by competent
persons following MGF installation guidelines.
2. Drag boxes should not be used in weak ground (especially
soft clays, running sand, silts or peats) or where significant
groundwater is present. They should only be used in ground that will
stand to the excavated depth for the anticipated duration of the works.
3. Boxes are not suitable for usage in trenches with multiple service
crossings.
4. Flying of the box above the base of the excavation is not recommended.
5. Drag box systems are extremely heavy and great care must be taken in selecting a
suitable excavator for handling, installing and extracting these systems. As a general
guide excavators should be sized to be at least 5 x weight of assembled drag box. If
stacking panels on site, timber packers must be used to separate the panels.
6. The box must only be moved by pre-digging ahead of the box and then carefully lifting
and dragging the unit via the front struts using the bucket of the excavator. Care must be
taken to ensure that the outside faces of the box are not side loaded by the ground.
7. Always use MGF specified extraction chains to release a stuck drag box from the ground
DRAG BOX
prior to any attempt to lift the box out of the trench. Always use MGF specified lifting
chains when lifting and handling the boxes or components. NB If a drag box becomes
stuck extraction / drag forces of up to 300kN (30t) can be required to release the box.
8. Always enter box via a ladder located within the box and never from an unsupported edge.
9. Prior to every lifting operation all lifting points must be carefully inspected by a
competent person for evidence of damage.
10. During lifting or extraction operations ensure personnel are well clear of the equipment.
MGF GRP
LADDER
See Section 8 MGF EDGESAFE
See Section 7
MGF
DRAG BOX
DRAG BOX
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Panel
Resistance
40 30 30 40 30 20 20
SWL
(kN/m2)
Panel Thick /
60 / 60 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 /
Weight
452 854 1146 1433 2200 2400 2800
T(mm)/(kg)
Approx
Assembled
1004 2028 2612 3186 4720 5120 5920
Weight
(kg)
Internal
Trench
600-3000 600-3000 600-3000 600-3000 600-3000 600-3000 600-3000
Widths**
Wi(mm)
Trench
Width** 720-3120 720-3120 800-3200 800-3200 800-3200 800-3200 800-3200
We(mm)
Clearance
Below
Bottom 790 1150 1072 1372 2258 1496 1500
Strut***
Cv(mm)
Clearance
Between
2590 2970 4220 4220 4220 6620 6620
Struts
Li(mm)
Telescopic
100 150 150 150 150 150 150
Strut Type
DRAG BOX
* These boxes can be used as top units to achieve depths of up to 5.10m in conjunction with a design
issued by our technical department.
** Greater widths (up to 5m) possible utilising telescopic strut adaptors.
*** Based on rear strut - additional clearance possible utilising strut adaptors.
Component
Strut Value
Specification 150x150x12.5
Material Grade S355
Component
Axial SWL 492kN
Moment SWL 38.9kNm
Hole Details Ø48mm holes
Unit Mass 52.7kg/m
Rigid struts cannot be used with the 3220 x 1460 drag box.
If the above 100 telescopic strut combinations cannot be achieved a minimum overlap
of at least 150mm must be provided between the inner and outer. Struts should only be
assembled using 1 inner and 1 outer.
Specification
Product ID 9.200
Weight (kg) 27
Section 100x100x10 SHS
Material Grade S355
If the above 150 telescopic strut combinations cannot be achieved a minimum overlap
of at least 250mm must be provided between the inner and outer. Struts should only be
assembled using 1 inner and 1 outer.
150
TELESCOPIC
STRUT
ADAPTORS
9.206 (500mm)
Specification
Product ID 4.840
40 (500mm)
Weight (kg)
45 (600mm) Weight (kg) 155
Section 150x150x12.5 SHS Section 180x180x10 SHS
Material Grade S355 Material Grade S355
PRODUCT NOTES
1. Boxes should only be used in the configurations shown
by competent persons following MGF installation guidelines.
2. Boxes should not be used in very weak ground (especially very soft clays and peats) or
where significant groundwater is present.
3. Boxes are not normally suitable for usage where ground movement is an issue and are
therefore not recommended for use in live carriageway situations or adjacent existing
buildings or structures.
4. Flying of the box above the base of the excavation is not recommended.
5. Box systems are very heavy and great care must be taken in selecting a suitable
excavator for handling, installing and extracting these systems. If stacking panels on site,
timber packers must be used to separate the panels.
6. Boxes should not be left in-situ for extended periods within cohesive or very weak soils
as earth pressures / adhesion on the panel surfaces may increase significantly with time
requiring additional extraction forces to release the panels.
7. Always use MGF specified extraction chains to release an in-situ box from the ground
prior to any attempt to lift the box out of the trench. Always use MGF specified lifting
TRENCH BOX
chains when lifting and handling the boxes or components. NB If a box becomes stuck
extraction forces of up to 500kN (50t) can be required to release each corner.
8. Prior to every lifting operation all lifting points must be carefully inspected by a
competent person for evidence of damage.
9. Always enter trench box via a ladder located within the box and never from an unsupported
edge.
10. During lifting or extraction operations ensure personnel are well clear of the equipment.
11. Ends of trench runs should always be battered back at a safe angle or end protection
panels should be used.
MGF
GRP LADDER
See Section 8
MGF
LADDERSAFE
See Section 7
MGF EDGESAFE
See Section 7
MGF MGF
TRENCH ENDSAFE
BOX TOP PANEL
See Section 7
MGF TRENCH
BOX BASE
TRENCH BOX
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TRENCH BOX
Max Depth**
4.19 4.19 N/A 5.71 N/A 7.16
(m)
Panel
Resistance
45 45 45 50 50 50
SWL
(kN/m2)
Panel Thick /
Weight 60 / 586 60 / 435 60 / 320 100 / 970 100 / 686 108 / 2193
T(mm)/(kg)
Approx
Assembled
1270-1630 970-1330 690-870 2040-2400 1420-1630 4770-5480
Weight
(kg)
Internal
Trench
605-3625 605-3625 605-3625 605-3625 605-3625 600-3700
Width*
Wi(mm)
Trench
Width* 725-3745 725-3745 725-3745 805-3825 805-3825 820-3920
We(mm)
Clearance
Below
Bottom 903 903 N/A 1225 N/A 2358
Struts
C(mm)
Clearance
Between
2716 2716 2716 3246 3246 3076
Struts
TRENCH BOX
Li(mm)
Telescopic
100 100 100 100 100 150
Strut Type
TRENCH BOX
If the above 100 telescopic strut combinations cannot be achieved a minimum overlap
of at least 150mm must be provided between the inner and outer. Struts should only be
assembled using 1 inner and 1 outer.
Product ID 9.200
Weight (kg) 27
Section 100x100x10 SHS
Material Grade S355
If the above 150 telescopic strut combinations cannot be achieved a minimum overlap
of at least 250mm must be provided between the inner and outer. Struts should only be
assembled using 1 inner and 1 outer.
9.206 (500mm)
Product ID
Specification
9.207 (600mm)
40 (500mm)
Weight (kg)
45 (600mm)
Section 150x150x12.5 SHS
Material Grade S355
TRENCH BOX
PRODUCT NOTES
1. Boxes should only be used in the configurations shown by competent
persons following MGF installation guidelines.
2. In a standard square plan format the boxes can have their returns
closed using Endsafe panels or sheets bearing directly onto the
telescopic cross struts. If the box is extended beyond its standard
square format the telescopic struts should not be laterally loaded.
3. Boxes should not be used in very weak ground (especially very soft clays and
peats) or where significant groundwater is present.
4. Boxes are not normally suitable for usage where ground movement is an issue
and are therefore not recommended for use in live carriageway situations or adjacent
existing buildings or structures.
5. Flying of the box above the base of the excavation is not recommended.
6. Box systems are very heavy and great care must be taken in selecting a suitable
excavator for handling, installing and extracting these systems. If stacking panels on site,
timber packers must be used to separate the panels.
7. Boxes should not be left in-situ for extended periods within cohesive or very weak soils
MANHOLE BOX
as earth pressures / adhesion on the panel surfaces may increase significantly with time
requiring additional extraction forces to release the panels.
8. Always use MGF specified extraction chains to release an in-situ box from the ground
prior to any attempt to lift the box out of the trench. Always use MGF specified lifting
chains when lifting and handling the boxes or components. NB If a box becomes stuck
extraction forces of up to 500kN (50t) can be required to release each corner.
9. Prior to every lifting operation all lifting points must be carefully inspected by a
competent person for evidence of damage.
10. Always enter manhole box via a ladder located within the box and never from an
unsupported edge.
11. During lifting or extraction operations ensure personnel are well clear of the equipment.
MGF EDGESAFE
See Section 7 MGF TRENCH SHEETS
See Section 6
MGF
MANHOLE
BOX TOP
MANHOLE BOX
MGF MANHOLE
BOX BASE
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MANHOLE BOX
4.203 4.201 4.202 4.210 4.220 4.230 4.240 4.250 4.260 4.270 4.280
2000
x 2000 2000 2500 2500 3000 3000 3500 3500 4400 4400
Description
L×H 1780 x x x x x x x x x x
LW 1780 1100 2020 1100 2020 1100 2562 1624 2562 1624
Base Base Top Base Top Base Top Base Top Base Top
Standard Base
Standard Top
Lightweight
Micro Base
Micro Base
Titan Base
Mini Base
Midi Base
Micro Top
Titan Top
Mini Top
Alternative
Midi Top
Name
Max Depth**
(m)
3.98 3.98 N/A 4.22 N/A 4.22 N/A 5.81 N/A 5.81 N/A
Panel
Resistance
SWL
45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45
(kN/m2)
Panel Thick
60 / 60 / 60 / 60 / 60 / 60 / 60 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 /
/ Weight
T(mm)/(kg) 380 488 341 684 414 767 459 1340 939 1797 1222
Approx
Assembled
Weight
908 1122 714 1540 938 1692 1018 2762 1996 3824 2964
(kg)
Internal
Trench
Width*
1880 1880 1880 2380 2380 2880 2880 3300 3300 4130 4130
Wi(mm)
Trench
Width* 2000 2000 2000 2500 2500 3000 3000 3500 3500 4330 4330
We(mm)
Clearance
Below
Bottom 810 810 N/A 923 N/A 923 N/A 1316 N/A 1300 N/A
Struts
C(mm)
Clearance
Between
Struts
1751 1751 1751 2251 2251 2751 2751 3251 3251 4151 4151
Li(mm)
MANHOLE BOX
Panel
Return 550 550 550 670 670 670 670 912 912 1312 1312
PR(mm)
* Greater widths (up to 5m) possible utilising telescopic struts provided struts are not laterally loaded
by return sheets / panels.
** Max. depths achievable using a base and 2 tops.
All manhole boxes utilise MGF 100 Telescopic Struts.
Box
Connector Pin
Specification Ø40mm round bar,
Component
100mm long
Material Grade 080M40 (EN8)
Shear SWL 308kN
Weight 1kg
If the above 100 telescopic strut combinations cannot be achieved a minimum overlap
of at least 150mm must be provided between the inner and outer. Struts should only be
assembled using 1 inner and 1 outer.
MANHOLE BOX
PRODUCT NOTES
1. Boxes should only be used in the configurations shown by competent
MGF EDGESAFE
See Section 7
MGF HIGH
CLEARANCE
TRENCH
BOX TOP
HIGH CLEARANCE TRENCH BOX
MGF HIGH
CLEARANCE
TRENCH BOX BASE
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BASE PANEL HIGH BASE PANEL HIGH 200 SERIES STRUT DETAIL
CLEARANCE 400 SERIES CLEARANCE 400 SERIES The 200 Series strut
STRUT SOLDIER PIN DETAIL STRUT DETAIL extensions are connected
Base panel struts are connected The base struts and to the relevant base or top
to the panel soldier using pins extensions are connected panel adaptors using 8 No.
and r-clips. Each high clearance using 20 No. M24 bolts M20 bolts and nuts. Each
strut requires 4 No. pins each side and nuts. 200 Series base panel strut
and the strut can be slid down adaptor requires 2 pins either
and locked in position to assist side, the top panel adaptor
transport / handling / storage. requires 1 pin either side.
Struts Li(mm)
Trench Width
T(mm)/(kg)
Max Depth
Product ID
Strut Type
We(mm)
Wi(mm)
(kN/m2)
(kg)
(m)
7000
x 150 / 9720- 2100- 2400- High Clearance
4.199 5.0 40 3000 5960
3000 3500 11350 5100 5400 / 200 Series
Base
7000
x 150 / 4826- 2100- 2400- 150 telescopic
4.1995 2.0 40 800 6200
2000 2250 5373 5100 5400 / 200 Series
Top
High Clearance
Suitable for trench widths 2.4m - 5.4m. 400 Series Strut
Specification 400x400x16 SHS
Material Grade S355
2
Component
Strut Outer
Component
Suitable for trench widths 2.4m - 5.4m Axial SWL 600kN
Moment SWL 100kNm
Bolting Details 8 No. M20 bolts
Unit Mass 47.7kg/m
5
If the above 150 telescopic strut combinations cannot be achieved a minimum overlap
of at least 250mm must be provided between the inner and outer. Struts should only be
assembled using 1 inner and 1 outer.
Base to Top
Connector
Product ID 4.1026
Component
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SIMPLE TO ASSEMBLE, LIGHT WEIGHT, ROBUST, TWO SIDED MECHANICAL
EXCAVATION SUPPORT SYSTEM DESIGNED TO BE INSTALLED BY AN
EXCAVATOR UTILISING THE EXCAVATE AND LOWER IN PLACE TECHNIQUE.
Normally selected for installing shallow utility pipes where ground movement is not critical
and where the use of a small excavator restricts the max. weight of the systems specified.
The system is generally suitable for trench depths of up to 2.42m, widths of up to 1.75m,
pipe lengths of up to 2.5m and a pipe OD of up to 0.75m.
Fabricated from Grade 6082T6 120x60mm aluminium box sections to form 60mm thick
panels, the system comprises trench box bases to which up to 1 No. trench box top may be
added to achieve additional depth. The panels are propped off each other by robust struts
available in a variety of lengths to suit the required width. All components in the system are
connected together via simple pin and r-clip assemblies.
MGF can supply aluminium trench boxes with a full range of suitable lifting and extraction
chains, Edgesafe edge protection panels, Laddersafe access platforms and GRP or wooden
pole ladders, Endsafe protection panels, trench road plates and confined spaces regime
equipment. Manufactured and designed in general accordance with BS EN 13331 : 2002
Parts 1 and 2 trench lining systems and BS 5975 (2008) code of practice for temporary
works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework.
PRODUCT NOTES
1. Boxes should only be used in the configurations shown by
competent persons following MGF installation guidelines.
2. Boxes should not be used in very weak ground (especially
very soft clays and peats) or where significant
groundwater is present.
3. Boxes are not normally suitable for usage where ground
movement is an issue and are therefore not recommended
for use in live carriageway situations or adjacent existing
buildings or structures.
4. Flying of the box above the base of the excavation is not recommended.
5. Box systems are heavy and great care must be taken in selecting a suitable
MGF
ALUMINIUM
TRENCH
BOX TOP
ALUMINIUM TRENCH BOX
MGF
ALUMINIUM
TRENCH
BOX BASE
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ALUMINIUM PANEL
CONNECTOR DETAIL
Panels can be connected together
HANDLING POINT
TELESCOPIC STRUT DETAIL All aluminium trench boxes are lifted and
Telescopic strut inners and outers are handled by attaching MGF lifting chains
connected using a pin and r-clip detail. to the handling points as shown.
Max Depth*
2.42 2.42 2.42 2.42 2.42 2.42
(m)
Panel
Resistance
30 30 30 30 25 25
SWL
(kN/m2)
Panel Thick
/ Weight 60 / 145 60 / 98 60 / 168 60 / 112 60 / 191 60 / 126
T(mm)/(kg)
Approx
Assembled
310 216 356 244 402 272
Weight
(kg)
Internal
Trench
735-1635 735-1635 735-1635 735-1635 735-1635 735-1635
Width
Wi(mm)
Trench
Width 855-1755 855-1755 855-1755 855-1755 855-1755 855-1755
We(mm)
ALUMINIUM TRENCH BOX
Clearance
Below
Bottom 825 N/A 825 N/A 825 N/A
Struts
C(mm)
Clearance
Between
1790 1790 2290 2290 2790 2790
Struts
Li(mm)
Telescopic
U U U U U U
Strut Type
Product ID
4.905 U 890 Inner 12
4.906 U 545 Outer 10
4.907 U 845 Outer 12
a minimum overlap
Axial SWL 80kN 80kN of at least 150mm
Moment SWL 12kNm 12kNm must be provided
between the inner
Hole Details Φ30mm holes Φ30mm holes and outer.
Unit Mass 13.1kg/m 11.9kg/m
The base and top panels are Hole Details Φ30mm slotted holes
connected via 4 No. short lengths Weight 7kg
of box that slot within the vertical
sections of the trench struts. Shear SWL 70kN
PRODUCT NOTES
1. The systems should only be used in the
configurations shown by competent persons
following MGF detailed design and drawings.
2. King posts must be installed vertically to the
specified depths and centres.
3. King post panels must be installed in line with each
other. They can be connected, stacking panels on
top of each other using pins and r-clips.