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What Is Utility Tunnel?
Utility tunnels are underground passages created to transport various types of utility services such as electricity, water, and sewage. They are also used to hold communication lines like cable television and telephone cables. These tunnels are also known as service tunnels, trenches, vaults or cable vaults. For smaller cables, they are often placed in cable ducts or underground conduits. An alternative to using these tunnels is to bury the cables directly in the ground.
Description
Utility tunnels are underground passageways that are used to transport different types of infrastructure, such as gas, water, power, and communication cables.
They are often found in very cold places, where it is not possible to bury them directly below the ground. They are also built in areas where the water table is high and where utility poles would be unsightly or dangerous.
They are often used on large industrial sites, institutions, and commercial properties to distribute services to multiple buildings without disrupting above-ground traffic.
These tunnels can vary in size from small to large enough to accommodate human and vehicle traffic. They may also be used in shared facilities, such as district heating systems, and on university campuses to connect buildings.
Benefits Of Utility Tunnel
Utility tunnels, also known as conduit systems, offer a variety of advantages over traditional underground cable and pipe installation methods. One of the key benefits is the reduction of maintenance manholes, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Additionally, utility tunnels allow for the one-time relocation of services, which can save money and minimize disruptions to the surrounding area. Moreover, the use of utility tunnels results in less excavation and repair compared to separate cable ducts for each service.
Another advantage of utility tunnels is the ability to easily access all utilities without the need for digging access trenches or relying on inaccurate utility maps. When well-mapped, these tunnels can greatly speed up repair and maintenance work, resulting in less downtime for essential services.
Safety is also a significant benefit of utility tunnels. Underground power lines prevent downed utility cables from blocking roads and impeding emergency access after natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. Furthermore, utility tunnels can also reduce the risk of fires caused by damaged or exposed cables.
In summary, utility tunnels offer numerous benefits including: the reduction of maintenance manholes, one-time relocation, less excavation and repair, easy access to utilities, and improved public safety.
FAQS
What are utility tunnels used for?
To transport infrastructure such as gas, water, power and communication cables.
Where are utility tunnels typically found?
Places with high water table, cold climate and where above ground utility poles are unsightly or dangerous. Often found on industrial sites, institutions and commercial properties.