They’re often overlooked, stepped on, and maybe even cursed at when causing a detour. But beneath the unassuming covers lie a workhorse of our urban infrastructure: manholes. These seemingly simple structures play a crucial role in keeping our cities running smoothly. They act as the hidden access points to a complex network of underground utilities that power our cities.
At Wilson Concrete, we understand the critical role manholes play in efficient underground systems. That’s why we’re giving you a breakdown of manholes – their function, how they help, factors to consider, and different types.
More Than Just a Hole in the Ground
Imagine a world without clean water, no electricity, or sewage removal. Manholes help with essential services that keep your city safe and operational for systems like delivering clean drinking water to homes and businesses, removing wastewater for proper treatment and disposal, and supplying power for everything from streetlights to skyscrapers. Manholes help operate these systems in a variety of ways.
Inspection: Provide vital access for workers to regularly check the condition of pipes, identify potential problems, and ensure everything is functioning properly.
Maintenance: Manholes often house valves and gates that control the flow of water and other materials. Repairs, cleaning, and upgrades can be performed efficiently through these access points.
Ventilation: Manhole ventilation systems help prevent the buildup of harmful gasses, ensuring worker safety.
Drainage: They serve as collection points for stormwater runoff, preventing flooding and protecting our streets and buildings.
Installation: New utilities can be added to the existing network with minimal disruption.
Factors To Consider For Manholes Selection
Selecting the right manhole for your project requires careful consideration to promote a safe, efficient, and long-lasting underground infrastructure system. To ensure you have a well-functioning underground utility system, you must take into account some key factors that will help you find the perfect manholes for your construction project.
Size & Depth: Consider the size of pipes and equipment that will need to be accessed through the manhole. The depth of the manhole depends on the depth of utilities it needs to access – shallow manholes are suitable for water lines, while deep manholes are required for sewer mains.
Load Capacity: Consider what the manholes need to withstand, including traffic weight, soil pressure, and any internal pressure from the utilities they contain. Choose a manhole with a strength rating that meets or exceeds the anticipated loads.
Material: Consider material that will offer good strength, affordability, and resistance to many chemicals. Precast concrete manholes offer superior quality that will last. They are also easier to handle and install.
Location & Regulations: Consider traffic of the location for which size and style would be best to minimize disruption of traffic flow. Ensure chosen manhole complies with local regulations.
Functionality & Safety: Consider features like precast lifting hooks or built-in steps that can help facilitate safe and efficient installation. Ensure relevant safety and standards are met!
Different Sizes And Styles To Choose From
Depending on the project’s needs, their specific function, and location, manholes come in various shapes and sizes. At Wilson Concrete, we manufacture high-quality manhole barrels compliant with ASTM-c478 standards. We offer a wide range of sizes from 1050mm to 2400mm inner diameter to meet your specific project needs.
Our wide range of manhole precast products include:
- Typical Manhole Detail
- C-18 Frame and Cover
- Manhole Lid Detail
- Standard Pre-Bench Manhole Base
- Typical Manhole Bases
- Extended Slab Bases (1200-1500)
- Drywell Barrel
- Perforated Well Casing
- Pump-Out and Lead Pit Lids
- Manhole and Catch Basin Spacer Rings
- Extended Slab Bases (750-1050)
The Future of Manholes
As technology advances, manholes will continue to evolve, incorporating features like smart sensors and inspection capabilities. But their core function – providing safe and efficient access to our vital underground infrastructure – will remain a constant.
At Wilson Concrete, we’re proud to be part of the solution, providing high-quality manhole products to support the efficient operation of our communities. Consider partnering with a reputable precast concrete supplier like us for your next concrete project and we’ll deliver to your construction site!