Manhole
A manhole, also known as an inspection chamber, provides access to underground utilities, most commonly sewer systems. This enables operatives to undertake inspections, make modifications, and carry out cleaning and maintenance.
A manhole usually consists of a chamber or ring – a vertical circular pipe – of varying sizes and depths, which is used to access inspection points.
Manholes are generally constructed where there is a change of direction and/or a change in gradient of the utilities, or where access is required for a specific maintenance purpose. They are typically positioned 0.5 m away from curb lines, preferably with the manhole cover positioned away from the wheel line of traffic.
The cover acts as a plug to protect the manhole and prevent unauthorised access. Covers can be circular, rectangular or square, and are typically made from metal or, less commonly, precast concrete, glass reinforced plastic, or a composite material.
Older manholes are usually fitted with steps on the inner side of the wall to allow easy access. Generally, if the manhole depth is less than 1 m, a step ladder is mandatory, whereas if it exceeds 2.5 m, a regular ladder must be fitted. More modern manholes may be designed so that physical entry is not required.
For more information, see Manhole chambers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Coal holes, pavement lights, kerbs and utilities and wood-block paving.
- Culvert.
- Difference between drains and sewers.
- Gasket.
- Groundwater control in urban areas.
- Highway drainage.
- Manhole cover.
- Pipelines.
- Private sewer.
- Public sewer.
- Safe working in drains and sewers.
- Sewer construction.
- Sewerage.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS.
- Valves.
- Water transfers and interconnections.
Featured articles and news
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.
Put digitalisation and sustainability at the core of curricula
Project management educators are urged.
Looking back at the influence of climate events
From a designer and writer: 'There are limits to growth but no limits to development'.
Terms, histories, theories and practice.
Biophilic design and natural light
Letting in the light and natural elements into spaces.
APM Programme Management Conference 2024
Strategies for Success.
Residential takes the reins as contract awards even out
Contracts down, but remain above the last quarter of 2023.
Celebrating Eid and the largest mud-brick building.
Barry Kingscote claims prestigious CIOB CMYA Award.
The British Mosque: an architectural and social history
The story of some 1,500 mosques or more in Britain.
Heat pump refrigerants, efficiencies and impacts
R12 to R1270 what are the differences?
Global heat pump market in 2023
Challenging times with positive but modest outlook.
Beyond the infrastructure pipeline
Opportunities and chokepoints.