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
Not buildings. Happy holiday from DB.
Future Homes Standard: Industry calls for more ambition
As the Government FHS consultation finally closes.
Improving government projects with data and AI
Enabling better outcomes, efficient modern delivery and influential leadership on government projects.
BSRIA Living Laboratory Innovation Challenge
Final days for submission, closing March 29.
Windows, their frames, forms, factors and functions.
The hidden subtleties of U-Value calculations
Different contexts and what to include as variables.
A brief run down with related articles.
Electrical sector calls for safer public EV charge points
Serious concerns about electrical safety in the public domain.
Building Blocks manifesto presented to parliament
Architects Declare call in for support of five critical policies.
The four elements of project management with APM
Analysis, expectations, collaborative communication and partnerships.
City of London launches Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit
Empowering owners to initiate necessary adaptations.
Guidance on RAAC in listed buildings
Published by Purcell, endorsed by IHBC, SPAB and C20.
Learning from the past.
Reluctance to hire people with criminal convictions revealed
Employing People with Criminal Convictions Report.
Tackling unconscious bias; Women's History Month
Personal reflections, as the last week of March approaches.