If you’ve ever wondered what those big, round, concrete structures are that are often found near storm drains or sewer systems, you’ve come to the right place. These structures are called manholes, and they play an important role in our municipality’s infrastructure. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what manholes are and how they’re constructed.

What are reinforced concrete manhole structures?

Manholes are designed to provide access to underground utility systems for inspection, maintenance, and repair. They are also used as connections between utility lines of different sizes. Manholes are typically constructed of reinforced concrete because concrete is durable and has a long lifespan. Plus, reinforced concrete manhole structures can better resist the effects of corrosion from soil and water than other materials. 

Reinforced concrete manhole structures are usually built using precast concrete rings. These rings are stacked on top of each other and then the space between them is filled with grout or mortar. The joints between the rings are sealed to create a watertight structure. Once the manhole is complete, it is then covered with a heavy-duty manhole cover to keep unauthorized personnel out and to prevent debris from entering the system. 

What are the benefits of using reinforced concrete manhole structures?

There are several benefits to using reinforced concrete manhole structures. First, concrete is very durable and has a long lifespan. Additionally, reinforced concrete structures are very strong and can support a lot of weight. They are also less likely to collapse than other types of manholes. Finally, reinforced concrete structures are easier and less expensive to maintain than other types of manholes. 

The primary drawback of reinforced concrete manhole structures is that they are more expensive to construct than other types of manholes. However, the long-term benefits of using reinforced concrete make it the best choice for most applications. 

Reinforced Concrete Manhole Structure Applications 

Reinforced concrete manholes are most commonly used for storm sewers and sanitary sewers. However, they can also be used for other types of utilities, such as water mains, electrical vaults, and gas lines. 

Storm Sewers 

Storm sewers are designed to collect and transport stormwater runoff from streets, parking lots, and rooftops. Storm sewers typically discharge into natural waterways, such as rivers and streams. In order to prevent flooding and property damage, storm sewers must be able to handle large volumes of water quickly. Reinforced concrete manholes are an ideal choice for storm sewer applications because they can withstand the high pressures and flows associated with storms. 

Sanitary Sewers 

Sanitary sewers are designed to collect and transport wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and other fixtures within buildings. Sanitary sewers typically discharge into treatment plants where the wastewater is treated before being discharged into natural waterways. Like storm sewers, sanitary sewers must be able to handle large volumes of water quickly without flooding or property damage. For this reason, reinforced concrete manholes are also an ideal choice for sanitary sewer applications. 

Water Mains 

Water mains are pipes that transport potable water from water treatment plants to homes and businesses. Water mains are typically buried underground and require access points for inspection and maintenance purposes. Reinforced concrete manholes provide safe and easy access to water mains for inspection and maintenance purposes. 

Electrical Vaults 

Electrical vaults are rooms or chambers that house electrical equipment, such as switchgear units and transformers. Electrical vaults typically have limited space due to the need for overhead clearance around electrical equipment. Reinforced concrete manholes provide safe and easy access to electrical vaults while maximizing the usable space within the vault by eliminating the need for stairs or ladders. 

 

Manholes play an important role in our municipality’s infrastructure by providing access to underground utility systems and acting as connections between different utility lines. Most manholes are constructed of reinforced concrete because it is a durable material that can resist the effects of corrosion. If you have any further questions about reinforced concrete manhole structures or any other type of municipal infrastructure, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We would be more than happy to chat with you about it.