A manhole (also, manhole or inspection chamber) is an element of urban infrastructure that allows access, from the surface, to various underground public service facilities: sewage system pipes, electrical energy distribution networks, telephones or natural gas.

Contenido

El pozo de visita cumple dos funciones:[1]​.

El ingreso está protegido por una tapa de registro, construida con hierro fundido, hormigón o plástico reforzado con vidrio. Si el pozo es muy profundo, se instala una escalera adosada a la pared. La sección vertical se denomina chimenea y suele estar construida con módulos prefabricados de hormigón armado, aunque también puede hacerse in situ.[1]​ En todos los casos las paredes tiene un espesor de entre 10 y 20 cm.[1]​.

Types of manhole

In storm drain networks, a manhole with drain drop or jump well is installed when two pipes are connected, with a height difference greater than 600 mm. This type of well has the particularity of having a deflector to regulate the fall of water and is built with a granite slab.[1]​.

Wells (called connection wells) are also installed at the junctions of conduits of different materials and at connections with scuppers. To retain the solids that circulate through the sanitation network, the sand pit is used, which is designed with a hearth deeper than the conduits.[2]​.

In some locations, manholes are used to bring materials and machines into underground facilities; In these cases, removable concrete slabs are used to have a larger manhole.[2]​.