01090437

Component

The proposed Buried Duct/Pipeline Network (BDN) represents a departure from conventional buried construction methods for utility lines (electric power, telephone, and CATV) in which cables are directly placed in a trench along the road. Unlike overhead pole lines, such direct-buried procedures do not allow a convenient means for upgrade or maintenance, should such initially installed cables prove to be insufficient for future needs or become degraded. The shortcomings of conventional direct-buried construction methods can lead to road damage or safety problems, including risk of gas or power line hits, during reconstruction activities. In contrast, the BDN provides an opportunity for conveniently and safely accomplishing cable upgrades, at a low incremental cost to the utilities and/or their customers. Such a system would therefore encourage and support the installation of belowground utilities, minimizing construction difficulties and hazards, including the proliferation of pole lines. Utility poles represent a significant hazard, often resulting in death and injuries due to collisions by motor vehicles. The BDN system would benefit roads of various types, including those comprising the National Highway System. The Phase I effort for the BDN, supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Small Business Innovation Research program, was completed in 2005, and successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the concept. The Phase II investigation, initiated in 2007, comprises the detailed research and development effort, including detailed design of prototype hardware and auxiliary items and related product specifications and construction practices. A full-scale field trial is planned as part of this investigation.

01084478

08-0490

English

13p

2008

Transportation Research Board 87th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures (4) ; References (6)

Design; Ducts; Electric cables; Installation; Maintenance; Pipelines; Underground structures; Underground utility lines

Design; Maintenance and Preservation; Pipelines; Terminals and Facilities

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2008 Paper #08-0490

TRIS, TRB

Jan 29 2008 2:50PM