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Underground Utility & Excavation Dictionary
Welcome to the Underground Utility, Construction, and Excavation Dictionary! Here, you will find a comprehensive collection of terms and definitions related to the fascinating world of underground infrastructure, construction projects, and excavation activities. Whether you're a seasoned professional in the industry or simply curious about these subjects, our dictionary is here to provide you with accurate and accessible information. Here are a few condensed definitions, for more options click on the letters, or use the search bar.
- Abandonment: The act of permanently discontinuing the use of a utility or infrastructure, typically through the sealing or removal of pipes, cables, or other equipment.
- Boring: A method of creating underground passages, typically using specialized equipment, to install utilities without open trench excavation.
- Cathodic Protection: A technique used to protect underground metallic structures, such as pipelines, from corrosion by applying a low-level electrical current to the structure.
- Directional Drilling: Also known as horizontal drilling, it is a trenchless method that allows the installation of underground utilities by drilling horizontally beneath the ground surface, minimizing disruption to the surrounding area.
- Excavation: The process of removing earth or other materials to create a cavity or trench in the ground for the purpose of installing or repairing underground utilities or conducting construction activities.
- Fiber Optics: A technology that uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data in the form of light pulses, commonly used for high-speed communication networks.
- Gas Pipeline: A network of pipes designed to transport natural gas or other gases from one location to another, serving residential, commercial, or industrial customers.
- Hydrovac Excavation: A non-destructive method of excavation that uses pressurized water and a vacuum system to break up soil and remove debris, reducing the risk of damaging existing utilities.
- Infrastructure: The fundamental physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society, including transportation systems, water supply networks, power grids, and communication networks.
- Jack and Bore: A trenchless method of installing underground utilities by using hydraulic jacks to push a pipe through the ground while simultaneously removing the soil.
- Lateral Connection: A connection between a property and a main utility line, such as a sewer lateral or water service connection, allowing individual properties to access the public utility network.
- Microtunneling: A trenchless method that uses a remotely controlled boring machine to construct small-diameter tunnels for installing utilities, such as pipelines or conduits, beneath existing structures or obstacles.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): A variety of testing techniques, such as ultrasonic testing or radiographic inspection, used to assess the condition or integrity of underground utility components without causing damage.
- Odor Control System: Equipment or devices installed in underground utility systems, such as sewer or wastewater treatment plants, to mitigate and control unpleasant odors generated by the system.
- Pipeline: A system of pipes used to transport liquids or gases over long distances, commonly employed for the distribution of water, oil, natural gas, or other fluid substances.
- Road Bore: A technique used to install utilities beneath existing roads or other paved surfaces without cutting or excavating the roadway, minimizing disruption to traffic flow.
- Shoring: The process of supporting an excavation or trench using temporary structures, such as walls or braces, to prevent collapse and ensure the safety of workers.
- Trench Box: Also known as a trench shield or trench shoring system, it is a protective structure made of steel plates or aluminum designed to provide support to the walls of an excavation and protect workers from cave-ins.
- Underground Utilities: Infrastructure systems that are located below the ground surface, including water supply lines, sewage pipes, electrical cables, telecommunications networks, and gas pipelines.
- Vacuum Excavation: A method of excavation that uses suction to remove soil and debris, allowing for precise and non-destructive digging around existing utilities.
- Water Main: A primary pipe or conduit used to distribute potable water