Ventilation and Humidity Control in Underground Utility Tunnel: an Under-Studied Topic

Abstract

Underground utility tunnel refers to a passage built underground to accommodate two or more types of urban engineering pipelines, including water supply pipes, sewer pipes, steam, gas, electricity, fiber optics, television cables, telephone cables, etc. It allows not only comprehensive utilization and resource sharing of underground space but also an easy and safe access to these service infrastructures for regular inspections and maintenance that would otherwise require recurring street works in the case of direct burial trenches, impacting on traffic, business, and environment. The initial investment is high but can be compensated by later benefits in maintenance.