The Ultimate Glossary of Utility Construction

Your comprehensive guide to understanding underground utility construction terms, concepts, and best practices.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Air Release Valve

A device installed at high points in a water or force main pipeline to automatically release trapped air, preventing air locks and maintaining system efficiency.

B

Material used to refill an excavation after installation of utility infrastructure. Proper backfill material and compaction are crucial for preventing settlement and ensuring the longevity of underground utilities.

Bypass Pumping

A temporary pumping system that diverts wastewater or water flow around a construction or repair site, allowing work to be performed while maintaining service.

C

Catch Basin

A drainage structure designed to collect surface water runoff and direct it into the storm sewer system. It typically includes a grate or inlet at ground level and a sump to collect sediment.

D

Dewatering

The process of removing groundwater or surface water from a construction site to create dry working conditions for excavation and utility installation.

E

Excavation

The process of removing earth to form a cavity, trench, or hole for utility installation. This includes precise digging, proper shoring, and adherence to safety regulations.

F

Force Main

A pressurized pipeline that moves wastewater or sewage from a lower to a higher elevation, typically using pumps in lift stations when gravity flow is not feasible.

Flow Monitoring

The measurement and recording of water or wastewater flow rates, velocities, and patterns within utility systems using specialized equipment and sensors.

G

Gravity Sewer

A pipeline that uses gravity to convey wastewater or stormwater from a higher to a lower elevation without the need for pumping equipment.

H

Hydrostatic Testing

A method of testing pipeline integrity by pressurizing the line with water to verify there are no leaks in the system before it goes into service.

I

Infiltration

The unintended entry of groundwater into sewer systems through defects such as pipe cracks, faulty joints, or deteriorated manholes.

Invert Elevation

The lowest point of the internal surface of a pipe or channel, crucial for determining flow direction and maintaining proper drainage slopes.

J

Joint Sealing

The process of creating watertight connections between pipe segments using specialized materials and techniques to prevent leakage and infiltration.

K

Keyway Construction

A specialized construction technique where interlocking surfaces are created between concrete pours to ensure structural integrity and prevent differential settlement.

L

Lift Station

A pumping facility that moves wastewater from a lower to a higher elevation when gravity flow is not feasible, typically consisting of a wet well, pumps, and controls.

M

Manhole

A vertical shaft that provides access to underground utility systems for inspection, maintenance, and repair. Typically constructed of precast concrete with a cast iron frame and cover.

Manhole Rehabilitation

The process of repairing and restoring deteriorated manholes to extend their service life and prevent infiltration using various materials and techniques.

N

Nitrogen Testing

A specialized method of pressure testing pipelines using nitrogen gas to detect leaks and verify system integrity, particularly useful for sensitive or dangerous materials.

O

Overflow Prevention

Systems and strategies implemented to prevent sewage or stormwater from exceeding system capacity and causing environmental or property damage.

P

Pipe Bedding

The material placed beneath and around buried pipes to provide uniform support, proper grade, and protection from damage.

Pipe Bursting

A trenchless method of replacing buried pipelines where the existing pipe is fractured outward while a new pipe is drawn in to replace it.

Q

Quality Control

Systematic processes and procedures used to ensure construction meets design specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

R

Root Barrier

Physical barriers installed to prevent tree root intrusion into underground utilities, protecting infrastructure from damage and maintaining system integrity.

S

Slope Stabilization

Techniques and methods used to prevent soil erosion and maintain the stability of excavated or natural slopes in utility construction.

T

Thrust Restraint

Systems designed to counteract the forces created by pressurized water in pipelines, particularly at bends, tees, and dead ends.

Trenchless Technology

Construction methods that allow for the installation, replacement, or repair of underground utilities with minimal surface disruption and excavation.

U

Utility Locating

The process of identifying and marking the location of underground utilities before excavation to prevent damage and ensure worker safety.

V

Vacuum Excavation

A non-destructive method of soil removal using high-pressure air or water combined with a powerful vacuum system, particularly useful around existing utilities.

W

Water Main

Primary pipelines in a water distribution system that transport treated water from treatment plants or storage facilities to service areas.

X

X-ray Inspection

Non-destructive testing method using radiography to examine pipe welds, joints, and structural components for defects or damage.

Y

Yard Piping

The network of pipes and connections within the boundaries of a treatment plant, pump station, or industrial facility.

Z

Zone Valve

Control valves used to isolate specific areas or zones within a utility system for maintenance, pressure management, or emergency response.

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