Underground Utility Vaults & Pull Boxes
Underground utility vaults and pull boxes are commonly used by electrical, telecommunications, and fiber-optic providers to connect long runs of cables. These reinforced concrete chambers—often the size of a small room—are buried below streets and typically accessed through manholes at the surface. Because moisture frequently accumulates inside these vaults, the walls and ceiling slabs are susceptible to corrosion and deterioration, potentially creating unsafe conditions for vehicles traveling above.
Conventional repairs using steel or concrete are difficult due to the confined access through manholes. QuakeWrap engineers provide innovative solutions using carbon or glass fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) fabrics. After patching any significant concrete damage, saturated FRP sheets are passed through the manhole and applied to the interior walls and ceiling. This system restores structural capacity while forming an impermeable barrier that prevents moisture intrusion and significantly reduces future corrosion.
Features & Benefits
Advantages of repair of utility vaults with FRP include:
- Walls and ceiling can be repaired with FRP
- Minimal increase in member size (typically ¼ inch (5mm))
- Minimal disruption to street-level traffic
- Repairs are fast and often completed in 1-2 days
- Ideal for spot repair of only damaged areas
- FRP will serve as moisture barrier to protect the walls and ceiling against future corrosion
- Finished installation can be painted, making it hardly visible