Integrated System Plan for Facility Replacement Technology to Enhance the Performance of Utility Tunnels

초록

Utility tunnels operational for over 30 years in South Korea present significant mainte-nance and safety challenges due to the deterioration of critical infrastructure such as water pipes, electrical cables, and communication lines. These aged systems have led to frequent breakdowns, increased risk of accidents, and rising maintenance costs. To address these urgent issues, research is being conducted to develop an integrated rapid cutting and re-placement transport system specifically designed for the confined spaces inside utility tunnels. The system under study features advanced cutting technology for the swift re-moval of deteriorated pipes, alongside a transport unit designed to efficiently transport materials through narrow tunnel sections. Based on extensive data collected from utility tunnels across South Korea, the research aims to ensure adaptability to various tunnel conditions, significantly reduce manual labor, and enhance safety in future deployments.