Utilities in Multi-Purpose or Shared Structures

With population growth, expansion of industrial demands, and the challenges of installing high voltage (HV) and extra high voltage (EHV) cables in dense urban and other locations, structures such as tunnels and bridges for multi-purpose use are becoming attractive options. They offer the potential for reduced overall costs, environmental advantages, and less disruption to the community during the installation, maintenance, and replacement of cables and other utilities. The International Council on Large Systems (CIGRE) released a Technical Brochure 403 in 2010 through Working Group B1.08 titled “Cable Systems in Multi-Purpose or Shared Structures.” This brochure was developed to (1) establish the appropriate terminology; (2) collect global data on the experience with the use of multi-purpose and shared structures for the installation of cable systems; (3) provide a survey of technical aspects, such as types of cables, design of the structure, installation, mutual impacts among the utilities, maintenance, and operational constraints; (4) provide economic, occupational health and safety aspects, administrative matters, legal aspects, and decision-making process; (5) summarize and review the information to identify the issues that need to be considered when installing insulated cables systems in multi-purpose or shared structures; and (6) recommend guidelines for the use of cables in such structures.