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Round manholes provide access to underground utilities or passages. The heavy round cover just fits into a heavy ring. Things could be square or rectangular, but with a round cover, the cover cannot fall into the hole in any position. With a square or rectangular cover, there is a way to situate the cover so it partially covers the hole and then can fall in. Not so with the circular one.
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Why are manholes covered round?
Manhole covers are round because that is the only shape that will not fall in on itself. Having a round cover with a lip, there is no way the cover can fall or be forced into the hole it covers.
What might happen if manholes are any shape but round?
Manholes are round to prevent them from falling back into the hole. They are manufactured with an indention around the edges to allow them to fit flush with the surface. If they were square (or any shape other than round), it would be possible to lift and turn it so that it the cover fell into the hole -- both expensive to replace and very dangerous to anybody down below.
What is the minimum distance allowed between two manholes in sewer?
Outside diameter (OD) of adjacent manholes (including the bottom slabs) should have minimum of five (5) feet horizontal clearance.
Why is a manhole shaped like a circle?
There are various reasons that manholes are shaped like a circle. For example, it is much easier to dig a circular hole.
Why are manholes in circles and not in square or rectangle?
They can be any shape ! We have square and rectangular ones in my town (and there's at least a couple of triangular ones too !)
