Abu Dhabi Utility Corridors Design ManualVersion 1
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council was created by Law no. 23 of 2007 and is the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabis urban and regional environments,
and the expert authority behind the visionary Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan published September 2007. Chaired by His Highness General
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive
Council, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council defines the shape of human settlements in the Emirate, ensuring factors such as sustainability, infrastructure capacity,
community planning and quality of life, by overseeing development in the cities and in the Emirate as a whole. The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council ensures best
practice in planning for both new and existing settlements.
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Councils primary purpose is to deliver upon the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab
Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for the continued fulfillment of the grand design envisaged by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Father of the Nation, and
the ongoing evolution of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. By drawing on urban planning expertise from local Emiratis, throughout the Arab States of the Gulf, and around the
world, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council strives to be a global authority on the future of urban planning and design.
Mandate of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
Chapter 1 - Foundation
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Manual Goals and Intent
1.3 Overview of Abu Dhabi 2030 Plans / Urban Street Design Manual
(USDM)
1.4 Compliance with the Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual
1.5 Manual Jurisdiction
1.6 Applying this Manual
1.7 Manual Applicability
1.8 Design Flexibility
Chapter 2 - Stakeholders and Utilities
2.1 Authorities and Utility Providers
2.2 Types of Utilities
2.3 Coordination and Management of Utility Corridors
Chapter 3 - Design and Approval Process
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Design Process
3.3 Design Options
3.4 Submission Procedure
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.1 Right-of-Ways (ROW) Determined by the Abu Dhabi Urban Street
Design Manual (USDM)
4.2 Design Considerations and Requirements
4.3 Utility Installation, Operation and Maintenance Overview
Chapter 5 - Utility Corridors Guidelines
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Utility Corridors Disposition / Arrangement
5.3 Utility Arrangement Special Details
Table of Contents
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual
Page i
Chapter 6 - Evaluation and Updates
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Review Committee
6.3 Updating the Manual
Chapter 7 - Definitions and Abbreviations
7.1 Definitions
7.2 Abbreviations
Chapter 8 - References
8.1 References
Annex A: Utility Disposition Typical Arrangements
Acknowledgements
Page ii
Figure 3.1: Utility Disposition Arrangement
Figure 4.1: Typical Arrangement of SL conduits in Tree Pit
Figure 4.2: Typical Arrangement for FO and HS Duct banks
Figure 4.3: Typical Manhole Details for FO Corridor
Figure 4.4: Typical Manhole Details for HS Corridor
Figure 4.5: Solid Waste Collection Bins Schematic
Figure 5.1: Typical Plan Road Surface Finish
Figure 5.2: Typical Plan Staggering of Utilities
Figure 5.3: Utility Reservations for Access Lane City Context
Figure 5.4: Typical Utility Reservations for Street City Context
Figure 5.5: Typical Utility Reservations for Avenue City Context
Figure 5.6: Typical Utility Reservations for Boulevard City Context
Figure 5.7: Typical Utility Reservations for Access Lane Town Context
Figure 5.8: Typical Utility Reservations for Street Town Context
Figure 5.9: Typical Utility Reservations for Avenue Town Context
Figure 5.10: Typical Utility Reservations for Boulevard Town Context
Figure 5.11: Typical Utility Reservations for Access Lane Commercial
Context
Figure 5.12: Typical Utility Reservations for Street Commercial Context
Figure 5.13: Typical Utility Reservations for Avenue Commercial Context
Figure 5.14: Typical Utility Reservations for Boulevard Commercial Context
Figure 5.15: Typical Utility Reservations for Access Lane- Residential Context
Figure 5.16: Typical Utility Reservations for Access Lane- Emirati
Neighborhood Context
Figure 5.17: Typical Utility Reservations for Street - Residential and Emirati
Neighborhood Contexts
Figure 5.18: Typical Utility Reservations for Avenue- Residential and Emirati
Neighborhood Contexts
Figure 5.19: Typical Utility Reservations for Boulevard - Residential and
Emirati Neighborhood Contexts
Figure 5.20: Typical Utility Reservations for Access Lane Industrial Context
Figure 5.21: Typical Utility Reservations for Street Industrial Context
Figure 5.22: Typical Utility Reservations for Avenue Industrial Context
Figure 5.23: Typical Utility Reservations for Boulevard Industrial Context
Figure 5.24: Typical Arrangement of Utilities at Intersections Access Lane x
Access Lane
Figure 5.25: Surface Finish of Utilities at intersections Access Lane x Access
Lane
Figure 5.26: Typical Arrangement of Utilities at Intersections Option 1
Figure 5.27: Surface Finish of Utilities at intersections Option 1
Figure 5.28: Typical Arrangement of Utilities at Intersections Option 2
Figure 5.29: Surface Finish of Utilities at intersections Option 2
Figure 5.30: Typical Arrangement of Utilities at Intersections Option 3
Figure 5.31: Surface Finish of Utilities at intersections Option 3
Figure 5.32: Typical Arrangement of Utilities at Roundabouts
Figure 5.33: Surface Finish of Utilities at Roundabouts
Figure 5.34: Typical Arrangement of Utility Tunnel Option 1
Figure 5.35: Typical Arrangement of Utility Tunnel Option 2
Figure 5.36: Typical Utility Corridor Arrangement for Streets with Metro /
Tram Lanes Option 1
Figure 5.37: Typical Utility Corridor Arrangement for Streets with Metro /
Tram Lanes Option 2
List of Figures
Page iii
Table 2.1: Stakeholders Roles and Responsibilities
Table 3.1: Utility Disposition Arrangement
Table 4.1: City Context Street ROW
Table 4.2: Town Context Street ROW
Table 4.3: Commercial Context Street ROW
Table 4.4: Residential Context Street ROW
Table 4.5: Industrial Context Street ROW
Table 4.6: Emirati Neighborhood Context Street ROW
Table 4.7: Water Supply Pipe Corridor Requirements
Table 4.8: Water Supply Corridor Allocation
Table 4.9: Wastewater Pipe Corridor Requirements
Table 4.10: Wastewater Corridor Allocation
Table 4.11: Irrigation System Pipe Corridor Requirements
Table 4.12: Irrigation System Corridor Allocation
Table 4.13: Stormwater Drainage Pipe Corridor Requirements
Table 4.14: Stormwater Drainage Corridor Allocation
Table 4.15: District Cooling Pipe Corridor Requirements
Table 4.16: District Cooling Chamber Corridor Requirements
Table 4.17: District Cooling System Corridor Allocation
Table 4.18: ADDC / AADC Power Corridor Allocation
Table 4.19 : Street Lighting Corridor Allocation
Table 4.20: Preferred Telecom Duct Corridor Requirements
Table 4.21: Telecom Corridor Allocation
Table 4.22: Gas Supply Corridor Allocation
Table 4.23: Minimum Space Requirements From Gas Installations during
Utility Repair
Table 5.1: Utility Reservations for Access Lane City Context
Table 5.2: Utility Reservations for Street City Context
Table 5.3: Utility Reservations for Avenue City Context
Table 5.4: Utility Reservations for Boulevard City Context
Table 5.5: Utility Reservations for Access Lane Town Context
Table 5.6: Utility Reservations for Street Town Context
Table 5.7: Utility Reservations for Avenue Town Context
Table 5.8: Utility Reservations for Boulevard Town Context
Table 5.9: Utility Reservations for Access Lane Commercial Context
Table 5.10: Utility Reservations for Street Commercial Context
Table 5.11: Utility Reservations for Avenue Commercial Context
Table 5.12: Utility Reservations for Boulevard Commercial Context
Table 5.13: Utility Reservations for Access Lane- Residential Context
Table 5.14: Utility Reservations for Access Lane- Emirati Neighborhood
Context (Excluding Type 1)
Table 5.15: Utility Reservations for Street - Residential and Emirati
Neighborhood Contexts
Table 5.16: Utility Reservations for Avenue - Residential and Emirati
Neighborhood Contexts
Table 5.17: Utility Reservations for Boulevard - Residential and Emirati
Neighborhood Contexts
Table 5.18: Utility Reservations for Access Lane Industrial Context
Table 5.19: Utility Reservations for Street Industrial Context
Table 5.20: Utility Reservations for Avenue Industrial Context
Table 5.21: Utility Reservations for Boulevard Industrial Context
List of Tables
Page iv
www.upc.gov.ae
Chapter 1 - Foundation
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Manual Goals and Intent
1.3 Overview of Abu Dhabi Emirate 2030 Plans / Urban Street Design Manual (USDM)
1.4 Compliance with the Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual
1.5 Manual Jurisdiction
1.6 Applying this Manual
1.7 Manual Applicability
1.8 Design Flexibility
Chapter 1-2
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 1 - Foundation
1.1 Introduction
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) has
created a Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM) that
conforms to / complements the Abu Dhabi Urban
Street Design Manual (USDM) issued in 2010, to be
applied for new urban developments. The USDM
defines the Right-of-Way of various families of streets
based on the land use context within developments.
The Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM) defines the
location and width of the various utilities envisaged
to be constructed within the streets of new urban
developments in the Emirate. The target users of the
Manual include any party involved directly or indirectly
in the design and installation of utilities and all related
facilities within urban developments. Accordingly,
the main target users include, but are not limited to,
developers, urban planners, infrastructure engineers
/ designers and contractors involved in the design and
construction of any new urban development within
the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The UCDM shall be applied in conjunction with the
USDM, the Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual, the
Building Code published by concerned agencies and
the utility corridor mapping specification published
by DMA, all of which are currently applicable in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Applicable manuals that should be considered
alongside the UCDM:
Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual
Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual
Building Code
Utility Corridor Mapping Specification
1.2 Manual Goals and Intent
The UCDM has been prepared to realize the following
objectives:
Provide standard arrangements for the installation of utilities within the Right-of-Way of the streets;
Assist utility providers / developers to complete utility installations with minimum delays and
minimum interference with other utilities to ensure
the timely installation of utilities;
Minimize service disruptions and avoid damage to adjacent utilities during installation and / or repair
of utilities;
Minimize disruption to the traffic during the installation and maintenance of utilities;
Ensure standards and specifications are understood and achieved; and
Standardize utility locations to facilitate maintenance activities.
Further to the Manual objectives, it is expected that
the UCDM will facilitate the coordination between
the various utility providers, regulatory authorities
and consultants which will minimize the time taken
for approving the utility disposition details / drawings.
In addition, the UCDM will provide guidelines that
will minimize conflicts in the design of various utility
allocation. In particular, it clearly defines the location
and corridor width for each utiltiy.
The preparation of the UCDM comprised the following:
Identifying the requirements and current practices of the various stakeholders / utility providers /
Government agencies within the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi for the installation and maintenance of the
different utilities.
Incorporating the requirements in the proposed utility installation configurations so as to ensure
that the proposed reservations and their locations
are achievable, can be constructed and maintained,
and are acceptable to the concerned authorities /
utility providers.
Carrying out a bench marking study and comparing the current requirements to international standards
and common practices within other countries.
Providing guidelines to optimize the placement / installation of utilities within the limited Right-of-
Ways (ROWs) of the various street families proposed
by the USDM.
Chapter 1-3
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 1 - Foundation
Specifying the most appropriate / optimized configurations for the location of the different
utilities and their respective corridor widths.
Defining typical utility disposition (cross-sections) for the different street families within the different
land use contexts as per the USDM. These shall be
adopted for the utility dispositions within the ROWs
of streets for all future developments within the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi. 1.3 Overview of Abu Dhabi Emirate 2030 Plans / Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual (USDM)
The UPC has published three regional framework
plans for the future developments within the Emirate
of Abu Dhabi. To support the implementation of Plan
Capital 2030, Plan Al Ain 2030 and Plan Al Gharbia
2030, the UPC also developed the Abu Dhabi Urban
Street Design Manual (USDM) which presents a new
view of urban street design practices for the Emirate
of Abu Dhabi in accordance with the aspirations of
Vision 2030. The USDM prescribes greater mobility
and safety for non-vehicular traffic and deviates from
the conventional classification of streets based on
traffic volumes; it also provides street families, which
are defined for each land use context.
The USDM focuses on pedestrian safety by providing
narrower ROWs and travel lane widths that reduce the
interaction time between pedestrians and vehicular
traffic.
The USDM attempts to promote urban identity and
environmental sustainability within the Emirate of
Abu Dhabi. The USDM provides for high-quality urban
designs which cater for all modes of transport and
renders the urban environment a pleasant and safe
place to walk, cycle, use public transport and private
vehicles.
The design approach adopted by the USDM urges
designers to distribute the estimated travel /
trip demands over multiple streets, rather than
concentrating the traffic volumes along a main arterial
or boulevrad.
Traffic distribution is achieved by providing a greater
number of alternative travel routes, mainly through an
improved connectivity of multiple narrower streets,
instead of one wide arterial, within urban areas.
The USDM presents typical cross sections of urban
roads which are subdivided into six main contexts,
based on adjacent land use. In addition, four street
families for each land use context are provided to
satisfy transport demand.
As stated in the USDM, the typical cross sections take
into consideration the need to balance all stakeholders
requirements to design a transport facility that fits its
applicable setting.
Based on the transport demands and the stakeholders
requirements for different street families within each
context, the USDM indicates the various elements for
each street type, along with their minimum width
requirements and maximum allowable widths. Using
these criteria and the street elements dimensions,
the Right-Of-Way for each street type is established.
Chapter 1-4
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 1 - Foundation
1.4 Compliance with the Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual
The USDM represents a major departure in the design
of streets in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for a number
of reasons. Firstly, the carriageway configurations
have been redefined to support and promote more
sustainable modes of transport such as pedestrian
walkways, cycle lanes, and mass transport facilities.
Under the new design criteria incorporated in the
USDM, the pedestrian replaces the motor vehicle as
the focal point of transport. In addition to refocusing
design criteria on pedestrian and alternative modes of
transport, the streetscape has been altered significantly
to make use of buildings to create shade for streets
and to other buildings thus improving cooling
efficiencies within buildings. This trend towards more
sustainable design has resulted in narrower ROWs. This
fundamental change in the streetscape design resulted
in the need to make equally fundamental changes to
the utility dispositions within the determined ROWs of
streets.
Moreover, because ample reservation space was
provided under the previous wide street design
solutions, utility corridors have tended to be oversized
in comparison to other countries, which were
constrained by narrower ROWs.
Chapter 1-5
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 1 - Foundation
1.5 Manual Jurisdiction
For the purpose of this Manual, urban streets are all
streets within new urban developments of the Emirate of
Abu Dhabi. This Manual does not apply to rural roads and
freeways. Urban areas / developments are defined in
Plan Capital 2030, Plan Al Ain 2030, and Plan Al Gharbia
2030. With regard to installation and / or replacement
of utilities within existing urban streets, the guidelines
given in the Manual shall be adopted; however, the
location shall be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
The approval of the design of the respective utilities
remains within the jurisdiction of the relevant
authorities / utility providers listed in Chapter 2.
This Manual shall be implemented by the Municipalities
of the different regions in the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi. All proposed deviations from the standards
and provisions contained in this Manual shall be
approved by the UPC in advance of implementation.
This Manual shall supersede and replace herewith all
portions of Authorities / utility providers standards
and guidelines pertaining to the utility corridor width
and location, which may be in conflict with material
contained herein.
1.6 Applying this Manual
This Manual provides the general guidelines and
standards for the allocation of utility corridors within
the different street families proposed by the USDM.
This Manual indicates the required pipe / cable and
chamber / manhole corridor widths for each utility
and for each street type.
Under certain instances, more than one option is
proposed for the same street type. These additional
options are included to provide more flexibility for the
designer. Typical plans and sections are presented
at the end of this Manual to illustrate the proposed
disposition for each street type and each land use
context. This Manual also provides typical utility
dispositions / details at intersections and roundabouts.
It is important to note that this Manual only covers
the standard solutions which are appropriate to
address the more common requirements. However, in
instances where special design solutions are required,
the designer needs to develop an understanding of
the applicable solutions as discussed in this Manual
in order to identify the most appropriate and effective
solutions.
The provisions of this Manual shall not dispense with
any of the design requirements and standards already
established by the authorities and utility providers
within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, except for those
provided for utility corridor width and utility corridor
location, if these are in conflict with the standards and
guidelines established in this Manual.
All trench and chamber / manhole details shall be
in accordance with the requirements and general
details of the concerned authority / utility provider,
with the exception of those that may be in conflict
with the surface finish requirements as stated in
this Manual and / or in the USDM. Furthermore, all
installation procedures shall follow the guidelines of
the concerned authority / utility provider.
1.7 Manual Applicability
The Manual shall be applied to new urban
developments only as defined by the Plan Capital
2030, Plan Al Ain 2030, and Plan Al Gharbia 2030
framework plans. The revitalization of existing
developments will require a case-by-case study of
utility corridors, where some of the utilities shown
under the carriageway in this Manual could be located
outside the carriageway limits to avoid disruption to
traffic. However, the designer shall be guided by this
Manual and shall adopt one of the options provided,
where possible.
Chapter 1-6
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 1 - Foundation
1.8 Design Flexibility
This Manual provides a combination of standards
and guidelines that ensure flexible and innovative
utility corridor location and width design. Generally,
standards either mandate specific practices or
prohibit others, whereas guidelines are sets of rules
that provide flexibility in the design.
The purpose of this Manual is to define the utility
corridor location and width and NOT to define the
urban street Right-of-Way (ROW) as this will be
defined by the urban planner as per the requirements
of the USDM. The ROWs of the various streets
illustrated in the UCDM represent the minimum ROWs
necessary for utility installation, as per the minimum
street element widths defined in the USDM. However,
the planner may increase the ROW taking into
consideration the minimum and maximum widths of
the street elements given in the USDM while strictly
adhering to the widths of the various utility corridors
defined in the UCDM; under these circumstances the
location of some utilities may be altered, as discussed
in Section 4.1. Under no circumstances shall the ROW
of the streets be increased based on increasing the
utility corridor widths, except for those conditions
identified in the UCDM.
Moreover, as indicated in the USDM, some additional
public / pedestrian passages such as Sikka and
Mushtarak may be introduced within the urban
developments; under these circumstances the utilities
located under the carriageway of the streets may be
relocated to under these passages as discussed in
Section 4.1 of this Manual.
In all instances, this Manual must be applied in
conjunction with supporting documents from all
agencies having jurisdiction. Design options and
guidelines for various street types given in this Manual
are the preferred design options for utility disposition
within the urban streets of Abu Dhabi. However, the
service corridor designs presented in this Manual shall
be adopted in all instances, except in special cases
where the UPCs approval has been obtained.
Whenever a proposed design requires deviation(s)
from the set guidelines, alternative solutions shall be
presented and agreed in advance with the UPC.
www.upc.gov.ae
2.1 Authorities and Utility Providers
2.2 Types of Utilities
2.3 Coordination and Management of Utility Corridors
Chapter 2 - Stakeholders and Utilities
Chapter 2-2
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 2 - Stakeholders and Utilities
2.1 Authorities and Utility Providers
The relevant authorities and utility providers
responsible for the various utility installations within
urban and non-urban areas in the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi include, but are not be limited to, the following:
Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC);
Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA);
Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM);
Al Ain Municipality (AAM);
Western Region Municipality (WRM);
Western Region Development Council (WRDC);
Eastern Region Development Council (ERDC);
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA);
Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company (TRANSCO)
Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC);
Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC);
Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC);
Emirates Telecommunication Corporation (Etisalat);
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du);
Abu Dhabi Gas Industries LTD (GASCO);
Dolphin Energy (DE);
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC);
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution (ADNOC Distribution)
Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO);
Department of Transport (DoT);
Western Region Development Council (WRDC);
General Directorate of Civil Defense (ADCD);
National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NECMA);
Abu Dhabi Signal Corps;
Parks and Recreation Facilities Division (PRFD);
Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones, Zones Corp (ZC);
Center of Waste Management - Abu Dhabi;
General Headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police - GHQ.
The above listed authorities, utility providers and
organizations may have a direct role and / or an indirect
role in the review and approval of utility installations
and should be consulted during the various stages of
design, as applicable.
Table 2.1 lists all stakeholders that may be involved
in the review and approval of the utility installations
and summarizes their roles and responsibilities in this
regard.
Chapter 2-3
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 2 - Stakeholders and Utilities
Table 2.1: Stakeholders Roles and Responsibilities
Stakeholders Category Stakeholders Role / Responsibility
Regulatory Authorities Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council UPC
Department o`f Municipal Affairs - DMA
Abu Dhabi Municipality -ADM
Al Ain Municipality - AAM
Western Region Municipality - WRM
Western Region Development Council - WRDC
Eastern Region Development Council - ERDC
Implement the UCDM, regulate, review and approve any deviations from the guidelines provided in the Manual.
Utility Providers Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority - ADWEA
Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company - TRANSCO
Abu Dhabi Distribution Company - ADDC
Al Ain Distribution Company - AADC
Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company - ADSSC
Emirates Telecommunication Corporation - Etisalat
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC - du
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution - ADNOC Distribution
National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority - NECMA
Abu Dhabi Signal Corps
Department of Transport - DoT
Parks and Recreation Facilities Division - PRFD
Approve designs of utility reservations based on the guidelines included in the Manual
Users Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones, Zones Corp - ZC
Developers
Consultants / designers
Contractors
Apply the guidelines included in the Manual so as to ensure conformance to the Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual, Abu Dhabi Public Realm Manual and the Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual.
Authorities General Directorate of Civil Defense - ADCD
Center of Waste Management - Abu Dhabi
General Headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police - GHQ
Dolphin Energy - DE
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution - ADNOC Distribution
Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations - ADCO
Indirect role in implementation of the Manual. Consultation in cases where utilities may interfere with their own assets.
Chapter 2-4
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 2 - Stakeholders and Utilities
2.2 Types of Utilities
The utilities considered in this Manual include all the
utilities that are currently used in the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi as well as the utilities that may be considered
in the future.
In general, the main utilities that occupy part of roads
ROWs (in addition to the clearance) can be divided into
the following two categories:
Road utilities; and
Building utilities
Road utilities include the infrastructure systems that
serve the road itself, such as stormwater drainage,
street lighting, fiber optic systems and landscape
irrigation systems.
Building utilities include infrastructure systems
that service the buildings located on the side of the
road; these include the water supply, power supply,
telecommunication system, gas network, district
cooling system and wastewater collection system.
These utilities fall under the responsibility of the
respective utility providers in conjunction with the
Municipalities.
The utilities covered by the UCDM include:
Water distribution system;
Wastewater collection system;
Landscape irrigation water supply system;
Urban stormwater drainage system;
Gas network;
Power supply, including high voltage (HV) that supplies primary substations, medium voltage (MV),
low voltage (LV);
Telecommunication network;
Fiber optic networks, including fiber optic systems to include: the DoTs (Intelligent Transportation
System: ITS), ADM-TSS (Traffic Control System:
TCS), Signal Corp, National Emergency And Crisis
Management Authority - NECMA (Falcon Eye), and
AD Police;
District Cooling Network; and
Street Lighting.
In addition to the above, allocation of corridors for trees
/ landscaping is also accounted for, and guidelines for
the arrangement of solid waste collection facilities /
bins is also provided for.
2.3 Coordination and Management of Utility Corridors
Effective management and design of utility
installations are imperative for the safe and expedient
construction and maintenance of the road network.
Close coordination with utility providers is essential to
meet these objectives.
This will necessitate that the UPC, DoT, the
Municipalities (ADM, AAM, and WRM), and the
utility companies representatives meet regularly to
exchange information to help avoid conflicts between
utility companies projects and Municipal projects,
in terms of location, construction or method of
installation of utilities within the ROW of streets.
Work within the public ROW by contractors and /
or utility companies requires proper coordination
between these companies and the authorities to
ensure appropriate utilization of the ROW. Among
the issues that need to be coordinated, public
safety, pedestrians, cyclists and drivers comfort,
aesthetics and cost-effectiveness of the implemented
reinstatement strategy are considered of utmost
importance.
Chapter 2-5
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 2 - Stakeholders and Utilities
The operation and maintenance of the utilities will
benefit from efficient and effective coordination.
Inter-agency coordination during the installation and /
or operation and maintenance activities will maximize
the benefits and ensure the following:
Reduction in road maintenance costs;
Provision of smoother roads with fewer closures for maintenance / rehabilitation activities;
Provision of cost effective engineered solutions which are suitable for the local conditions;
Promotion of consistent policies which eliminate disputes among stakeholders; and
Expediting project delivery and avoidance of project delays in the preliminary engineering,
preconstruction and construction phases.
www.upc.gov.ae
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Design Process
3.3 Design Options
3.4 Documents to be Submitted
Chapter 3 - Design and Approval Process
Chapter 3-2
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 3 - Design and Approval Process
3.1 Introduction
The design of utility corridors involves a thorough
understanding of the design of the new street families
and the definition of the various elements of the
streets. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of
the requirements of all utility providers and agencies
is necessary.
This understanding is required to enable the designer
to clearly define utility corridor widths and locations
based on the intended use of the street and the type
of the development to be serviced. The following
sections illustrate the design process that shall be
adopted during the application of the UCDM.
3.2 Design Process
The design process generally involves several steps
that shall be carried out in a chronological order to
execute the project objectives. The required steps are
as follows:
1. Data and information collection;
2. Conceptual design development;
3. Evaluation and review of design / obtain
preliminary approval / or rejection.
4. Finalize design; and
5. Obtain final approvals.
3.2.1 Step 1: Gather & Present Information
Prior to the initiation of the design of any development,
the designer shall issue a Notice of Intent (NOI)
requesting information on any existing utilities and /
or constraints imposed by ongoing or planned projects
in the vicinity of the development.
The design of the utilities and their related disposition
drawings will also involve the collection of all the
relevant data, standards and design guidelines
adopted by the respective utility providers, including
the UCDM.
The designer shall review the requirements of the
various authorities and utility providers prior to
initiating conceptual designs of the utility networks.
During this step it is essential that the designer agrees
on all the requirements with the respective authorities
and / or utility provider, before proceeding with
desgin.
Chapter 3-3
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 3 - Design and Approval Process
3.2.2 Step 2: Develop Conceptual Design
The second step involves developing the conceptual
design of the utilities taking into consideration the
planning and transportation requirements of the
development under consideration. This step involves
coordination between the planners, transport
engineers and utilities engineers in order to agree
on an optimized design of the roads and utilities that
will meet the requirements of the intended use of the
development.
3.2.3 Step 3: Evaluate & Review Design
During this step, the designer shall prepare the
necessary documentation including the basis of the
design, drawings, conceptual design calculations,
etc. and coordinate with the authorities and utility
providers. The main objective of this step is to ensure
that proposed concepts comply with the various utility
providers and authorities requirements.
The utility engineer
shall select the utility
arrangement options
defined in this Manual
which best suit the
street ROWs defined
by the urban planner
and street designer.
Once the most suitable
utility arrangement /
disposition configuration is selected, the designer
shall seek preliminary approvals for the proposed
service corridor from the Town Planning Departments
of the relevant Municipality in order to proceed with
final design.
During this step, the designer shall also obtain the
approval of the respective utility providers on the
design of utilities. In addition, the approval of the
UPC on the conceptual urban planning design of the
development shall be secured.
3.2.4 Step 4: Finalize Design
Once the preliminary approvals from the Town
Planning Department of the relevant Municipality,
utility providers and the UPC are obtained, the
designer shall proceed with finalizing the designs; in
particular, finalizing the utility disposition drawings
for the various street types within the development
in accordance with the guidelines provided in this
Manual.
1. Development of Conceptual Design
Design review and evaluation
Design, review & evaluate
Chapter 3-4
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 3 - Design and Approval Process
Review procedures and requirements set by the Municipalities (ADM, AAM, and WRM) with respect to the utili disposition / arrangement.
Prepare utili disposition sections and plans based on the requirements of the development taking into considera-tion the defined street ROW based on the USDM and planning requirements.
Submit utili disposi-tion plans and sections to the Municipalities for approval.
Review Municipali Requirements
Prepare Design / Utili Disposition Sections
Upon approval by Municipalities, implement any comments and submit the design drawings and documents to Utili providers for final approval.
Submit to Utili Providers
Submit for Approval
3.2.5 Step 5: Obtain Final Approvals
During this stage, the designer shall submit the
final designs to the different agencies to obtain the
final NOC and then submit the urban design of the
development, including the utility disposition designs,
to the UPC for detailed planning approval.
3.3 Design Options
The utility disposition sections provided by this Manual in
Annex A are intended to account for all utilities currently
being installed in Abu Dhabi and other utilities which are
expected to be installed in the future. In some instances
several options are provided for the same type of street;
in these instances, the designer shall select the option
that is most appropriate for the design.
Wherever some of the utilities included in the UCDM
are not required, the designer shall maintain the unused
allocated corridors as spare corridors. However, if the
spare / unused corridors are needed for other utilities,
the designer shall submit alternative proposals for
utility dispositions to the UPC for review and approval.
The designer shall abide by the required utility corridors
specified in this Manual. If the design of the roads does
not allow for a street type with a larger ROW, and if
the design of the utilities require larger corridors, the
designer shall:
Receive special approval for a wider ROW in the specified street, after submission of technical
justifications for the wider corridor requirements
(E.g.: larger pipeline diameter required based on
hydraulic calculations; number of cables; etc.); or
If the increase of ROW is critical to the development, the designer may use a utility tunnel. The general
guidelines for the design of a utility tunnel are
included in this Manual.
Chapter 3-5
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 3 - Design and Approval Process
3.4 Documents to be Submitted
The designer shall abide by the procedures and
requirements set by the Municipalities (ADM, AAM,
and WRM) with respect to the utility disposition /
arrangement approval, in accordance with the
requirements of this Manual. In this regard, the
designer shall submit all the required documents and
drawings including but not limited to the following:
Detailed utility disposition plans, reflecting the relative locations of the various utility corridors in
GIS format as per the UPCs GIS section - Spatial
Data Submission Specifications, and adopting an
appropriate color coding for each utility corridor.
Detailed utility disposition section in CAD format showing the location of the utilities
from the street / carriageway centerline in
millimeters or meters. A sample utility
disposition section is shown in Figure 3.1.
The submitted documents shall abide by / be in
accordance with the latest version of the Utility
Corridor Mapping Specifications published by the
Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA). Figure 3.1: Utility Disposition ArrangementAll dimensions are in mm
www.upc.gov.ae
4.1 Right-of-Ways (ROW) Determined by the Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual (USDM)
4.2 Design Considerations and Requirements
4.3 Utility Installation, Operation and Maintenance
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
Chapter 4-2
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.1 Right-of-Ways (ROW) Determined by the Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual (USDM)
The ROW defined by the Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design
Manual shall be respected by all proposed designs for
utilities. The USDM defines the various elements of
the streets and their use. The USDM defines the ROW
for the different types of streets based on the land
use context. A summary of the standard and absolute
minimum ROW for the various types of street families,
as determined by the USDM, is provided hereafter.
Different types for the same street family are included;
also, a description of the elements of each street type
is presented in Annex A.
The ROW, defined in this section for the different land
use contexts, is the absolute and standard minimum
needed for the installation of utilities. The planner
may design the streets with a wider ROW based on
the USDM, by introducing the optional elements
on the pedestrian realm or increasing the width of
certain elements as defined by the USDM. In such
instances, the utilities shown under the carriageway
may be relocated under the sidewalk. The relocation
of utilities shall be based on the following:
The telecom corridor shall have the first priority
since this utility is more frequently accessed than
the other utilities placed under the carriageway;
The second priority shall be given to the district cooling system, if required;
The third priority shall be given to the gas system provided the minimum safe distance from the plot
boundary (as per the utility provider requirements)
is satisfied; and
The wastewater corridor shall be the fourth priority, followed by the stormwater drainage corridor.
In addition to the street families described herein,
the USDM introduces additional public / pedestrian
passages within developments, namely the mushtarak
and sikka.
In instances where a mushtarak or a sikka is introduced
as a parallel passage to one of the street families, and
is adjacent to the plot from the rear, the designer may
relocate the utilities proposed under the carriageway
to the mushtarak or sikka at the rear, provided the
mushtarak or sikka does not run parallel to a primary
electrical substation. A mushtarak or a sikka running
parallel to a primary electrical substation shall have
the priority for accommodating the power cables
originating from the primary electrical substation.
Priority for relocating utilities from the carriageway to
the mushtarak or sikka shall be given to the telecom,
district cooling system, gas system and wastewater
corridor in the same order. Subject to the previously
stated conditions, the stormwater corridor shall be
provided in the carriageway and in the mushtarak or
sikka.
Alternative Location for Services
Front Street Mushtarak / Sikka
Utilities within carriageway of front street, could
be relocated to Mushtarak or Sikka
Chapter 4-3
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
City Context
Within a city context, the USDM defines the
development as mixed-use central business districts
(CBD) having high-density neighborhoods and a high
level of pedestrian activities. In this landuse context,
buildings are typically seven storeys or higher. The
ROW of streets within the city context land use is
given in Table 4.1.
An access lane within this context is defined as a
service road from the rear of buildings intended
for garage / parking access as well as for garbage
collection and other building services / maintenance
operations.
Town Context
Within a town context, the USDM defines development
as mixed-use areas with medium levels of pedestrian
activity, where buildings are typically three to six
storeys. The ROW of streets for this land use context is
given in Table 4.2. Similar to the city context, an access
lane within this context is defined as a service road.
Commercial Context
The USDM defines the commercial context as areas
throughout the city intended to provide a variety
of working, shopping and service options and
convenience. An access lane within this context is
defined as a service road, similar to the town and city
contexts.
The ROW, as defined in the USDM based on the
absolute minimum allowance for the various street
elements, for this land use context is given in Table
4.3. Variations from the absolute minimum definitions
given in the USDM are considered in determining the
ROW of the various street families; these are clarified
in Annex A.Table 4.1: City Context Street ROWStreet Family
ROW
A
bsol
ute
Min
imum
Ty
pe 1
/1A
(m)
ROW
S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(T
ype
2) (
m)
ROW
S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(T
ype
3) (m
)
Boulevard without frontage 34.50 / 41.00
45.00 -
Boulevard with frontage 49.80 - -
Avenue without frontage 27.30 34.20 38.50
Avenue with frontage 41.30 - -
Street 17.20 21.40 25.40
Access lane 11.30 - -
Table 4.2: Town Context Street ROW
Street Family
ROW
A
bsol
ute
M
inim
um T
ype
1 /
1A
(m)
ROW
S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(Typ
e 2)
(m)
ROW
S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(Ty
pe 3
) (m
)
Boulevard without frontage 33.70 / 40.50 42.20 -
Boulevard with frontage 49.00 - -
Avenue without frontage 27.90 34.40 37.70
Avenue with frontage 41.30 - -
Street 17.20 20.20 24.60
Access lane 11.30 - -
Town Context
Commercial Context
Chapter 4-4
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
Residential Context
Within a residential context, the USDM defines
the development as areas that provide a variety of
housing opportunities, allowing for densities varying
from villas to multi-dwelling residential buildings. The
ROW for this land use context is given in Table 4.4.
The access lane in a residential context is intended to
provide vehicular access to villas and multi-dwelling
residential buildings. Based on this definition of the
access lane, all villas and residential buildings bound
by an access lane will be serviced by utilities from the
access lane.
Industrial Context
Within an industrial context, the USDM defines the
development as areas for businesses that have
potential to create adverse visual or other impacts
to adjoining public and residential properties. Uses
include light industries such as warehousing and
distribution with support commercial services and
ancillary office space. This context however, does not
include heavy industry zones, since such land uses
may require wider ROWs, wider travel lanes and in
particular special types / capacities of utilities. Heavy
industry zones will be treated on a case-by-case basis.
Nevertheless, it is expected that trucks will make up a
larger proportion of vehicles in the industrial context.
The ROW for this land use context is based on the
absolute minimum requirements of the USDM is given in
Table 4.5. The designer shall define the ROW for streets
within this context based on USDM requirements and is
allowed to increase the travel lane width; however, the
utility corridors within this context shall be as defined
in this Manual.
Table 4.3: Commercial Context Street ROW
Street Family
ROW
A
bsol
ute
M
inim
um T
ype
1 /
1A (m
)
ROW
S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(Typ
e 2)
(m)
ROW
S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(Ty
pe 3
) (m
)
Boulevard without frontage 33.70/ 40.50
44.60 -
Boulevard with frontage 48.90 - -
Avenue without frontage 27.90 34.00 37.90
Avenue with frontage 40.30 - -
Street 17.20 20.20 24.60
Access lane 11.30 - -
Table 4.4: Residential Context Street ROW
Street Family
ROW
A
bsol
ute
M
inim
um T
ype
1 /
1A
(m
)
ROW
S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(Typ
e 2)
(m)
ROW
S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(Ty
pe 3
) (m
)
Boulevard without frontage 32.50 / 41.00
43.10 -
Boulevard with frontage 47.70 - -
Avenue without frontage 26.20 32.50 37.30
Avenue with frontage 40.10 - -
Street 15.50 18.80 23.80
Access lane 13.90 - -
Residential Context
Chapter 4-5
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
Emirati Neighborhood Context
For the purposes of utility disposition and the UCDM,
a variation from the residential context was created,
namely the Emirati neighborhood context. Within this
context the ROW is similar to those of the residential
context, with the exception of the access lane street
type. In this context, special access lane types have
been defined and are desgined to meet the special
requirements within an Emirati neighborhood. Three
types of access lanes are introduced; the designer
shall select the most suitable for utility disposition /
arrangement based on the allocated ROW. The ROW
for the various street types within this context is given
in Table 4.6.
Table 4.5: Industrial Context Street ROW
Street Family
ROW
A
bsol
ute
M
inim
um T
ype
1 /
1A (m
)
ROW
S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(Typ
e 2)
(m)
ROW
S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(Ty
pe 3
) (m
)
Boulevard without frontage 32.50/ 39.40
44.00 -
Boulevard with frontage 49.40 - -
Avenue without frontage 26.80 33.20 38.60
Avenue with frontage 41.70 - -
Street 18.30 21.60 26.40
Access lane 12.90 - -
Table 4.6: Emirati Neighborhood Context Street ROW
Street Family
ROW
A
bsol
ute
M
inim
um T
ype
1 /
1A
(m
)
ROW
- S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(Typ
e 2)
(m)
ROW
- S
tand
ard
Min
imum
(Typ
e 3)
(m)
Boulevard without frontage 32.50 / 41.00
43.10 -
Boulevard with frontage 47.70 - -
Avenue without frontage 26.20 32.50 37.30
Avenue with frontage 40.10 - -
Street 15.50 18.80 23.80
Access lane 13.90 15.70 18.30
Industrial Context
Emirati Neighborhood
Chapter 4-6
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.2 Design Considerations and Requirements
Several factors affect the design of utility corridors. Some factors might differ
depending on the utility in question; however, many factors are common and
govern the design of corridors for almost any utility. Moreover, factors are divided
into two major categories; factors which govern the corridor in terms of its width,
and factors which govern the corridor in terms of its location.
The required corridor widths are normally governed by the minimum width
needed to properly install the utility and this comprises proper excavation, laying,
backfilling, compaction and reinstatement. The corridor width is also governed by
the size / width of the associated chambers and manholes that are installed along
the corridor.
Other factors also include operation and maintenance, repair and replacement
requirements.
Factors governing the location of the corridor include clearance requirements from
other utilities (mainly applicable between water and wastewater / treated sewage
effluent (TSE)), clearance requirements from plot limits and connections to plots
and inspection chambers, in addition to public safety considerations.
Other important considerations in locating utilities are the factors which govern
whether a utility can be installed under the carriageway or whether it should be
placed under the sidewalk.
Utilities which require frequent access should not be placed under the carriageway
because operation and maintenance requirements may cause frequent traffic
interruptions and frequent asphalt cutting and repairs.
Also, pressurized pipes such as water and irrigation water supply pipes might
cause significant damage to asphalted roads if pipe failure occurs; consequently,
these utilities are normally placed under sidewalks and / or block paved surfaces.
The utilities that can be accessed for repair through manholes are selected to be
installed under the travel lanes / carriageway.
In order to reduce the width of the ROW and optimize the location of each
utility corridor width, the design of the utility corridors shall adopt the concept
of staggering, whereby appurtenances (chambers and manholes) are allowed to
extend beyond the corridor limits to a shared corridor between adjacent utilities.
Chapter 4-7
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
However in all instances, the encroachment shall respect the minimum clearance
from the utility pipe / cable and accordingly, no encroachment on the pipe / cable
corridor shall be allowed. This is mainly applicable to utilities which require a wider
corridor at the locations of the appurtenances / chambers.
Thus, a shared corridor is created between adjacent utilities to accommodate the
appurtenances of the utilities. Each utility shall have a dedicated corridor that
accommodates the minimum pipe / cable requirements, referred to as the pipe /
cable corridor.
In addition, minimum clearance of 1.0m shall be maintained between the plot
boundary and the first utility adjacent to it. Clearance next to the plot boundary
shall be used for the installation of inspection chambers / house connections.
Consequently, the plot boundary wall foundation shall not be allowed to extend
beyond the plot boundary limit into the ROW.
All utilities shall be installed up to the plot boundary limit, whereby the pipe and /
or cable shall be extended to the inspection chamber, valve box, etc. near the plot
boundary.
For utilities installed on one side of the ROW or under the carriageway, ducts for
utility crossing to the opposite plot shall be installed at the same time the primary
system is installed within the ROW.
SIDEWALK
DEDICATED CORRIDOR SHARED CORRIDOR
SIDEWALKTRAVEL LANES (ASPHALT) PARKING LANES(BLOCK PAVED)
Chapter 4-8
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.2.1 Water Supply Corridor
Two criteria govern the required corridor width for the
water supply network. The first is the pipe corridor
width determined by the pipe size / diameter, and
the second is the chamber corridor width, which
is determined by the width of appurtenance(s) /
chambers. While the former dictates the minimum
width to house the pipe, the latter is normally required
to house the outer width / dimension of the chambers
/ manholes, as required.
In general, the fire fighting network is combined
with the potable water network. In instances where
a dedicated ring main is required for the fire fighting
network to ensure the minimum required residual
pressure at the hydrants, the ROW under the sidewalk
shall be increased to accommodate fire fighting pipes
subject to UPC approval.
4.2.1.1 Water Supply Pipe Corridor Width Requirements
Pipe corridor width requirements are based on the
pipe material and / or pipe diameter. Pipe diameters
vary depending on the land use context as well as the
street type, as larger streets are expected to contain
larger pipes.
Minimum pipe corridor width requirements were
estimated based on best practice procedures in Abu
Dhabi Emirate, the requirements for different pipe
diameters are shown in Table 4.7.
4.2.1.2 Water Supply Appurtenances
In addition to isolation valve chambers, water
networks comprise other chambers / appurtenances
including washout valve chambers, air vent chambers,
flow meter chambers, sector meter chambers, fire
hydrants and several others.
All details shall be in accordance with ADWEA /
TRANSCO / ADDC / AADC standards and typical details.
External chamber dimensions shall be limited to 1.5m
for all pipes with diameters less than or equal to
300mm and shall not exceed 2.2m, for pipe diameters
between 300mm and 600mm, and 2.7m for larger
diameters, as shown on the typical sections in Annex
A.
For valve chambers at intersecting pipes, it is
recommended to utilize chambers for single valve
installation so as to reduce the chamber dimensions.
In instances where two valves are installed at a T
connection, it is recommended that the valves are
installed in separate chambers before the street
intersection. However if a common chamber for the
valves is to be used, the chamber shall be allowed to
encroach on the adjacent clearance corridor from the
plot boundary.
Table 4.7: Water Supply Pipe Corridor Requirements
Pipe Diameter (mm) Pipe Corridor Width (mm)
150 500
200 600
300 700
400 1000
500 1200
600 1300
700 1400
800 1500
900 1600
1000 1800
Chapter 4-9
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.2.1.3 Water Supply Chamber Corridor
The minimum chamber corridor width shall be equal
to the width of the largest chamber required for the
pipe installed and shall at no point be less than the
required pipe corridor width.
In instances where the street ROW is limited, the
chambers shall be allowed to encroach on the corridor
of the adjacent utility provided the pipe corridor width
of the adjacent utility is maintained.
Based on the same principle, chambers /
appurtenances of adjacent utilities shall be allowed to
encroach on the water chamber corridor provided the
required pipe corridor width is maintained.
The standard minimum pipe and chamber corridor
widths required for the water pipes for the different
street families are presented in Table 4.8.
In some instances where the ROW is limited, and
taking into consideration the land use context and
expected demands, absolute minimum pipe and
chamber corridor widths are also estimated and are
included in Table 4.8 between parentheses.
4.2.1.4 Water Supply Special Arrangements
Although the corridor allocations, as summarized
in Table 4.8, can accommodate most water
appurtenances, a few specific appurtenances /
chambers might require special arrangements /
considerations. Accordingly, the designer shall provide
the necessary allocations within the development
plan outside the ROW of the streets (away from
footpaths and the furnishing zone) for the following
appurtenances, whenever required:
District Meters (DMS) shall be installed in open areas. In instances where the DMS need to be installed
within the street ROW, a localized widening of the
street ROW can be considered;
Bulk connections shall be placed within the plot boundary while providing accessibility to ADWEA /
ADDC / AADC staff;
Washout chambers shall be installed, whenever possible, within parks and open spaces;
Fire hydrants shall be installed within the tree corridor; and
Flow meters shall be installed within buildings plots.
In addition, TRANSCO water lines shall be accounted
for by the designer as per TRANSCO water corridor
requirements, independently of the above required
water corridors.
TRANSCO water corridors shall be installed based on
one of the following guidelines after securing UPC
approval on the approach adopted:
Increasing the ROW of the street where a TRANSCO water main is installed; or
Introducing within the development a dedicated corridor for the TRANSCO water main.
Table 4.8: Water Supply Corridor Allocation
Street Family Side 1 Side 2
Pipe
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Cham
ber
Corr
idor
W
idth
(m)
Pipe
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Cham
ber
Corr
idor
W
idth
(m)
Access lane 1.0 1.5 1.0 1.5
Street 1.0 1.5 1.0 1.5
Avenue 1.0 1.5 1.3 (1.0)
2.2 (1.5)
Boulevard 1.0 1.5 1.8 (1.3)
2.7 (2.2)
(x) Indicates the absolute minimum pipe and chamber corridor width
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Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.2.1.5 Water Supply System Pipe Depth
The depth of the water supply system shall be in
accordance with the requirements of ADDC / AADC.
The minimum depths for water pipes are shown in
Annex A.
The designer shall take into consideration varying the
depth of water pipes so as to allow for the vertical
clearance of pipe and other utilities, in particular at
intersections and for house connection installation.
In all instances, the water pipe shall be installed above
wastewater and irrigation pipes with a minimum
vertical clearance of 300mm. In the case where an
irrigation line or a wastewater line crosses over a
water pipeline, all pipes shall be encased in concrete
or installed within a sleeve.
4.2.1.6 Location of the Water Corridor
The first corridor after the clearance from the plot
boundary, shall always be reserved for the water lines
on both sides of the street. Whenever valve chambers
are required, the chambers are allowed to encroach
on the clearance from the plot boundary.
Whenever the corridor width for the primary main is not
sufficient for the construction of the appurtenances,
the chambers are allowed to encroach on adjacent
utility corridors provided the encroachment does not
extend into the pipe / cable corridor reservation of the
adjacent utility.
Similarly, adjacent utility appurtenances are allowed
to encroach on the water supply main corridor,
provided that such encroachment does not extend
into the water main pipe corridor.
A minimum clear distance of 1.0m shall be maintained
between the water corridor and any wastewater or
irrigation / TSE corridor. This distance can be reduced
to 0.8m if a third utility separates the water from the
sewer and / or irrigation lines.
Chapter 4-11
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.2.2 Wastewater Collection Corridor
Similar to the water supply system, two criteria
dictate the required corridor width for the wastewater
collection network. The first is the pipe corridor width
as determined by the pipe diameter, and the second
is the manhole width / diameter. While the former
imposes the minimum width required for the whole
length of the corridor, the latter is normally required
at connections and changes in direction or slopes at
manhole locations.
4.2.2.1 Wastewater Pipe Corridor Width Requirements
Pipe corridor width requirements are generally based
on pipe diameters. The required pipe diameter varies
depending on the wastewater flow which in turn
depends on the land use context as well as the street
type.
In general, larger pipes are expected to run within the
wider roads. The pipe corridor width requirements for
the different pipe diameters are shown in Table 4.9.
4.2.2.2 Wastewater Manholes
Manhole dimensions and details shall be in
accordance with ADSSCs standards and typical
details. Accordingly, manhole dimensions are limited
to 2.0m for all pipes less than 500mm in diameter,
2.8m for all pipes between 500mm and 900mm in
diameter and 3.2m for larger pipe diameters. In some
locations the manhole dimension might be 4.0m so as
to accommodate manholes for pipes with diameters
larger than 1400mm.
4.2.2.3 Wastewater Pipe Depth
The minimum depth of the wastewater pipe shall be
in accordance with the requirements of ADSSC, and
as per the design requirements . The minimum depth
of wastewater pipes are shown on the typical sections
in Annex A.
In all instances, the wastewater pipe shall be installed
below water pipes with a minimum vertical clearance
of 300mm in accordance with utility providers
requirements. In the case where a wastewater pipe
crosses over a water pipeline, especially at house
connections, all pipes shall be encased in concrete or
installed within a sleeve.
Table 4.9: Wastewater Pipe Corridor Requirements
Pipe Diameter (mm) Pipe Corridor Width (mm)
200 500
300 600
400 800
500 930
600 1050
700 1180
800 1300
1000 1550
1200 1800
1400 2050
1600 2300
Manhole Ring Installation
Chapter 4-12
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.2.2.4 Wastewater Corridor
The minimum corridor width shall be equal to the
width / diameter of the largest manhole along the pipe
and shall at no point be less than the required pipe
corridor width.
In instances where the street ROW is limited, the
manholes shall be allowed to encroach on the
adjacent space, which is defined as a shared corridor
between adjacent utilities. The shared corridor shall
under no circumstances extend into the dedicated
pipe / cable corridor of the adjacent utility. Based
on the same principle, chambers / appurtenances
of adjacent utilities shall be allowed to encroach on
the wastewater corridor provided the required pipe
corridor width for wastewater pipes is maintained.
The standard minimum pipe and manhole corridor
widths required for the wastewater system for the
different street families are presented in Table 4.10.
In some instances where the ROW is limited, and
taking into consideration the land use context and
expected discharges from the various buildings /
dwellings along the streets, the pipe and manhole
corridor widths may be eliminated as shown in Table
4.10 between parentheses.
4.2.2.5 Location of the Wastewater Corridor
A minimum clearance of 1.0m shall be maintained
between the wastewater corridor and any potable
water corridors. This distance can be reduced to 0.8m
if a third utility separates the two corridors.
Wastewater corridors shall be allowed under the
carriageway wherever placement under the sidewalk
and / or block paved surfaces is not possible.
4.2.2.6 Wastewater Force Mains
Wastewater force mains shall be installed in
accordance with ADSSC requirements. Based on the
design of the wastewater system, the force main shall
be installed within a dedicated corridor under the
sidewalk in accordance with ADSSC corridor widths
for force main requirements. The designer shall
submit the proposed increase in the ROW, supported
by justification and necessary documentation, to the
UPC for approval.
Table 4.10: Wastewater Corridor Allocation
Street Family Side 1 Side 2
Pipe
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Man
hole
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Pipe
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Man
hole
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Access lane 1.05 2.00 - -
Street 1.05 (0.0)
2.00 (0.0)
1.05 2.00
Avenue* 1.05 2.00 1.55 2.80
Boulevard 1.05 2.00 1.55 2.80
* Larger corridors are given for the main sewer line when possible.
(x) Indicates the absolute minimum pipe and manhole corridor width
Chapter 4-13
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.2.3 Irrigation / TSE
As is the case for water and wastewater, the same
two criteria dictate the required corridor width for
the primary irrigation water supply network. These
are the pipe corridor width and the dimensions of the
appurtenance(s). The minimum corridor width shall
be that imposed by the pipe corridor requirements
which is determined by the pipe diameter. The
maximum corridor width allowed is based on the
outer dimensions of the appurtenances / chambers
used for irrigation systems.
4.2.3.1 Irrigation Pipe Corridor Width Requirements
Pipe corridor width requirements are based on the
pipe material and / or pipe diameter. Generally,
irrigation pipes are either ductile iron pipes, PVC or
HDPE pipes. Irrigation pipe diameters vary depending
on the landscape scheme which may vary from one
land use context to another. Since irrigation systems
within urban areas are generally decentralized, the
maximum pipe diameter of these systems should not
exceed 600mm.
This Manual provides corridors for larger diameters
to provide flexibility for the designer in providing
a primary supply / transmission main through the
development. The larger corridors are only permitted
on wider streets or in open spaces. The pipe corridor
width requirements for the different pipe diameters
are shown in Table 4.11.
4.2.3.2 Irrigation Appurtenances
Irrigation system appurtenances mainly include
isolation valve chambers. However, other types may
be used on primary supply mains, such as washout
valve chambers, and air vent chambers.
All details shall be in accordance with Municipality and
PRFD standards and typical details, with the exception
of surface finishes, which shall be in accordance
with the requirements of the USDM and Public Realm
Manual. External chamber dimensions shall be limited
to 1.5m for all pipes with diameters less than or
equal to 300mm and shall not exceed 2.2m for larger
diameters.
For valve chambers on the main line at intersecting
pipes, the chamber shall be designed for single valve
installation so as to reduce the chamber dimensions.
In instances where two valves shall be installed at a T
connection, each valve shall be installed in a separate
chamber before the street intersection.
Table 4.11: Irrigation System Pipe Corridor Requirements
Pipe Diameter (mm) Pipe Corridor Width (mm)
150 500
200 550
300 680
400 1000
500 1200
600 1300
700 1400
800 1500
900 1600
1000 1800
Chapter 4-14
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.2.3.3 Irrigation Corridor
The minimum primary irrigation corridor width shall
be equal to the width required for the pipe installation.
The maximum allowed corridor width is determined by
the outer dimensions of the largest chamber required
for the pipe to be installed.
In instances where the street ROW is limited, the
irrigation chambers shall be allowed to encroach
on the corridor of the adjacent utility provided the
pipe / cable corridor width of the adjacent utility is
maintained.
In most cases, the irrigation chamber is allowed to
encroach on the tree corridor or the stormwater inlet
corridor. Based on the same principles outlined for
other utilities, chambers / appurtenances of adjacent
utilities shall be allowed to encroach on the irrigation
corridor provided the required pipe corridor width is
maintained. The pipe and chamber corridor widths
required for the primary irrigation system for the
different street families are presented in Table 4.12.
The number of irrigation corridors per street is
determined by the number of tree corridors required.
With regard to secondary supply lines, these shall be
installed above the irrigation pipe within the same
corridor.
4.2.3.4 Irrigation Pipe Depth
The depth of irrigation pipes shall be in accordance
with the requirements of ADSSC / PRFD. The
minimum depth of irrigation pipes are shown on the
typical sections included in Annex A. In all instances,
the irrigation pipe shall be installed below water pipes
with a minimum vertical clearance of 300mm. In
cases where an irrigation pipe crosses over a water
pipeline, especially at house connections and at
intersections, all pipes shall be encased in concrete or
installed within a sleeve.
4.2.3.5 Special Arrangements
Although the foregoing corridor requirements can
accommodate most irrigation appurtenances, a few
appurtenances / chambers might require special
arrangements / considerations, such as washout
chambers.
It is recommended that such chambers be installed,
whenever possible, within parks, landscaped areas
and open spaces.
4.2.3.6 Location of the Irrigation System Corridor
A minimum clear distance of 1.0m shall be maintained
between the irrigation / TSE corridor and any potable
water corridor. This distance can be reduced to 0.8m
if a third utility separates the water from the irrigation
/ TSE corridor.
Irrigation corridors shall not be allowed under the
carriageway unless there is no available space under
the sidewalk and / or block paved surfaces. However, it
is preferable to place the corridor as close as possible
to any landscaping strip / tree corridors.
Table 4.12: Irrigation System Corridor Allocation
Street Family Side 1 Middle Side 2
Pipe
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Cham
ber
Corr
idor
W
idth
(m)
Pipe
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Cham
ber
Corr
idor
W
idth
(m)
Pipe
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Cham
ber
Corr
idor
W
idth
(m)
Access lane 0.7 0.7 - - - -
Street 0.7 0.7 - - 0.7 0.7
Avenue 0.7 0.7 1.1 (0.7)
2.0 (0.7)
0.7 0.7
Boulevard 1.3 (0.9)
2.2 (1.9)
0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
Irrigation system corridor shall be provided only when a tree or landscaped strip is part of the street elements. (x) Indicates the absolute minimum pipe and chamber and corridor width
Chapter 4-15
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.2.4 Stormwater Drainage
The corridor widths for the stormwater collection
system are also determined by the requirements for
pipe and appurtenance / manhole installation. The pipe
corridor width is determined by the pipe diameters,
whereas the manhole corridor is determined by the
outer dimensions of the storm inlet and / or the outer
dimensions of the manholes.
Manhole dimensions are defined as the width of
rectangular manholes and the diameter for circular
manholes.
The pipe size defines the minimum pipe corridor width
required for the whole length of the corridor, and the
manhole dimensions define the manhole corridor.
In addition to the corridor(s) required for the
stormwater collection pipe, corridor(s) for the
stormwater inlets shall also be allocated. As such,
this Manual distinguishes between stormwater inlet
corridors and stormwater collection corridors.
For access lanes, due to space restrictions, a combined
corridor for the stormwater collection pipe and the
stormwater inlet shall be used.
The designer shall consider the option of eliminating
the stormwater inlet / pipe within access lanes and
use surface drainage to receiving / intersecting
streets, where deemed appropriate.
Utility corridor options illustrating these instances
are shown in the utility corridor disposition details /
sections included in this Manual.
The designer may use swales for the stormwater
drainage within the pedestrian zone / sidewalks. In
such instances, the swale location shall not obstruct
pedestrian and / or cyclists movement. The swale
could be located above utilities, in coordination with
the concerned utility provider.
4.2.4.1 Stormwater Drainage Pipe Corridor Width Requirements
Pipe corridor width requirements are generally
determined by the minimum requirements for pipe
installation and hence depend on the pipe diameter
and the type of soil.
Pipe diameters vary depending on the street type and
its ROW since in general, stormwater is drained from
smaller streets to larger streets provided the grading
allows for such gravity flows.
The designer is encouraged in all instances to adopt
such a concept in order to optimize the stormwater
corridor width. The pipe corridor width requirements
for the different pipe diameters are shown in
Table 4.13.
4.2.4.2 Stormwater Drainage Manholes
Manhole dimensions and details shall be in accordance
with ADM / PRFD / AAM / WRM standards and typical
details. However, the surface finish shall be in
accordance with the requirements of the USDM and
the Public Realm Manual.
Table 4.13: Stormwater Drainage Pipe Corridor Requirements
Pipe Diameter (mm) Pipe Corridor Width (mm)
200 500
300 600
400 800
500 930
600 1050
700 1180
800 1300
900 1400
1000 1550
1200 1800
1400 2050
1600 2300
1800 2550
2000 2800
Chapter 4-16
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
According to the applicable / current standards,
manhole dimensions are generally limited by 2.5m for
all pipes less than 900mm in diameter and 3.0m for
larger pipe diameters.
4.2.4.3 Stormwater Drainage Pipe Depth
The depth of stormwater drainage pipes shall
be in accordance with the requirements of the
Municipalities, as well as design requirements.
The typical sections included in Annex A indicate
the minimum depth requirements for stormwater
drainage pipes.
4.2.4.4 Stormwater Drainage Corridor
The stormwater corridor width shall be the greater of
the width / diameter of the largest manhole along the
pipe or the required pipe corridor width.
In instances where the street ROW is limited, the
stormwater manholes shall be allowed to encroach on
the corridor of the adjacent utility, provided the pipe /
cable corridor of the adjacent utility is maintained.
Similar to other utilities, chambers / appurtenances
of adjacent utilities shall be allowed to encroach on
the stormwater corridor provided the required pipe
corridor width is maintained.
Stormwater inlet corridors shall have a width of 1.0m,
except on access lanes, where the width can be
decreased to 0.75m, subject to space limitations.
The pipe and manhole corridor widths required for the
stormwater pipes for the different street families are
presented in Table 4.14.
4.2.4.5 Location of the Stormwater Corridor
Stormwater inlet corridors shall be located at the edge
/ curb of the sidewalk.
Two types of storm inlets shall be used depending on
the location of these inlets; these are either curb inlets
or gullies.
The main stormwater pipe corridor shall be located
under the carriageway, as shown in the proposed
utility disposition drawings.
In instances where the majority of the stormwater
drainage pipes are installed with depths less than
900mm, the location of the storm water pipes may be
shifted under the sidewalk subject to UPC approval.
In instances where a subsurface drainage system is
needed to lower the groundwater table, the system
shall be located within the same corridor allowed for
the main stormwater pipe.
Table 4.14: Stormwater Drainage Corridor Allocation
Street Family Side 1 Side 2
Pipe
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Man
hole
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Pipe
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Man
hole
Cor
rido
r W
idth
(m)
Access lane 1.05 (0.75)
2.0 (0.75)
- -
Street 1.50 (1.05)
2.30 (2.0)
- -
Avenue 2.50 (1.05)
2.50 (2.0)
- -
Boulevard 3.00 (2.80)
3.00 (2.80)
1.50 2.30
In addition to the above, 1m corridor(s) shall be allocated for stormwater inlets depending on road side slopes, as shown in the sections. When pipe corridor width is the same as manhole corridor width, the indicated dimension includes for both pipe or manhole corridors. (x) Indicates the absolute minimum pipe and manhole corridor width
Chapter 4-17
Abu Dhabi Utility Corridor Design Manual (UCDM)
Chapter 4 - Utility Corridor Design
4.2.5 District Cooling
The corridor requirements for the district cooling
system (DCS) are defined as a function of the
supply / return pipe arrangement and the valve
chamber dimensions. The pipe arrangement defines
the minimum pipe corridor width, and the outer
dimensions of the valve chamber define the chamber
corridor width.
4.2.5.1 District Cooling Pipe Corridor Width Requirements
Normally, DCS pipe corridors are expected to house
two district cooling pipes (one for supply and one for
return). Pipe corridor width requirements are based
on the diameters of the pipes which in turn vary
depending on the land use context as well as the
street type.
Spacing between the supply and return pipes shall be
300mm. Also, a 300mm spacing shall be maintained
between the pipes and the trench walls in addition to
the insulation width of 50mm for pipes with diameters
less than 16 (400mm) and 75mm for pipes with
diameters equal to or greater than 1
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