A Critical Review of the Sustainability of Multi-Utility Tunnels for Colocation of Subsurface Infrastructure

Multi-utility tunnel (MUT) have received increasing attention as an alternative method for installing subsurface infrastructure the distribution of electricity, telecommunications, water, sewage and district heating. MUTs are described a potentially more sustainable technology than conventional open-cut excavation (OCE), especially if entire life cycle these cable pipe networks is taken into account. Based on extensive review academic literature, this article aims to identify critically examine claims made about pros cons using MUT placement infrastructure. Identified mapped, their validity applicability assessed. These then analyzed from sustainability perspective, based three dimensions perspective. The results show that variety advantages disadvantages highlighted by articles, but several without any empirical support. When some form support presented, it usually comes case-specific analyses MUTs, in other projects seldom discussed. Economic performance dimension has most attention, while environmental not been reviewed which major limitation current knowledge. In summary, knowledge still limited incoherent. order increase knowledge, points out importance new case studies, consequences mapped evaluated combining both quantitative qualitative assessment methods.