The more public musings of Mr. G. Z. T, "A man of mickle name, Renowned much in armes and derring doe."
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Why are manhole covers round?
They aren't round. There are plenty of square manhole covers. Generally, round manhole covers go on round manholes and square covers go on square holes. To do otherwise would be silly. So why are some holes round and others square?
I've never seen a square manhole. Round manholes are more logical, as manhole covers are very heavy and any over shape would require laborious orientation. In my experience, rectangular openings are usually larger and use hatches.
For whatever reason, Chicago has a large population of square manholes with manhole covers that are not hatches. But, yes, laborious orientation is another reason round covers are nice. Neither of these, of course, are the stupid answer people who ask this in job interviews are looking for.
9 comments:
What I want to know is why we put up with the term "manhole". I mean, why not "womanhole" or "humanhole"? It's discrimination, plain and simple.
I don't think you want it to be called a womanhole.
Why not? I enjoy snickering.
TMI, Anna.
#Thanksoba
YOU SHOULD MEET MY WIFE.
There are no ambiguous contours here!
I've never seen a square manhole. Round manholes are more logical, as manhole covers are very heavy and any over shape would require laborious orientation. In my experience, rectangular openings are usually larger and use hatches.
For whatever reason, Chicago has a large population of square manholes with manhole covers that are not hatches. But, yes, laborious orientation is another reason round covers are nice. Neither of these, of course, are the stupid answer people who ask this in job interviews are looking for.
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