Drainage, ventilation and utilidor systems
Steel service corridors engineered for demanding mining environments.
ViaPlate corrugated steel structures create enclosed drainage, ventilation and multi-utility galleries designed to perform beneath haul roads, stockpiles and active plant areas.
Providing a faster, more adaptable alternative to massive concrete construction.
Why steel in mining infrastructure
Mining environments demand speed, flexibility and structural reliability. Soil–steel systems provide an engineered alternative to massive cast-in-place construction without compromising performance under heavy loads.
Fast Installation
Bolted plate assembly reduces on-site works and avoids long curing times, enabling streamlined construction within active operations.
Lower construction impact
Reduced concrete volume and lighter components simplify logistics and minimize disruption to production areas.
Built for change
Modular steel structures adapt to phased mine development, expansions and evolving layouts.
Where it is used
Mining operations require protected service infrastructure that supports production, not delays it. ViaPlate steel galleries are installed both on the surface and in underground environments, including portals, declines, plant areas and beneath active haul routes.
The soil–steel structural system enables deep burial under heavy mining traffic while maintaining structural integrity and service accessibility.
Drainage and dewatering
Enclosed culverts for surface and subsurface water management, designed to handle high-flow conditions beneath operational areas.
Ventilation airways
Profiled steel galleries providing dedicated airflow paths for underground and near-surface ventilation circuits.
Utilidor corridors
Protected multi-service tunnels consolidating utilities, walkways and services into a single structural corridor.
Drainage & dewatering
ViaPlate drainage galleries are engineered to function beneath active operations. The soil–steel interaction enables burial under deep cover and heavy haul routes while maintaining predictable hydraulic performance and structural reliability.
Fast bolted assembly reduces construction time and simplifies installation logistics compared to traditional concrete solutions.
Ventilation airways
Selectable profiles – round, pipe-arch, low-profile and high-profile arch – allow cross-sections to be optimized for required airflow and structural demands. Installed beneath traffic routes and embankments, the steel structure protects ventilation infrastructure while maintaining required internal clearance.
Configuration options
Cross-section profiles are selected to match hydraulic capacity, airflow requirements, cover height and site constraints.
Round profile
Pipe-arch profile
Low-profile arch
High-profile arch
Structural performance & durability
ViaPlate systems are engineered for burial under deep cover through soil–steel interaction, making them suitable beneath haul routes and stockpiles.
Hot-dip galvanizing provides baseline corrosion protection, with optional polymer or epoxy coatings matched to mine-water chemistry and environmental exposure.
Sealed joints and integrated detailing support watertight performance and long service life in harsh mining conditions
Hot-dip galvanizing
Factory-applied zinc coating for baseline corrosion protection.
Optional advanced coatings
Polymer or epoxy systems matched to site-specific chemistry.
Sealed joints and detailing
Gasket and sealant configurations for watertight performance.
Long service life
Engineered durability in harsh mining environments.
Design and engineering support
ViaCon performs structural capacity calculations and optimally sizes each drainage, ventilation or utilidor system for specified flows, loads and site conditions. Support includes concept development, structural design, supply and installation guidance.
Steel: The smarter choice
The strength and sustainability of steel provides durability and lifespan advantages for construction projects.
Case studies
Discover the full range of real-world implementations and sustainability benefits of ViaCon solutions and expertise.