Book excerpt: A reference for engineers and facilities professionals involved in the planning, operations, management, and maintenance of all urban utilities, this handbook addresses water supply and sewerage, power, gas, telecommunications joint utility corridor (utilidor) lifeline facilities, and other critical civil infrastructure lifelines. It covers the design and construction of facilities, maintenance, disaster management, environmental protection, and disaster and emergency recovery measures. It also discusses urban planning, life cycle cost, GIS analysis of lifeline systems, computerized integrated management systems, and the use of new materials and technologies.