Fiber optic installation structures in a paved surface, ducts, and methods therefor

Abstract

A fiber optic installation structure and method therefor includes a duct having an inner tube, at least one optical waveguide, and a jacket and is disposed within a channel of a paved surface. The jacket generally surrounds the inner tube. When the duct is disposed within a channel defined by a paved surface, a friction fit is created between the duct and the channel for holding the duct in place. Thereafter, a filling material is used for overlying the duct and at least partially filling the channel. In other embodiments, the jacket is capable of being compressed when installed into the channel. The duct may include an armor layer disposed between the inner tube and the jacket for protecting the inner tube. Moreover, at least one optical waveguide may be disposed within at least a portion of the inner tube of the duct and may be introduced after the duct is installed in the paved surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.