the rectangular or box shape is more common and is usually constructed with multiple cells (barrels) to accommodate longer spans. Cast-in-place – Reinforced culverts that are cast-in-place are typically either rectangular or arch-shaped.Precast concrete arches on cast-in-place footings are available with spans up to 12.2 m (40 feet). Standard box sections are also available with spans as large as 3600 mm (144 inches).

Circular and elliptical pipes are available with standard sizes as large as 3600 mm (144 inches) in diameter, with larger sizes available as special designs. All of the standard shapes are manufactured in a wide range of sizes. Box culverts are designed for various depths of cover and live loads. The higher the classification number the higher the strength. With the exception of box culverts, concrete culvert pipe is manufactured in up to five standard strength classifications.

Precast – Precast concrete pipe is manufactured in eight standard shapes: circular, arch, horizontal elliptical, vertical elliptical, pipe arch, box sections, three-sided arch top, and flat top sections, as shown in Table 4-1.

Precast concrete culverts may be made with high strength concrete, whereas cast-in-place concrete culverts may have special reinforcement at critical locations to resist high loads and stresses. Cast-in-place concrete construction is often used when ready-mix concrete is available and when the culvert should be constructed without joints. Precast sections are uniform in size and shape and are made in sections that can easily be transported, lifted, and installed. This selection depends on the size and complexity of the culvert design. 4.4.2Ĭulverts may be made with either precast or cast-in-place reinforced concrete. The method by which the materials are connected significantly influences whether the strength of the materials may be utilized structurally. Metals and plastic are homogeneous isotropic materials whereas concrete and masonry is a mixture or combination of materials.

The strength and physical characteristics of the materials depend upon their chemistry and the interrelationship between the constituent materials. Culvert Repair, Materials, and Structural DesignĬulverts are primarily made with reinforced concrete, corrugated metal, and more recently, solidwall, profile wall, and reinforced plastic.

Reinforced concrete box culvert design