Method Statement for Box Culvert

What is the Method Statement for Box Culvert?

This method statement for box culvert outlines the procedures and steps to be followed
during the construction. It aims to ensure the proper execution of all activities involved in the
construction process while adhering to safety standards and quality requirements.

Table of Contents

What is the Method Statement for Box Culvert?

What is a Box Culvert?

Scope of Work

Equipment

Methodology

Health and Safety Considerations

Environmental Considerations

Quality Control and Inspection

What is a Box Culvert?

A box culvert is a type of structure used in civil engineering and construction projects to channel
water or create an underground passageway. It is a rectangular or square-shaped structure made of
reinforced concrete or other materials.

Box culverts are typically used to allow the flow of water underneath roads, railways, or other
obstructions. They can also be used to carry utilities such as pipes or cables. The culvert is designed
to withstand the weight of the overlying structure and any potential loads it may experience.

It is composed of multiple sections, usually prefabricated and assembled on-site. These sections
are joined together to form a continuous passage for the water or other materials. The culvert may
have open ends to allow water to enter and exit, or it can be fitted with inlets and outlets to control
the flow.

Box culverts offer several advantages over other types of culverts. They provide a larger cross-
sectional area for water flow, minimizing the risk of blockages. Their rectangular or square shape
also allows for easier construction and maintenance. Additionally, box culverts can be designed to
handle heavy loads, making them suitable for situations where vehicles or trains pass over them.
Newly constructed box culvert

Scope of Work

The scope of work must include placing plain and reinforced concrete in the required shape
according to the drawing.

Equipment

Excavator
Generator
Tippers
Plant for Batching Concrete
Transit Mixers
Concrete Pump
Vibratory plates and needles
Water tanker
Formwork plates
Bar-Bending Machine
Bar Cutting Machine
Light Tower
Survey Equipment

Methodology

Centerline Fixing – Initial Procedures

The designated site for the culvert installation shall be identified and the centerline shall be
established using either a Total Station or an electronic theodolite. Measures shall be taken to
ensure that the trenches remain free of water during the pipe laying process, allowing for the
proper hardening and curing of joints.

According to the direction of the flow, the located culvert must be either perpendicular or with a
slight skew to the road alignment. 30 degrees, for instance, to the direction of the road.

Initiating Procedures

To establish proper alignment, reference points must be established on both sides of the culvert, in
alignment with the traffic flow and the standard orientation.

In close proximity to the culvert, a temporary benchmark should be set up, and it should be
periodically compared to a permanent benchmark.

The excavation limits, as specified in the drawing, need to be clearly marked on the original
ground, indicating the designated line and length.

Determining Ground Levels

In accordance with the design, the original ground level (referred to as the “OGL”) should be
measured along the centerline and on both sides of the culvert, adhering to the required width and
length specifications. The number of rows to be measured will depend on the width of the culvert.

Utilizing Original Ground Levels (OGLs)

The flexible apron and the entire length of the culvert must conform to the prescribed OGLs.

Culvert Length Variation

The length of each culvert will vary based on the projected levels of the road and the channel bed.

Excavation Procedures

Prior to commencing excavation, appropriate measures such as barricades, reflective markings,

and cautionary signboards must be put in place.

Excavated debris is loaded onto dumpers or tippers, which are then transported away with the
assistance of an excavator. Any slush present in the excavation area should be promptly cleared
and treated.

Utilization of Sand

Fine to coarse sand, meeting the specified dimensions in terms of length, width, and thickness,
must be uniformly spread. Plate vibrators should be used to compact the sand effectively.

Foundation Footings/Raft

The inert levels should be maintained at least 300mm below the original ground level. Shuttering
is installed, with appropriate cover over the reinforcement, which needs to be tied in relation to the
culvert’s centerline.

Reinforcement Binding/Tying

To ensure a sturdy and secure reinforcement, the bars will be interconnected at each intersection
using binding wire.

Shuttering Alignment and Concrete Placement

The shutter plates will be lubricated and positioned accurately to achieve the specified thickness.
The gaps between the shutters will be appropriately filled. Subsequently, the concrete mix will be
compacted using needle vibrators in a layer-by-layer manner. Construction joints will be created
by incorporating a groove along the entire length of the wall, ensuring proper alignment.

Concrete Placement in Skewed Areas

Special care should be taken while placing concrete in skewed areas of the second lift to prevent
the formation of honeycombs. Once the concrete has fully cured, the shuttering can be removed,
and a curing period of at least 14 days should be provided.

Side Walls and Abutment Walls

Shuttering must be accurately positioned and aligned for both side walls and abutment walls.
Additional supports may be required for skew abutment walls. The skin reinforcement must have
an appropriate cover.

Weep Holes Installation

Weep holes should be provided at a 1-meter center-to-center interval.

Concrete Placement and Compaction

After all preparations are completed, the concrete mix should be placed in layers, ensuring the
weep holes are not disturbed, and properly compacted using needle vibrators. The same procedure
should be followed for subsequent lifts.

Construction Joints and Curing

Construction joints must comply with the project specification and as per indicated in the
approved drawing. To facilitate proper curing, the vertical surface should be covered with a hessian
cloth or polyethylene sheets.

Muddy Wall Construction

When constructing a soil wall, it is important to maintain proper slope and regulate the top levels.
The designated concrete mix should be placed and compacted effectively.

Block Bed Construction

To maintain slope and ensure reinforcement stability, steps with uniform spacing should be
incorporated. Shutter plates must be accurately positioned, and the required depth markings
should be applied. The designated concrete mix should then be placed and compacted properly.
Optimal Slab Construction

The bottom shutters of the top slab should be positioned on vertical posts specifically built to
establish the bottom level of the top slab. The spaces between the shutters must be thoroughly
filled. Care should be taken during the formwork placement to withstand lateral loads on the top
slab. Concrete placement should be carried out cautiously to avoid the formation of horizontal or
vertical joints.

Curing and Date of Casting

In accordance with the project specification for the foundation and substructure, a curing period of
14 days should be observed by providing hessian cloth. Each lift should be marked with the Date of
Casting to track the curing process.

Left/Right Wall Construction

Depending on the site conditions, work may commence simultaneously or separately with vent
construction. The same methodology should be followed for excavation, sand filling, and leveling
coarse materials such as vent for both wings and returns, ensuring alignment with the required
line and level. Approved concrete should be placed in accordance with the specified grades for
leveling coarse and additional lifts. Extra care must be taken when pouring and vibrating concrete
in skewed sections.

Flexibility Joints

Expansion joints of specified thickness must be maintained between the return/wing wall and the
abutment wall, as well as at the periphery of the cross-section along the projected center line
(PCL).

Filling Spaces and Filter Media

According to specifications, filter material should be placed behind the return/wing walls. The
selected material should be properly compacted for backfilling from the top of the embankment to
behind the abutment walls.

Approach Slab Construction

The purpose of the approach slab is to prevent settlement and cavity formation behind the back
wall, reducing the impact load transfer when vehicles transition from the embankment to the top
slab. The approach slab should have a minimum length of 3.5 meters and a thickness of 300
millimeters across the entire width of the road.

Parapet Wall
A parapet wall is a low wall constructed around the edge of a roof, balcony, terrace, or stairwell to
prevent falls or provide protection. All completed work should have square corners, accurate cuts,
neat finishes, and be free from cracks, spalls, or other imperfections.

Culvert Applications

Culverts serve various purposes, including facilitating the flow of water upstream and downstream,
providing utility tunnels, serving as portals and escape tunnels, and acting as bridges for traffic.
Precast concrete blocks can be a practical alternative for construction, offering cost savings and
minimal maintenance expenses. The bottom slab of a box culvert helps alleviate soil pressure.
Safety measures, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers and minimizing traffic
disruptions, should be implemented during construction to ensure job site safety.

Health and Safety Considerations

Safety should always be a top priority in any construction project. This section focuses on
identifying potential hazards and risks associated with box culvert construction and developing
measures to ensure the safety of workers and the public.

Adherence to relevant health and safety regulations, provision of personal protective equipment
(PPE), and implementing proper signage and barricades are essential elements to mitigate risks.

Environmental Considerations

Box culvert construction must also address environmental considerations to minimize its impact
on the surrounding ecosystem.

This highlights the importance of compliance with environmental regulations and obtaining
necessary permits.

Additionally, it outlines mitigation measures to protect natural resources, manage noise and dust
emissions, and implement proper waste disposal practices.

Quality Control and Inspection

Maintaining strict quality control measures throughout the construction process is vital for the
durability and structural integrity of the box culvert.

This section describes the procedures for inspecting and ensuring the quality of construction
materials, including testing requirements and frequency.

Documentation of inspections, tests, and the implementation of corrective actions should be

emphasized to maintain quality standards.

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