CULVERTS

Culvert is a permanent drainage structure mainly

constructed to carry roadway or railway track over
small streams or channels.
TY P
E S
The culvert which consists of one or more pipes
placed side by side over a concrete base below
the embankment of a roadway or railway track.
Generally, their shapes depend on site conditions
and constraints. Pipe culverts on a small scale
represent normal pipes like concrete pipes
 It can be constructed
of any desired
strength by proper
mix design, thickness,
These pipes can
and reinforcement.
withhold any
tensile stresses
and compressive
ADVANTAGES stresses.

The crossing of
water is under the
structure.

They are
economical.
disADVANTAGES
It can be easily corroded at the crown because of bacteria‘s organic
matter and release of harmful gas, which is known as Crown corrosion.
Drainage area, surrounding terraine type, rainfall
intensity
Box culverts are made up of concrete and
especially, RCC (Reinforced Concrete). The most
challenging part in constructing a box culvert is
that dry surface is needed for installing it.
However, due to the strength of the concrete
floor, water direction can be changed when a
large amount of water is expected. This feature
makes box culverts, one of the most commonly
found types of the culvert.
 It is used in special
Box culverts are cases, weak
economical due to foundation.
their rigidity and
monolithic action. It is Suitable for
non-perennial
streams
ADVANTAGES

The bottom slab The box culvert is a

of the box culvert rigid frame structure
reduces pressure and very simple in
on the soil. construction
Arch culvert is similar to pipe arch culvert but in
this case an artificial floor is provided below the
arch. For narrow passages it is widely used. The
artificial floor is made of concrete and arch also
made of concrete. Steel arch culverts are also
available but very expensive.
 Cost savings
Design-build
advantage

Accelerated
construction schedule

ADVANTAGES

Pleasing Greater hydraulic

aesthetics efficiency
Bridge culverts serve a dual purpose. It acts
both as a bridge and a culvert. Generally,
rectangular in shape, bridge culverts are
constructed on rivers and canals. A foundation is
laid under the ground level and pavement surface
is laid on top of the series of culverts. Generally,
we can term it as a Multi-Purpose culvert.
 Allows traffic to pass
Extension of the on it
network by acting
as a repeater

ADVANTAGES

Highly strong
foundation
Very strong
The metal box culvert is the economic alternative
of the bridge. These bridges are manufactured
from a standard structural plate or deep-
corrugated structural plate. They are the
perfect bridge replacement maintaining the same
road grade level.
 Deformation ability
Shorter
construction period
and easy installation

ADVANTAGES

Long service life

Durability
M A TE
R IA L S
 Structural Steel Plate
(SSP)
used to construct arch culverts and metal box culverts.
Structural Steel Plate (SSP) provides greater
corrosion resistance and are stronger than normal
carbon steel. SSP steels meet the requirement to
make a good culvert.
 Corrugated Steel Pipe
(CSP)
or Corrugated Metal Pipes (CMP) are used in pipe culverts.
It is combined with strength and high power.
CSP will not break down under the impact of loads due
to the strength and the flexibility of the pipe.
 *Aluminum Pipes
-mainly used to construct metal box culverts. Aluminum
pipes are lightweight and offer good corrosion resistance.

*Concrete
-the most common culverts that are found in both rural
and urban areas.

*High - Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

-used for its large ratio of strength and durability.