‫ ياسر‬: ‫االسم‬

‫احمد خضير‬

hydrolics : ‫المادة‬
culvert : ‫اسم الموضوع‬

٢٠٢٥-2024

What is a Culvert?

A culvert is a structure that channels water

past an obstacle or to a subterranean
waterway. Typically embedded SO as to be
surrounded by soil, a culvert may be made
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from a pipe, reinforced concrete or other
material. In the United Kingdom, the word
can also be used for a longer artificially
buried watercourse.

Culvert with secure headwall in Bromsgrove,

England
Culverts are commonly used both as cross-
drains to relieve drainage of ditches at the
roadside, and to pass water under a road at
natural drainage and stream crossings. When
they are found beneath roads, they are
frequently empty. A culvert may also be a
bridge-like structure designed to allow
vehicle or pedestrian traffic to cross over the
waterway while allowing adequate passage
for the water. Dry culverts are used to
channel a fire hose beneath a noise barrier
for the ease of firefighting along a highway
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without the need or danger of placing
hydrants along the roadway itself.
Culverts come in many sizes and shapes
including round, elliptical, flat-bottomed,
open-bottomed, pear-shaped, and box-like
constructions. The culvert type and shape
selection is based on a number of factors
including requirements for hydraulic
performance, limitations on upstream water
surface elevation, and roadway embankment
height.
The process of removing culverts to restore
an open-air watercourse is known as
daylighting. In the UK, the practice is also
known as deculverting.

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Culverts can be constructed of a
variety of materials including cast-in-
place or precast concrete (reinforced
or non-reinforced), galvanized steel,
aluminum, or plastic (typically high-
density polyethylene). Two or more
materials may be combined to form
composite structures. For example,
open-bottom corrugated steel
structures are often built on concrete
.footings

Importance and Purpose of Culvert

Construction
Proper culvert design and
construction is vital for many
infrastructure projects. Here are
some of the top reasons culverts are
:installed
 Prevent washouts: Culverts allow water flow to pass
safely under roads and railways without eroding or
washing out the infrastructure. This helps maintain the
integrity of roadways.
 Control flooding: During heavy rains or water surges,
culverts provide drainage to prevent localized flooding on
roads or nearby areas. This protects property and
infrastructure.
 Drainage: Culverts improve general drainage and control
where and how fast water flows through areas with
ditches, streams, or stormwater runoff.
 Wildlife crossings: Culverts can allow safe passage for
wildlife to cross under roadways and other obstructions.
 Water flow: Properly sized culverts maintain proper water
flow and prevent dangerous backups or diversions of
streams or drainage ways.

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Culvert Design Specifications
Culvert design requires in-depth engineering
analysis to determine proper sizing,
positioning, and material selection. Key
:specifications include
 Size: The culvert diameter or span needs to be large
enough to handle expected water volumes and debris,
with consideration of flood events.
 Shape: Common shapes include circular, box, elliptical,
and arch culverts. Shape impacts water flow dynamics.
 Material: Concrete, corrugated metal, and plastic are
common. Material affects strength, durability, and
corrosion resistance.
 Length: Related to roadway width but may be extended
to control water velocity and prevent erosion.
 Positioning: Angle, elevation, and orientation impact
water flow and need careful engineering.
 Headwalls: Structures used at the inlet and outlet to
improve hydraulics and prevent erosion.

Proper hydrological and hydraulic analysis

based on water flow volumes will determine
the right size and design. Other factors like
soil conditions, erosion potential, and wildlife
.impacts are also considered

Materials for Culvert Construction

Common materials used in culvert
construction include:

 Concrete: Durable, resistant to corrosion and

abrasion. Can be precast or poured in place.
Reinforcing rebar adds strength.
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  Corrugated Metal: Typically galvanized steel
or aluminum. Corrugations add strength.
Prone to corrosion depending on soil
conditions.

 Plastic: Highly resistant to corrosion as well

as abrasion from debris. HDPE and PVC
common polymers. Can deform if not properly
backfilled.

 Fabricated Metal: Smooth steel used for

large box culverts or unique shapes. Coating
prevents corrosion. Higher cost.

Soil conditions, pH, and potential abrasion from

water or debris help determine appropriate
materials. Concrete and plastic excel in aggressive
conditions while metal must be protected from
corrosion.

Location Selection for Culvert

Construction
Choosing the optimal location for culvert
installation requires in-depth engineering analysis
of the topography, hydrology, soil conditions and
other factors. Important considerations include:

 Natural drainage paths: Position to utilize natural

watercourses and drainage ditches.

 Stream crossings: Span entire channel with

consideration for high water and debris.

 Flooding patterns: Avoid exacerbating flooding or

backups from culvert limitations.

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  Land elevation: Position where approach elevations
allow smooth water entry/exit.

 Soil conditions: Bearing capacity must support culvert

and water loads without settling.

 Erosion potential: Orient to control water velocity and

scouring. Use riprap if needed.

 Right of way: Construction access requirements.

For roadways, optimal location balances proper

drainage with economy by utilizing natural terrain
contours as much as possible. Environmental
impacts, flooding potential, and maintenance
access must also be weighed.

Culvert Installation Guide

Proper installation procedures are critical to
achieve a high-performing, durable culvert. Key
steps include:

 Site preparation – Clear area and ensure stable,

compacted base. Install bedding if needed.

 Excavate trench to required depth and grade. Maintain

safe slopes.

 Lower and position culvert sections. Join sections per

manufacturer specifications.

 Backfill in lifts with compacted granular fill. Do not

damage culvert.

 Add inlet and outlet headwalls, wingwalls, aprons per

design. Improve hydraulics and prevent erosion.

 Protect areas around culvert with riprap, geo-textiles, or

other scour countermeasures as needed.

 Conduct flow tests after installation to check for leaks,

obstruction, or other defects.

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Proper backfilling, compaction, and joints are
essential to prevent culvert damage or failure.
Always follow design and OSHA safety procedures
throughout installation.

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Culvert Maintenance and Repair
Routine culvert maintenance and repair is essential
to maximize service life and prevent failures. Key
maintenance activities include:

 Inspect annually and after major storms for signs of

erosion, obstructed flow, joint failures, corrosion, or other
damage.

 Monitor for sediment buildup and clear regularly to

maintain water flow.

 Trim vegetation and roots that obstruct inlets or outlets.

 Repair joints, corroded sections, embankment erosion
before it progresses.
 Jetting/cleaning may be needed if significant siltation
occurs internally.
 Realign or armor sections if high water erodes soil around
culverts.

Major repairs like replacing sections or recoating

corroded metal must be performed by qualified
contractors. Proactive maintenance can
significantly extend culvert lifespan.

Types of Culverts for Drainage

Different types of culverts are optimal depending
on the drainage challenge. Common types include:

 Circular Culverts – Round pipe culverts made of

concrete, corrugated metal or plastic. Most common and
economical type.
 Box Culverts – Rectangular or square culverts. Allow
more water flow capacity than circular ones. Made of
concrete or metal.
 Arch Culverts – Curved semi-circular shape. Can handle
greater volumes and debris than circular culverts.
Concrete or metal.

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  Elliptical Culverts – Oval shaped with improved
hydraulic capacity over circular. Concrete, metal or
plastic materials.
 Bottomless Culverts – Span streams without disturbing
the natural channel. Used for wildlife crossings or
sensitive habitat

Culvert sizing, positioning, and use of

headwalls/aprons also impact drainage
performance. An engineer determines the optimal
design based on flow volumes, terrain, and other
factors .

Culvert Components
 Pipe Sections – The main conduit sections that water
flows through. Multiple sections joined together.
 Headwalls – Structures at the inlet and outlet to retain
and protect the embankment slopes.
 Wingwalls – Side retainers that extend out from the
headwalls to contain the embankment.
 Aprons – Slab section at the outlet to prevent scouring
and undermining.
 Trash Racks – Steel bar screens that prevent large
debris from entering the culvert.
 Flared End Sections – Wider sections attached to the
inlet and outlet to improve hydraulics.
 Cutoff Walls – Underground concrete walls around the
culvert to prevent water seepage and piping erosion.

Proper selection and design of the culvert

components helps optimize performance and
prevent failures.

Culvert Sizing Calculations

Culvert sizing involves detailed hydrological and
hydraulic engineering analysis accounting for:

 Expected water flow volumes based on the drainage area

and rainfall data

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  Design storm frequencies such as 10-year, 25-year or
100-year flood events
 Allowable headwater elevation and outlet water velocity
 Culvert material, shape, roughness, and inlet
configuration
 Allowance for debris and sediment accumulation over
time
 Future development or changes in upstream drainage
areas

Proper engineering software models water flow

dynamics through the culvert options and
determines adequate sizing. Oversizing for future
conditions may be prudent in some cases.
Undersized culverts can lead to catastrophic
failures.

Culvert Replacement Cost

Typical factors affecting culvert replacement cost
include:

 Culvert size and material

 Site conditions and preparation needs
 Excavation and trenching costs
 Bedding, backfill, and compaction
 Headwalls, wingwalls, and other accessories
 Location and access limitations
 Labor and equipment rates

As a rough estimate, small (36-60 inch diameter)

culverts in standard conditions may range from
$40-$60/linear foot. Large box culverts can range
from $200-$500/linear foot. Unique site conditions,
extensive excavation/shoring, or difficult access
can increase costs.

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Reinforced Concrete Culvert
Construction
Reinforced concrete is a very common culvert
material due to its strength and durability.
Construction involves:

 Casting cylindrical or other shaped sections with

reinforcing steel bars (rebar)
 Rebar provides tensile strength while concrete provides
compression strength
 Controlled concrete curing to achieve desired strength
 gasketed joints between precast sections to seal against
water leakage
 Backfilling with granular fill and compacting around the
culvert to support loads
 Use of concrete headwalls, wingwalls, and aprons as
needed

Concrete culvert sections are manufactured by

commercial precast concrete companies to project
specifications or can be cast on site. Quality
concrete mix design and curing are essential for
performance.

Culvert Headwall Design

Culvert headwalls play an important role in
optimizing hydraulic performance and preventing
erosion. Key headwall design factors include:

 Material selection (concrete most common)

 Inlet edge configuration to control water entry
 Height and side taper to direct water and contain
embankment
 Apron size and depth to prevent undermining
 Weep holes to relieve water pressure behind walls
 End treatment like wingwalls to contain embankment
 Riprap, velocity dissipaters, or other scour
countermeasures

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Headwalls must withstand hydraulic pressure and
erosion forces. Extending headwalls beyond the
embankment profile helps prevent bypass flow and
bank erosion.

Culvert Failure Analysis

Some common modes of culvert failure and their
causes include:

 Erosion or washout: Insufficient hydraulic capacity,

excessive velocity, or inadequate bank armoring.
 Piping failure: Water seepage through backfill particles
leading to void formation and collapse.
 Overtopping: Inadequate height or hydraulic capacity
leading to flows over roadway.
 Structural collapse: Excessive deflection, joint
separation, or corrosion. Inadequate strength for loads.
 Settlement: Inadequate foundation support from soft or
unstable soils.
 Blockage: Debris accumulation or sedimentation
obstructing flow. Lack of maintenance.

A forensic analysis is typically needed to determine

the failure sequence and root design, construction,
or maintenance issues when failures occur.

Culvert Inspection Procedures

Regular inspections are crucial to detect issues
before they lead to culvert failure. Inspection
procedures include

 Visual check for orientation, deflection, joint condition,

corrosion, erosion, leaks, or other damage.
 Monitor for debris accumulation and siltation that reduces
capacity.
 Check for piping voids or sink holes developing in the
embankment.

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  Measure remaining structural thickness if corrosion is
evident.
 Document with photos and detailed notes any observed
distresses or changes over time.
 Inspect after major storm events for washing out or other
sudden damage.
 Perform mandrel or camera inspection if needed
internally.

Thorough documentation provides the basis for

maintenance and repair decisions before problems
progress.

Conclusion
Proper culvert design, construction, and
maintenance is critical for infrastructure projects
dealing with water drainage challenges.
Culverts must meet stringent hydraulic capacity,
strength, and durability criteria based on
engineering analysis of the site conditions and
water flows.
Ongoing inspection and maintenance enhances
culvert performance and lifespan. This article
provides civil engineers with comprehensive best
practice guidance spanning the full culvert life
cycle.

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