A pipe culvert is a common type of cross-drainage structure used to convey water under a road,

railway, or embankment. Providing a detailed drawing with precise dimensions and

reinforcement details requires specialized engineering software and project-specific
calculations. However, I can give you a general overview of a typical pipe culvert drawing and its
standard specifications, which will be helpful for understanding the components and their
requirements.

General Components of a Pipe Culvert Drawing:

A comprehensive pipe culvert drawing typically includes the following views and details:
1.​ Plan View:
○​ Shows the alignment of the culvert with respect to the road/embankment.
○​ Indicates the length of the pipe(s), headwalls, and wing walls.
○​ Shows the existing ground contours and proposed finished levels.
○​ Location of inlet and outlet.
2.​ Longitudinal Section (along the culvert axis):
○​ Displays the pipe's invert level (bottom of the pipe) at the inlet and outlet, showing
the gradient.
○​ Illustrates the bedding material, pipe thickness, and cover (cushion) over the pipe.
○​ Shows the foundation details, including any rock excavation and backfill.
○​ Indicates the road formation level and natural ground level.
3.​ Cross-Section(s):
○​ At the pipe location: Shows the pipe embedded in its bedding, the backfill
material, and the embankment or road layers above.
○​ At headwall/wing wall: Details the dimensions, reinforcement, and foundation of
the end structures.
○​ Typical cross-sections: May show different types of bedding (e.g., Class A, Class
B, concrete cradle).
4.​ Reinforcement Details:
○​ For Pipes: If Reinforced Concrete Pipes (RCCP) are used, the drawing might
specify the class of pipe (e.g., NP3, NP4) which implies specific reinforcement
based on relevant standards (like IS 458 in India).
○​ For Headwalls, Wing Walls, and Aprons: Detailed bar bending schedules (BBS)
with bar sizes, spacing, and lengths will be provided.
5.​ General Notes and Legends:
○​ All dimensions in millimeters unless otherwise stated.
○​ Concrete grades (e.g., M15, M20, M30).
○​ Type of steel reinforcement (e.g., Fe 250, Fe 415, Fe 500).
○​ Clear concrete cover for reinforcement.
○​ Compaction requirements for backfill.
○​ Relevant Indian Standards (IS codes) or other applicable codes (e.g., IRC for
roads).
○​ Details on jointing methods.

Standard Specifications for Pipe Culverts (Based on common

practices and IRC/IS codes):
Here are some standard specifications that are typically included or referenced in a pipe culvert
design:
1. Pipe Type and Material:
●​ Reinforced Concrete Pipes (RCCP): Most commonly used. These should conform to IS:
458 (Precast Concrete Pipes - for Water, Sewerage, and Drainage).
○​ Classes: Pipes are classified based on their strength (e.g., NP2, NP3, NP4), with
NP3 and NP4 being common for culverts under roadways, depending on the load.
NP2 (non-pressure) is for medium duty, while NP3 and NP4 are for heavy duty.
●​ Corrugated Metal Pipes (CMP): Less common for permanent road culverts in some
regions but used in specific applications.
2. Pipe Diameter:
●​ Minimum diameter: Usually 600 mm or 750 mm to allow for maintenance and prevent
clogging.
●​ Maximum diameter: Often up to 1200 mm or 1500 mm. For larger flows, multiple pipes or
box culverts are considered.
3. Bedding:
●​ Purpose: To provide uniform support to the pipe and distribute the load from above,
preventing localized stresses.
●​ Types of Bedding:
○​ First Class Bedding (Granular Bedding): The pipe is bedded on a continuous
layer of well-compacted, approved granular material (e.g., sand or well-graded
crushed aggregate passing 5.6 mm sieve). The bedding material is shaped
concentrically to fit the lower part of the pipe exterior for at least 10% of its overall
height.
○​ Concrete Cradle Bedding (Class A Bedding): Used for heavier loads or less
stable foundations. The pipe is bedded in a concrete cradle (typically M15 grade or
leaner) shaped to fit the lower portion of the pipe (often extending up to 1/4th to
1/3rd of the external diameter on the sides). This provides superior support.
○​ Excavation in Rock: If bedrock is encountered, excavation should extend at least
200mm below the pipe invert, and the space should be backfilled with granular
material thoroughly compacted to provide a uniform bed.
4. Trenching:
●​ Width: On either side of the pipe, the trench width should be a minimum of 150 mm or
one-fourth of the pipe diameter (whichever is more) and not more than one-third of the
pipe diameter.
●​ Sides: As nearly vertical as possible, with proper shoring if necessary.
5. Jointing:
●​ Types:
○​ Collar Joint: RCC collars (150-200 mm wide, same strength as pipe) are used.
Caulking space (13-20 mm) is filled with a slightly wet cement-sand mortar mix (1:2
ratio) rammed with caulking irons.
○​ Flush Joint: Mortar (1 cement to 2 sand) is used to fill the joint space, ensuring it is
packed tightly to prevent voids.
○​ Rubber Ring Gasket Joints: For flexible, watertight joints, especially where
movement is expected.
6. Minimum Earth Cushion/Cover:
●​ Typically, a minimum earth cushion of 600 mm to 1000 mm (or more, depending on the
pipe class and traffic load) is required over the pipes, including the road crust. This
 protects the pipe from direct traffic loads and distributes the pressure.
7. Backfilling:
●​ Material: Suitable excavated material or approved granular material.
●​ Placement: In uniform layers (not exceeding 150 mm uncompacted depth) and
compacted to specified density (e.g., 95% of maximum dry density). Care must be taken
to avoid damaging the pipe.
8. Headwalls and Wing Walls:
●​ Purpose: To retain the embankment material, prevent erosion at the inlet and outlet, and
guide water flow.
●​ Material: Often constructed with cement concrete (e.g., M15) or stone masonry in cement
mortar.
●​ Foundations: Designed based on soil bearing capacity.
●​ Aprons/Scour Protection: Concrete or stone pitching aprons are often provided at the
inlet and outlet to prevent scour.
9. Gradient:
●​ Pipes should be laid to a suitable gradient (e.g., 1 in 100 to 1 in 200) to ensure
self-cleaning velocity and efficient water flow.
10. Clear Distance Between Pipes (for multiple pipes):
●​ If two or more pipes are laid side-by-side, they should be separated by a distance equal to
at least half the pipe diameter, subject to a minimum of 450 mm or 500 mm. This allows
for proper compaction between pipes.
Important Note: Always refer to the latest editions of relevant national codes (e.g., IRC Codes
like IRC:SP:13 for Small Bridges and Culverts, IS codes like IS 458) and local specifications, as
these may vary based on project requirements, geographical location, and current engineering
practices. For an actual project, a licensed civil engineer must prepare detailed drawings and
specifications based on site conditions and design calculations.