What Is A Culvert In Construction?

A culvert is a structure that directs water flow around an obstacle or into an underground waterway.

It is typically buried in soil and can be made of materials such as pipe or reinforced concrete. In the UK, the term can also refer to a longer, artificial watercourse buried underground.

Culverts are commonly used to divert water from ditches at the side of roads and to allow water to pass under roads at natural crossings.

They can be empty when located under roads. Some culverts are designed to allow vehicles or pedestrians to cross over the waterway while also allowing for water flow.

Culverts come in various sizes, shapes and constructions such as round, elliptical, flat-bottomed, open-bottomed, pear-shaped and box-like.

The selection of culvert type and shape is based on factors such as hydraulic performance, upstream water elevation and roadway embankment height.

Removing culverts to restore an open-air watercourse is known as daylighting or deculverting in the UK.

How Are Insitu Concrete Culverts Constructed?

A culvert is a type of drainage or piping system that allows water to flow beneath a roadway or railway.

It can be constructed from various materials, such as concrete, metal pipes, or PVC. The position of a culvert is determined by a land surveyor, and excavation begins based on the design specifications.

The contractor first builds up the fill, sub-grade, and sub-base to provide a minimum cover above the proposed level of the top of the culvert.
The excavation for the trench is then carried out, and the width is determined to allow for proper laying and backfilling of the culvert.
After the excavation is completed, the slope of the culvert is achieved and the floor is compacted.
A concrete blinding layer is then constructed and cylindrical moulds are fixed on top.
Concreting begins and the culvert is cured for 12 hours before the moulds are removed and the construction of the side wing walls can begin.
Any curing process may be applied and in case any moulds stick to the culvert, welding is applied.

What Is The Purpose Of A Culvert?

Culverts are structures that are installed and sized properly to prevent flooding, minimize erosion, and provide pathways for runoff.

They are placed under roadways or railways, and should be perpendicular to the road. A separate embankment is not necessary.

They should be positioned to allow easy flow of water and permit wildlife to pass through without interruption.

Poorly designed or small culverts can disrupt the natural flow of water upstream and can fail for various reasons including maintenance, environmental, installation, capacity, volume, and structural or material issues.

What Are The Main Components Of Culvert?

Culvert construction materials include pipe, reinforced concrete, and other options. The selection of material is based on factors such as structure strength, hydraulic efficiency, installation, local construction practices, durability, and cost.

Common materials used for culvert construction include steel (Structural Steel Plate (SSP) and Corrugated Steel Pipe (CSP)), aluminum pipes, concrete, and High-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Each material has its own advantages, such as corrosion resistance, ductility, recyclability, and strength.

HDPE is particularly useful for pipe culverts because it has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is resistant to impacts, weathering, insects, and can be molded into various shape

What Are The Types Of Culverts?

Different types of culverts that are commonly used in construction include:

Pipe Culvert: These are rounded in shape and can be single or multiple. They are typically used for larger flows and have a diameter range of 1 meter to 6m. They can be made of materials such as concrete or steel.
Pipe Arch Culvert: These culverts are shaped like a half circle and are suitable for larger, stable water flows. They also enhance the appearance of the area.
Box Culvert: These culverts are in rectangular shape and made of concrete, they are used to dispose rain water and not suitable for dry periods. They can also be used as passages for animals during dry periods.
Arch Culvert: This is similar to the pipe arch culvert but with an artificial floor below the arch. It is used for narrow passages and can be made of concrete or steel.
Bridge Culvert: These culverts are provided on canals or rivers and can also be used as road bridges for vehicles.

They are rectangular in shape and have a foundation laid under the ground surface. They can replace box culverts if an artificial floor is not necessary.

What Is A Culvert In Construction?