Culvert Selection

Total culvert cost can vary considerably depending upon the culvert type. Generally, the primary factors affecting culvert type selection in Texas are economics, hydraulic properties, durability, and strength.
The following factors influence culvert type selection:
  • fill height
  • terrain
  • foundation condition
  • shape of the existing channel
  • roadway profile
  • allowable headwater
  • stream stage discharge
  • frequency-discharge relationships
  • cost
  • service life
  • fish passage.
Culvert type selection includes the choice of materials to meet design life, culvert shapes, and number of culvert barrels. First, select a material that satisfies hydraulic and structural requirements at the lowest cost. Keep in mind that material availability and ease of construction both influence the total cost of the structure.
Second, choose culvert components that are readily available to construction contractors. Such material choices usually will assure better bid prices for the project.
Some commonly used combinations are as follows:
  • Pipe (concrete, steel, aluminum, plastic): circular or pipe-arch and elliptical (CMP only).
  • Structural-plate (steel or aluminum): circular, pipe-arch, elliptical, or arch.
  • Box (or rectangular) (single or multiple barrel boxes or multiple boxes): concrete box culvert or steel or aluminum box culvert.
  • Long span (structural-plate, steel or aluminum): low-profile arch, high profile arch, elliptical, or pear.