Chapter 18 - Culvert

MSMA 2nd Edition.
2012 | DID Malaysia
CHAPTER 18 CULVERT
18.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 18-1

18.1.1 Components .......................................................................................................... 18-1
18.1.2 Application ........................................................................................................... 18-2
18.2 HYDRAULICS FUNDAMENTALS................................................................................. 18-2
18.2.1 Flow Conditions ................................................................................................... 18-2
18.2.2 Type of Flow Control........................................................................................... 18-3
18.3 DESIGN CONSIDERATION ............................................................................................ 18-8
18.4 DESIGN PROCEDURE ..................................................................................................... 18-8
18.5 FLOW VELOCITY.............................................................................................................. 18-12
18.6 MINIMUM ENERGY CULVERTS ................................................................................... 18-12
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 18-14
APPENDIX 18.A DESIGN FORM, TABLE, CHARTS AND NOMOGRAPH ........................ 18-15
APPENDIX 18.B EXAMPLE – CULVERT DESIGN ................................................................... 18-27
18-i
MSMA 2nd Edition. 2012 | DID Malaysia
18.1 INTRODUCTION
A culvert is a relatively short length of conduit used to transport stormwater through an embankment. A
culvert acts as an enclosed channel that serves as a continuation for an open channel through the embankment.
However, flow through culverts depends on entrance geometry and flow depth at the downstream end.
Consequently, flow computations for culverts are more complex than open-channel flow analysis associated
with pipes or drains. Culverts are typically designed to pass the design discharge without overtopping the
embankment or causing extensive ponding at the upstream end.
This Chapter provides guidance and procedures for the hydraulic design of culverts which are based on
“Hydraulic Design of Highway Culverts”, Hydraulic Engineering Circular No 5 (FHWA, 1985).
18.1.1 Components
Major components of a culvert include the barrel, end treatment such as headwalls, endwalls and wingwalls,
outlet protection, inlet improvements and debris control structures. Except for the barrel these components are
used as the specific situation warrants.
End treatments such as headwalls and wingwalls protect the embankment from erosion, serve as retaining
walls to stabilize the bank and add weight to counter any buoyancy effects. Ideally, the culvert’s centreline
should follow the line and grade of natural channel. In many cases this cannot be done and skewing headwalls
and wingwalls helps accommodate the natural stream alignment to the culvert alignment. Figure 18.1 shows
four types of inlet entrances.
a) Projecting Barrel b) Cast In-place Concrete

Headwall & Wingwalls
c) Precast End Section d) End Mitered to The Slope
Figure 18.1: Four Standard End Inlet Treatments
Culvert 18-1
Debris barriers are sometimes constructed on the upstream end to prevent material from entering and clogging
the culvert. The barriers are placed far enough away from the entrance so that accumulated debris does not clog
the entrance.
At the inlet and outlet ends of the culvert endwalls and wingwalls serve as erosion protection for the
embankment and inhibit piping along the culverts outside surface. Downstream wingwalls provide a smooth
transition between the culvert and the natural stream banks.
18.1.2 Application
Barrels are available in various sizes, shapes and materials. Table 18.1 shows the typically used culvert shapes
and their applications. Shape selection depends on construction limitations, embankment height, environment
issues, hydraulic performance and cost. The most commonly used culvert materials are corrugated steel,
corrugated aluminium and precast or cast-in-place concrete. Factors such as corrosion, abrasion and structural
strength determine the selection of material. In cases where the culvert is located in a highly visible amenity
area, selection of shape and material may be based on aesthetic as well as functional considerations.
Table 18.1: Typical Shapes and Uses
Shape Uses
Round Common uses
For low clearance large waterway opening

Arch and aesthetics
Low-wide waterway enclosures and

Low Profile Arch
aesthetics
Box Low-wide waterway enclosures
18.2 HYDRAULICS FUNDAMENTALS
18.2.1 Flow Conditions
A culvert barrel may flow full over all of its length or partly full. Full flow in a culvert barrel is rare. Generally,
at least part of the barrel flows partly full. A water surface profile calculation is the only way to accurately
determine how much of the barrel flows full.
Full flow or pressure flow - One condition which can create pressure flow in a culvert is the back pressure caused
by a high downstream water surface elevation. A high upstream water surface elevation may also produce full
flow. It is therefore, regardless of the cause, the capacity of a culvert is affected by upstream and downstream
conditions and by the hydraulic characteristics of the culvert.
Partly Full or Open channel flow - The appropriate open channel flow regimes, namely subcritical, critical, or
supercritical must be determined and accomplished by evaluating the dimensionless Froude number Fr. Fr>1,
the flow is supercritical and is characterised as swift. When Fr<1, the flow is subcritical and characterised as
smooth and tranquil. If Fr=1, the flow is said to be critical. To analyse free surface flow conditions, a point of
known depth and flow (control section) must first be identified. A definable relationship exists between critical
depth and critical flow at the dam crest, making it a convenient control section.
18-2 Culvert
18.2.2 Type of Flow Control
Inlet and outlet control are the two basic types of flow control which define the control section. The
characterisation of pressure, subcritical, and supercritical flow regimes play an important role in determining
the location of the control section and thus the type of control.
Inlet control - Occurs when the culvert barrel is capable of conveying more flow than the inlet will accept. The
control section of a culvert operating under inlet control is located just inside the entrance. Critical depth occurs
at or near this location, and the flow regime immediately downstream is supercritical. The upstream water
surface elevation and the inlet geometry represent the major flow control. The inlet geometry includes the barrel
shape, cross-sectional area, and the inlet edge. Figure 18.2 show types of inlet control.
HW Water Surface
A. Projecting End – Unsubmerged Inlet
HW
Water Surface
B. Projecting End – Submerged Inlet
HW
Water Surface
C. Mitred End – Submerged Inlet
Figure 18.2: Types of Inlet Control
Outlet control - Occurs when the culvert barrel is not capable of conveying as much flow as the inlet opening will
accept. The control section for outlet control flow in culvert is located at the barrel exit or further downstream.
Either subcritical or pressure flow exists in the culvert barrel under this conditions. All the geometric and
hydraulic characteristics of the culvert play a role in determining its capacity. These characteristics include all of
the factors governing inlet control, water surface elevation at the outlet, and the slope, length, and hydraulic
roughness of the culvert barrel. Figure 18.3 show types of outlet control.
(a) Determination of Energy Head (H)
The head, H (Figure 18.3) or energy required to pass a given flow through a culvert operating under outlet
control is made up of three major parts. These three parts are usually expressed in metres of water and include
Culvert 18-3
Water Surface
H
W.S.
HW
TW=h0
(a) Culvert Flowing Full, Submerged Outlet
HW H
W.S.
(b) Culvert Flowing Full, Unsubmerged Outlet
Hydraulic Grade
HW Line H
W.S.
(c) Culvert Flowing Full, for Part of Length
HW
H
W.S.
(d) Culvert not flowing full
Figure 18.3: Type of Outlet Control
a velocity head, Hv, an entrance loss, He and a friction loss, Hf . The energy head is expressed in equation form
as:
H = Hv + He + H f (18.1)
The velocity head, Hv is given by,
V2
Hv = (18.2)
2g
18-4 Culvert
where V is the mean velocity in the culvert cell and g is the acceleration due to gravity. The mean velocity is the
discharge, Q, divided by the cross-sectional area A of the cell.
The entrance loss is expressed as,
V2
He = Ke (18.3)
2g
The entrance loss coefficient, Ke , depends on the inlet geometry primarily through the effect it has on
contraction of the flow. Values of Ke determined from experiment, range from 0.2 for a well rounded entrance,
through 0.5 for a square edged inlet in a vertical headwall to 0.9 for a sharp pipe (e.g. corrugated steel)
projecting from an embankment. Ke coefficients are given on Design Chart 18.A1.
Since most engineers are familiar with Manning’s n, the following expression is used to calculate the friction
loss, Hf along the conduit:
2gn 2 L V 2
Hf = x (18.4)
R1.33 2g
where,
n = Manning’s friction factor;

L = Length of culvert cell (m);
V = Mean velocity of flow in culvert cell (m/s);
g = Acceleration due to gravity (9.80 m/s2);
R = Hydraulic radius (m) = A/Wp;
A = Area of flow for full cross-section (m2); and
Wp = Wetted perimeter (m).
Substituting in Equation 18.1 and simplifying, we get for full flow:
⎡ 2gn 2 L ⎤ V 2
H = ⎢1 + K e + 1.33 ⎥ (18.5)
⎢⎣ R ⎥⎦ 2g
Figure 18.4 shows the terms of Equation 18.5, the energy line, the hydraulic grade line and the headwater depth,
HW. The energy line represents the total energy at any point along the culvert cell. The hydraulic grade line is
defined as the pressure line to which water would rise in small vertical pipes attached to the culvert wall along
its length. The difference in elevation between these two lines is the velocity head, V2/2g.
By referring to Figure 18.4 and using the culvert invert at the outlet as datum, we get:
V12
h1 + + LS = h2 + H v + H e + H f (18.6)
2g
Then,
V12
h1 + + LS - h2 = H v + H e + H f (18.7)
2g
and,
V1 2
H = h1 + + LS - h 2 = H v + H e + H f (18.8)
2g
Culvert 18-5
From the development of this energy equation and Figure 18.4, H is the difference between the elevation of the
hydraulic grade line at the outlet and the energy line at the inlet. Since the velocity head in the entrance pool is
usually small under ponded conditions, the water surface of the headwater pool elevation can be assumed to
equal the elevation of the energy line.
2
V1 /2g 2
V /2g
W.S.
He
V1 Energy Lin
Hydrau e
HWh Hf
1 lic Grad
e Line
Hv W.S.
V
S
h2
Datum
LS L
Figure 18.4: Hydraulics of Culvert Flowing Full under Outlet Control for High Tailwater.
Equation 18.5 can be readily solved for H by the use of the full flow nomographs in Appendix 18.A, Design
Charts 18.A9 to 18.A11
(b) Determination of Headwater Depth (HWo)
Headwater depth, HW0 can be determined from an equation for outlet control:
HW0 = H + h0 – LS (18.9)
where,
H = Head (m) determined from Design Charts 18.A9 to 18.A11 or from Equation 18.8;
h0 = Greater of TW and (hc + D)/2, in which h ≤ D;
hc = Critical depth (m) from the Design Charts 18.A7 and 18. A8 in Appendix 18.A;
D = Culvert height (m);
L = Length of culvert (m); and
S = Slope of cell (m/m).
(c) Determination of ho
The determination of h0 is an important factor in calculating both the headwater depth and the hydraulic
capacity a culvert flowing under outlet control.
Tailwater depth, TW is the depth from the culvert invert at the outlet to the water surface in the outlet channel.
Engineering judgement is required in evaluating possible tailwater depths. Tailwater is often controlled by a
downstream obstruction or by water levels in another stream. A field inspection should be made to check on
downstream conditions and flood levels. The Slope Area Method can be used to calculate flow depths, if
downstream conditions do not provide an obvious control.
Fortunately, most natural streams are wide compared to the culvert and the depth of water in the natural
channel is considerably less than critical depth in the culvert section. In such cases the natural tailwater does
not govern.
Two tailwater conditions can occur with culverts operating under outlet control, (i) tailwater above the top of
the opening and (ii) tailwater at or below top of opening:
18-6 Culvert
(i) Tailwater above the top of opening – when the tailwater, TW in the outlet channel is above the top of
the culvert outlet, Figure 18.3 (a);
h o = TW (18.10)
The relationship of h0 to the other terms in Equation 18.9, for this situation, is illustrated on Figure 18.5.
H
HW
D S TW=h0
LS
Figure 18.5: Determination of ho for High Tailwater.
(ii) Tailwater at or below top of opening – when the tailwater in the outlet channel is at or below the top of the
culvert outlet, as on Figure 18.3 (b), 18.3 (c) and 18.3 (d), h0 is more difficult to determine. Full flow depth at the
outlet, Figure 18.3 (b), will occur only when the flow rate is sufficient to give critical depths equal or higher than
the height of the culvert opening. For all such flows the hydraulic grade line will pass through the top of the
culvert at the outlet and the head, H can be added to the level of the top of the culvert opening in calculating
HW0. When critical depth is less than the height of the culvert opening, the water surface drops as shown on
Figures 18.3 (c) and 18.3 (d), depending on the flow. For the condition shown on Figure 18.3 (c), the culvert
must flow full for of its length. Flow profile computations show that the hydraulic grade line, if extended as a
straight line from the point where the water breaks away from the top of the culvert, will be at a height
approximately halfway between critical depth and the top of the culvert, at the culvert outlet. i.e.:
(h c + D ) (18.11)
ho =
2
This level should be used if it is greater than TW.
The head, H can be added to this level in calculating HW0. The relationship of h0 to the other terms in
Equation 18.9 for this situation is illustrated on Figure 18.6. As the discharge decreases the situation approaches
that of Figure 18.3 (d). For design purposes, this method is satisfactory for calculated headwater depths above
0.75D. For smaller values of headwater, more accurate result can be obtained by flow profile calculations or by
the use of the capacity charts from Hydraulic Engineering Circular No 10 (US Federal Highway Administration,
1972).
HW H
D S
LS
hc TW
h0 = Greater of hc + D and TW
2
Figure 18.6: Determination of ho for Tailwater below Top of Opening.
Culvert 18-7
18.3 DESIGN CONSIDERATION
Headwater - Headwater is the water surface in the upstream of culvert. The available headwater may be limited
by the height of the surrounding ground or the elevation at which the road formation cuts through the HGL.
The most economical culvert is one which utilize all of the available headwater to pass the design discharge.
However, it is not always possible to utilize all of the available headwater due to constraints that limit the
upstream water level. The following factors should be considered in the selection of the design headwater:
• Limits on backwater not to cause inundation of the properties upstream; and

• The outlet velocity and the potential scours.
Multiple Cells - The culvert shape selected will best fit the waterway of channel or stream. In narrow deep
channel, a small number of large diameter pipes or box culverts are usually appropriate. In flat areas of no well
defined waterway, the flood may be larger in volume, but shallow depth. A number of separate culverts spread
over the width of the flooded area may be more appropriate. Special consideration should be given to multiple
cell culverts where the approach flow is of high velocity, particularly if supercritical.
Culvert in Flat Terrain - In flat terrain, drainage channels are often not well defined. Multiple culverts can be
considered to have a common headwater elevation. It is also necessary to construct levee banks to achieve the
design headwater at the culvert location provide no danger of increased flooding of upstream properties. The
approval of the local drainage authority must be obtained prior to construction of such levee bank.
18.4 DESIGN PROCEDURE
The approach is to analyse a culvert for various types of flow control and then design for the control which
produces the minimum performance. Design for minimum performance ignores transient conditions which
might result in periods of better performance. The benefit of designing for minimum performance are ease of
design and assurance of adequate performance under the least favourable hydraulic conditions.
The design engineer should be familiar with all the equations in the previous Section before using these
procedures. Following the design method without an understanding of culvert hydraulics can result in an
inadequate, unsafe, or costly structures. The procedures does not address the effect of storage. The design
procedure is summarised on the Culvert Design Flowchart, Figure 18.7
The steps in culvert sizing are as follows:.
Step 1: Assemble Site Data
The following data are required for the design of culvert:
• Site survey and locality map;

• Embankment cross-section;
• Roadway profile;
• Photographs, aerial photographs;
• Details from field visit (sediment, debris and scour at existing structure);
• Design data for nearby structures;
• Studies by other authorities near the site, including small dams, canals, weirs, floodplains, storm
drains; and
• Recorded and observed flood data.
Step 2: Determine Design Flood Discharge
Determine ARI of design flood and hence the design flood discharge Q, Please refer Chapter 2.
18-8 Culvert
Yes
⎛ hc + D ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠
⎛ hc + D ⎞
ho = ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠
HWo = H+ho-SoL
Consider Option:
Scour Protection Energy Dissipator
If Change of Culvert
Size, Repeat Design Steps
HWi = Headwater for inlet control

HWo = Headwater for outlet control
Figure 18.7: Design Flow Chart
Culvert 18-9
Step 3: Commence Summarising Data on Design Form
The information obtained from step 1 and step 2 are put into Design form Chart 18.A1 in Appendix
18.A.
Step 4: Select Trial Culvert
• Choose culvert material, shape, size and entrance type.

• The initial trial size of culvert is determined, either by arbitrary selection or by assuming a velocity
(say 2 m/s) and calculating a culvert area from A = Q/V
Step 5: Determine Inlet Control Headwater Depth, HWi – Use inlet Control Design Charts 18.A2 to 18.A4.
The nomographs cover various culvert types and inlet configurations. Each nomographs has an
example on it which is self-explanatory. Using the trial culvert size, the relevant nomograph can be
used to calculate HWi given a known Q. They can also be used in reverse to calculate Q given a known
HWi.
It should be noted that where the approach velocity is considerable, the approach velocity head can be
calculated and deducted from the calculated HWi to give the actual physical head required.
Step 6: Determine Depth, h0 for Outlet control
Calculate both (hc + D)/2 and the tailwater, TW from known flood levels, downstream controlling levels
or from the Slope Area Method. If it is clear that the downstream tailwater conditions do not control,
take h0 = (hc + D)/2. hc can be calculated from Design Charts 18.A7. or 18.A8. If hc exceeds D then take hc
as D.
h0 is the larger of TW or (hc + D)/2
Step 7: Determine Outlet Control Headwater Depth at Inlet, HW0
• Determine entrance loss coefficient, Ke from Design Table 18.A1., Appendix 18.A.
• Calculate the losses through the culvert, H using the outlet control nomographs, Design
Charts 18.A9 to 18.A11 (or Equation 18.5 if outside the range). As with the inlet control
nomographs, these nomographs cover various culvert types and each nomograph has an self-
explanatory example on it.
• If the Manning’s n value of the culvert under consideration differs from the Manning n value
shown on the nomograph, this can be allowed for by adjusting the culvert length as follows:
⎛n ⎞
L1 = L⎜ 1 ⎟ (18.12)
⎝ n ⎠
where,
L1 = Adjusted culvert length;
L = Actual culvert length;
n1 = Desired Manning n value; and
n = Manning n value given on the nomograph.
• Calculate HW0 = H + h0 – LS
As with inlet control, where the approach velocity is considerable, the approach velocity head can
be calculated and deducted from the calculated HW0 to give the actual physical head required.
18-10 Culvert
• If HW0 is less than 0.75D and the culvert is under outlet control, then the culvert may be flowing
only part full and using (hc + D)/2 to calculate h0 may not be applicable. If required, more accurate
results can be obtained by flow profile calculations or the use of Hydraulic Engineering Circular No 10
(as discussed in Section 18.2.2 under (ii) tailwater depth at or below top of opening).
Step 8: Determine Controlling Headwater, HWc
Compare HWi and HW0 and use the higher:
If HWi > HW0 the culvert is under inlet control and HWc = HWi; and
If HW0 > HWi the culvert is under outlet control and HWc = HW0.
Step 9: Calculate Outlet Velocity, V0
The average outlet velocity will be the discharge divided by the cross-sectional area of flow at the
culvert outlet. The cross-sectional area of flow depends, in turn, on the flow depth at the outlet.
If inlet control is the controlling headwater, the flow depth can be approximated by calculating the
normal depth, yn, for the culvert cross-section using Manning’s Equation. The flow area, A is calculated
using yn and the outlet velocity:
Q
Vo = (18.13)
A
The outlet velocity computed utilising the normal depth, yn will usually be high, because the normal
depth is seldom reached in the relatively short length of average culvert.
If outlet control is the controlling headwater, the flow depth can be either critical depth hc , the tailwater
depth TW (if below the top of the culvert), or the full depth D of the culvert depending on the following
Use relationships:
• hc, if hc > TW;

• Use TW, if hc < TW < D; and
• Use D, if D < TW.
Calculate flow area using appropriate flow depth and then outlet velocity using Equation 18.13.
Step 10: Review Results
Compare alternative design with the site constraints and assumptions. If any of the following
conditions are not met, repeat steps 4 to 9:
• The culvert must have adequate cover;
• The final length of the culvert should be close to the approximate length assumed in design;
• The headwalls and wingwalls must fit the site;
• The allowable headwater should not be exceeded; and
• The allowable overtopping flood frequency should not be exceeded.
The performance of the culvert should also be considered, (i) with floods larger than the design flood to
ensure such rarer floods do not pose unacceptable risks to life or potential for major damage and (ii)
with smaller floods than the design flood to ensure that there will be no unacceptable problems of
maintenance.
If outlet velocity is high, scour protection or an energy dissipater may be required.
Culvert 18-11
Step 11: Improved Designs
Under certain conditions more economic designs may be achieved by consideration of the following:
• The use of an improved inlet for culverts operating under inlet control; and
• Allowing ponding to occur upstream to reduce the peak discharge, if a large upstream headwater
pool exists.
18.5 FLOW VELOCITY
Culvert usually increase the flow velocity in the natural water course. When culverts flow full, the highest
velocity occurs near the outlet and may cause erosion. Check on outlet velocity must be carried out in the
culvert design discharging into unlined waterway.
Inlet Control - The outlet velocity for a pipe culvert flowing with inlet control can be obtained from the
Colebrook-White equation, Design Chart 18.A12, Appendix 18.A for pipe roughness k=0.6. For other pipe
material charts of appropriate k values should be used. Chart 18.A5 and 18.A6 for circular and box culvert
respectively can be used to obtain velocity for part full flow. This approach assumes that the outlet flow depth
corresponding to uniform flow. The depth of flow should be checked against critical depth as determined from
Design Charts 18.A7 and 18.A8 for circular and box culverts respectively.
Outlet Control - For outlet control, the average outlet velocity will be equal to the discharge divided by the cross-
sectional areas of flow at the outlet.
Erosion of Conduit - Very fast flow of higher than 7.5m/s in full flow pipe, and 12m/s in open conduit can cause
cavitation and erosion to the conduit. Maximum recommended flow velocities for Precast concrete pipes and
precast box culvert are 8.0m/s, while for insitu concrete and hard packed rock of 300mm minimum is 6.0m/s.
Scour at Inlets and Outlets - Scour can occur upstream of the culvert caused by high velocity and acceleration of
flow as it leaves the natural channel and enters the culvert. Upstream wing walls, aprons, cut-off walls and
embankment paving assist protecting the embankment and stream bed at the upstream end of a culvert. The
flow of high velocity emerging from culvert can cause erosion and scour in the bed immediately downstream.
Scour protection such as concrete apron, rock riprap, rock mattresses, or concrete filled mattresses may be
considered.
Siltation - Flow velocity about 0.5m/s and below will cause settlement of fine to medium sand particles and
siltation occurs. Higher velocity may be obtained by increase the slope and hence to be self-cleansing. Self
cleansing may also be obtained by graded culverts to the average grade of the water course upstream and
downstream of the culvert, and levels must represent the average stream levels before the culvert was built.
18.6 MINIMUM ENERGY CULVERTS
The tranquil flow occur in conduit laid on natural grade of low slope of a fraction of one per thousand as in
most coastal areas. “The Minimum Energy Culvert” concept is to concentrate the flow in a narrow, deep cross
section flowing with critical velocity under maximum design flow, taking advantage of the minimum specific
energy under critical flow condition. This maximises the flow per unit length of waterway crossing. By keeping
the flow outside the supercritical region, the designer avoids the energy loss in a hydraulic jump and the need
for erosion protection, hence safe cost.
Here, the design requires knowledge of:
• Design discharge;
• Average natural slope of terrain;
• Flood Levels; and
• Survey details of flood plain adjacent to culvert.
18-12 Culvert
Base on the above information and the following assumptions, a plan and longitudinal section of the culvert is
drawn;
• The energy line parallels the natural fall of the terrain; and
• Energy losses at entry and exit of culvert are disregarded due to smooth transitions.
To avoid the formation of standing eddies, the expansion of exit stream bed should be smaller than the entry
angle.
Using the following equations:
Hs,c = 1.5dc, (18.14a)
Q = bdc (gdc)0.5 (18.14b)
Corresponding values of b, dc and Hs can be tried and compared.
PLAN
1
2
3
b1
bc
3
2
1
ELEVATION
1 v2 2 3
2g Energy Line
d
dc Water Surface
Culvert and
1 2
3 Channel Bottom
Culvert
Figure 18.8: Characteristic Flow Line of Minimum Energy Culvert
Culvert 18-13
REFERENCES
1. DID Malaysia (2000). Urban Stormwater Management Manual for Malaysia. Department of Irrigation and
Drainage.
2. U.S. Federal Highway Administration (1972). Capacity Chart for the Hydraulic Design of Highway Culverts,
Hydraulic Engineering Circular No.10, Washington DC.
3. U.S. Federal Highway Administration (1972). Hydraulic Design of Highway Culverts, Hydraulic Engineering
Circular No.5, Washington DC.
18-14 Culvert
Culvert
ENGINEER :
DATE :
PROJECT :
HYDROLOGICAL AND CHANNEL INFORMATION SKETCH

STATION :
EL.
ALLOWABLE HW=
Q1 = TW1 =
Q2= TW2 =
TW
EL. S0 =
(Q1= Design Discharge) L=
EL.
(Q1= Check Discharge) MEAN STREAM VELOCITY =
MAX. STREAM VELOCITY =
HEADWATER COMPUTATION
CULVERT INLET CONT. OUTLET CONTROL HW 0= H + h 0-LS 0

DESCRIPTION Q SIZE COST COMMENTS
HW
(Entrance Type) HWi hc + D

OUTLET
HW Ke H hc TW
VELOCITY
D 2 h0 LS 0 HW0
CONTROLLING
APPENDIX 18.A DESIGN FORM, TABLE, CHARTS AND NOMOGRAPH
Design Chart 18.A1: Design Form for Culvert Calculation

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
18-15
Design Table 18.A1: Entrance Loss Coefficients
Type of Barrel And Inlet Loss Coefficients

Pipe, Concrete Ke
Projecting from fill, socket end 0.2
Projecting from fill, square cut end 0.5
Headwall or headwall and wingwalls
Socket end of pipe 0.2
Square-edge 0.5
Rounded (radius = 1/12 D) 0.2
Mitred to conform to fill slope 0.7
End-section conforming to fill slope (standard precast) 0.5
Bevelled edges, 33.7° or 45° bevels 0.2
Side-tapered or slope-tapered inlets 0.2
Pipe, or Pipe-Arch, Corrugated Steel
Projecting from fill 0.9
Headwall or headwall and wingwalls, square edge 0.5
Mitred to conform to fill slope 0.7
End-section conforming to fill slope (standard prefab) 0.5
Bevelled edges, 33.7° or 45° bevels 0.25
Side-tapered or slope-tapered inlets 0.2
Box, Reinforced Concrete
Headwall
Square-edged on 3 edges 0.5
Rounded on 3 edges to radius of 1/12 barrel dimension,
Or bevelled edges on 3 sides 0.2
Wingwalls at 30° to 75° to barrel
Square-edged at crown 0.4
Crown edge rounded to radius of 1/12 barrel dimension
Or bevelled top edge 0.2
Wingwalls at 10° to 25° to barrel
Wingwalls parallel (extension of sides)
Side-tapered or slope-tapered inlet 0.2
Projecting
Square-edged 0.7*
Bevelled edges, 33.7° or 45° bevels 0.2*
* Estimated
18-16 Culvert
Q
D (m) (m3/s) HW
N
D
4.50 300 (1) (2) (3)
200 Example 6
4.00 6
D = 0.80 m Q = 1.7 m 3/s 5
N 6 5
3.50
100 4
80 Inlet HW HW(m) 5 4
3.00 D
60 4
50 (1) 2.60 2.08 3
3
40 (2) 2.18 1.74
2.50 (3) 2.20 1.76 3
30
20 2
e 2
pl
2.00 am
Ex 2
10 3/s
m 1.5
8 1 .7 1.5
Q =
6 N 1.5
1.50 5
4
3
2
1.0 1.0
0m
1.00 0 .8 1.0
=
D 1 Inlet Type 0.9 0.9
0.90 0.8 (1) Headwall with 0.9
0.6 Square Edge
0.80 (2) Headwall with 0.8
0.5 0.8
Socket End 0.8
0.4
0.70 (3) Projecting with
0.3
Socket End 0.7 0.7
0.60 0.2 0.7
0.15
0.50 0.1 0.6

0.09 0.6 0.6
0.08
0.07
0.06
0.40 0.05
0.04 0.5 0.5
0.03 0.5
0.02
0.30
Design Chart 18.A2: Inlet Control Nomograph – Concrete Pipe Culvert
Culvert 18-17
D (m) Q
(m 3/s per metre span)
4.00 NB
70 Example HW
3.50 60 2.00 x 0.80m Box Q = 8.0m 3/s D
50 (1) (2) (3)
Q 9
40 NB = 4.0m 3/s per m 8 10
3.00 8 9
7
HW HW 7 8
30 Inlet 6
D (m) 6 7
5 6
2.50 5
20 (1) 4.5 3.60
4 5
(2) 4.8 3.84
(3) 5.6 4.48 4
4
m 3
2.00 p er 3
10 3 /s 3
9 . 0 m
8 4
= 2
7 Q B
Head Water Depth in Terms of Height ( HW/D )

6 N 2
2
1.50 5
1.5
4 1.5
Angle of 1.5
le 3 Wingwall
p
a m Flare
Ex
Ratio of Dischange to Width
m 2
0 .8
Height of Box
= 1.0
D
1.00
0.9 1.0 1.0
0.90 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.9
0.9
0.80 0.8
0.7 0.8
0.6 0.7 0.8
0.70 0.5
0.7 0.7
0.4 0.6
0.60 0.3
0.6
0.6
0.2 0.5
0.50
0.5
0.5
0.1 0.4
0.40 0.09
0.08
0.07 0.4
0.06 0.4
0.05
0.35
0.04 B = Span per cell 0.3 0.35
0.30
Wingwall Flare HW/D Scale

30° - 75° 1
B D
90° (headwall) 2
0° (parallel) 3
Design Chart 18.A3: Inlet Control Nomograph – Box Culvert
18-18 Culvert
Q
(m 3 /s)
D (m) N HW
300 D
4.61 4.50
4.30 200 (1) (2) (3)
3.99 4.00 6
3.67 3.60 5 6
3.50 100 Example
3.36 3.30 5 6
80 D = 0.90 m Q = 1.8 m 3/s 4
3.05 3.00 60 N 5
4
SPCSP Sizes
50
2.74 2.70 40 3 4
2.59 Inlet HW HW(m)
30 D 3
2.43 2.40
2.28 (1) 1.73 1.58 3
2.20 20 (2) 2.03 1.83
2.12 2
2.00 (3) 2.10 1.89
1.97
1.81 10 2 2
1.80 ple
8 xam 1.5
1.66 E
1.60 6 3 /s
1.50 1.50 5 1.5 1.5
8m
1.40 4 Q = 1.
3 N
Sizes
1.20 2
0m
= 0.9 1.0 1.0
CMP
1.00 D 1.0
1 0.9 0.9
0.90 0.8
0.9
0.6 0.8
0.80 0.5 Inlet Edges 0.8
0.4 (1) Headwall 0.8
0.70 0.3 (2) Mitred
(3) Projecting 0.7 0.7
0.2 0.7
0.60
0.15
0.1 0.6 0.6
0.50 0.09
0.08 0.6
0.07
0.06
0.05
0.40 0.04 0.5 0.5
0.03 0.5
0.02
0.30
D
Design Chart 18.A4: Inlet Control Nomograph – Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP) Culvert
Culvert 18-19
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
Relative Depth y/D
D
y
0.6
Q/QF
0.5
V/VF
R/R F Q = Part - full Discharge
0.4 QF = Full Flow Discharge
V = Part - full Velocity
0.3 VF = Full Flow Velocity
R = Part - full Flow Hydraulic Radius
R F= Full Flow Hydraulic Radius
0.2
0.1
0.0 Q/QF R/R F

V/VF
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2
Relative Discharge Q/Q F , Relative Velocity V/VF , Relative Hydraulic Radius R/R F
Design Chart 18.A5: Relative Discharge, Velocity and Hydraulic Radius in Part-full Pipe Flow.
y/D
B/D 0.5 1.0 2.0 5.0 10.0
1.0
0.9
NOTE :
Q/Q F = 1 Corresponds to Full Flow
0.8 with Top Slab Fully Wetted
Q/Q F > 1 Disregards All Effects
of Top Slab
0.7
0.6
Q/QF
0.5
0.4
V/VF
Part - Full Flow

0.3
Box Culverts
0.2 y D
0.1 B
0
Q/Q F V/VF
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6
Q/QF and V/VF
Design Chart 18.A6: Relative Discharge, Velocity and Hydraulic Radius in Part-full Box Culvert Flow
18-20 Culvert
Design Chart 18.A7: Critical Depth in a Circular Pipe
Culvert 18-21
B (m)
20
Q
(m3 /s)
N h c (m)
15 1000
800 7
600 6
500
400
10 5
300
9
8 200 4
7 150
6 100 3
80
5 60
50
40 2
4
30
20 3 s
3 11.5 m / 1.5
15 Q/N = m
Example h c = 1.50
m 10
B = 2.00 8
2 6 1.0
5 0.9
4 0.8
1.5 3 0.7
2
0.6
1.5
1.0 0.5
1.0
0.9 0.8
0.8 0.6 0.4
0.7 0.5
0.4
0.6 0.3 0.3
0.5 0.2
0.15
0.4 0.2
0.1
0.08
0.06 0.15
0.3 0.05
Q 2/3
(NB hc D
hc = 0.467
(hc >D) B
Critical Depth
Rectangular Section
Design Chart 18.A8: Critical Depth in a Rectangular (Box) Section
18-22 Culvert
Q 3
(m /s)
N
80
70
60 H (m)
50 D (m)
0.1
40 4.00
30
20 3.00 0.2
0.3
10 2.00 K
9 e = 0.4
8 0.2
7 K 0.5
10
e =
6 0.5 0.6
20
1.50
30
Le
5
5 0
ng
4
60 0
0.8
10
th
4
20
m 70 0
(m
Q 17
30
1
)
3N = 3 m 3/ L = = 0.5 40 0 8 0
9 0
s 5 0
Ke 6 10
1.00 70 0
m 8 0
2
0.90 .80 9 0
=0 10 0
D E xam 15
0.80 ple 2
0
0.70 15 H=
1 3 .40
0.9 m 3
0.8 0.60
0.7
Turning Line
4
0.6
0.5 0.50 5
0.4 6
0.3 0.40
8
0.2 Ke Wingwall Angle & Edge Finish

0.30 0.2 - Socket End (Projecting or Headwall)
- Bevelled Inlet (33.7° or 45°)
0.5 - Square (Cut) End (Proj. or Headwall)
0.1 - Prefabricated End Section
D
Outlet Control
Conrete Pipe Culvert
Flowing Full
n = 0.012
Design Chart 18.A9: Outlet Control Nomograph – Concrete Pipe Culvert Flowing Full with n = 0.012
Culvert 18-23
Q
(m 3 /s)
N
200
A (m 2 )
100 40
80
30
60
50 20 H (m)
40 0.1
15
30 13
11
10
20 9 0.2
8
7
6 K
5 e = 0.3
K 0 Le
e = .2
10
10 4 ng
20
K 0.5 th 0.4
4 0
e =
3
(m
50 0
8Q 3 0.7 0 ) 0.5
6 0
6N = 6 m 7 0 0.6
3 10 8 0 0
9 10
/s 2 31 m
3 0
5 = 0.8
2
40 0
L 5
4 = 0. 50
Ke 0
0 15
3 10
1
Exa 0
2 0.8 mpl 15
e 2
0.7
0.6 H=
3.80
Turning Line
0.5 m 3
1 0.4 4
0.8 0.3 5
6
0.6
0.2 8
0.4
0.1
Ke Wingwall Angle & Edge Finish
0.2 0.2 - 0° or 90° Bevelled Edge
- 30° to 75° Bevelled Edge
0.5 - 90° Square Edge
- 10° to 25° Square Edge B D
0.1 0.7 - Projecting Square Edge
NOTE:
If B/D = 0.5 to 2.0
A=BD A = Cross-sectional Area per Cell Calculate H from
E 7.5
Design Chart 18.A10: Outlet Control Nomograph Concrete Box Culvert Flowing Full with n = 0.012
18-24 Culvert
Q 3
(m /s)
N
H (m)
50
D (m) 0.1
40
30 4.00
20
0.2
3.00
K
e= 0.3
10 0.
K 25
8 e=
10
2.00 0. 0.4
K 5
6
20
e= 0.5
0.
5 9
30 0.6
4 1.50
10
40
Le n
3 0.8
20
50
gt h
30 1
40 60
(m
2
)
1m 50 70
Q
1.00 L=4 0.9 60 80
3
N=1 m /s
0.90 m Ke =
0.70 70 90
1 0.80 D= Example 80 100 2
0.8 90
0.70 H=2.29 m
100
0.6 3
0.5 0.60
150
Turning Line
0.4 4
0.50 150
0.3 5
6
0.2 0.40
Ke Wingwall Angle & Edge Finish

0.10 0.30
0.2 - Side-tapered or Slope-tapered
0.08 0.25 - Bevelled Edge
0.06 0.5 - Headwall or Wingwalls, Square Edge
- Prefabricated End Section
0.05 0.7 - Mitred Parallel to Fill Slope
0.9 - Projecting D
Outlet Control
Corrugated Steel Pipe
Flowing Full
n=0.024
Design Chart 18.A11: Outlet Control Nomograph – Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP)
Flowing Full with n = 0.024
Culvert 18-25
HYDRAULIC GRADIENT , %
1.0
0.9 0
0.8 0
0.7 0
0.6 0
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.000
0.090
0.080
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0 2
0.0 0
0.009
0.0 8
0.0 7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
0
00
00
00
00
00
60
20
70
60
50
40
30
20
16
1
1
0
0
06
05
04
03
02
2500
00
250
00 2000
20000
18000 1800
160 0
0
140 0 1600
0
1.2
2
1 00
0
100000 1400
9 0
80 0
0 1200
7 00
1.6
0
60 0
0 0 1000
50
2
0 0 900
40
0 800
90 0
3
700
0
2000 600
1800
1600
4
14 0
0 500
12 0
5
0 00
1 00
9
800 400
6
700
7
600
8
500
DISCHARGE Q, L/s
300
DIAMETER D, mm
9 10
400
300
12
200 200
180
16
160 180
140 160
120
20
100 140
90
80
70 120
30
60
50 100
40
40 90
80
30
50
70
60
20
18 60
70 80 90 10 1 2
16
14
12 50
10
0
9
8 40
0
7
6
16
5 2 1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2

0
30
4
20
0
3 25
10
09
08
07
06
05
04
03
02
4
5
2
6
VELOCITY V, m/s
VELOCITY, M/S
Design Chart 18.A12: Hydraulic Design of Pipes – Colebrook-White Formula – k = 0.60 mm
18-26 Culvert
APPENDIX 18.B EXAMPLE – CULVERT DESIGN
18.B1 Pipe Culvert (Inlet Control)
Problem:
Figure 18.B1 shows a proposed culvert located near a road intersection to be sized to accommodate a given
design flow of 4.8m3/s. Road level as well as culvert inflow and outflow inverts are as given. Determine a
suitable pipe culvert (k = 0.6mm) and calculate the velocity to check if erosion will be a problem.
2
3
.23 0.10
8 .7 3
60 59 2
6 .69
59
1
8 .9 5 IL 57.
491
.9 0 59 Flow
59 60.48 8
.980 7.50
0 .92
7 IL 5 7 IL 5 57
.92
59 ow
Fl .93
Culvert Location 57
018
58.
IL
Figure 18.B1: Culvert Location and Levels
Solution:
Reference Calculation Output

STEP 1: Data
Flow Q = 4.8m3/s
Culvert length, L = 36m
Natural waterway inverts level:
Inlet = 57.98m
Outlet = 57.50m
Acceptable upstream flood level = 59.73m
Proposed pavement level = 60.48m
Minimum freeboard = 0.30m
Estimated downstream tailwater level = 58.30m
Maximum headwater height, HWmax, is the lesser of:
i) 60.48 – 0.3 – 2.98 = 2.20m
ii) 59.73 – 2.98 = 1.75m
Therefore maximum headwater height, HWmax = 1.75 m HWmax = 1.75m
Culvert 18-27
STEP 2: Assume Inlet Control

Estimate required waterway flow area by assuming flow velocity,
V = 2.0m/s.
Estimated flow area, A = Q/V = 2.40m2

Use Design i) Try 1650mm diameter reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), D = 1.65m
Chart 18.A2
Enter Design Chart 18.A2 with Q/N = 4.8/1 = 4.8m3/s; Inlet Type (1):
Obtain HWi/D = 1.10m
HWi = 1.81m > 1.75m maximum. Not acceptable. HWi > HWmax,
not acceptable
Use Design ii) Try RCP 1800 mm diameter

Chart 18.A2 Enter Design Chart 18.A2 with Q/N = 4.8/1 = 4.8m3/s; Inlet Type (1):
HWi = 1.69m < 1.75m
But maximum culvert height available only 1.75m
Use Design iii) Try twin lines, 2/1050mm diameter

Chart 18.A2 Enter Design Chart 18.A2 with Q/N = 4.8/2 = 2.40m3/s; Inlet Type (1):
HWi = 1.70m < 1.75m HWi<HWmax, ok
Use 2/1050mm diameter pipes
STEP 3: Check Outlet Control

TW = 58.30 – 57.50 = 0.80m< D (1.05m)
Use Design
Enter Design Chart 18.A7 with D = 1.05m; Q/N = 4.8/2 = 2.4m3/s
Chart 18.A7
hc = 0.80m< D (1.05m)
(hc+D)/2 = (0.80 + 1.05)/2 = 0.93m > TW = 0.80m
Calculate HWo for outlet control:

Use Design Enter Design Chart 18.A9 with D = 1.05 m; Q/N = 4.8/2 = 2.4 m3/s;
Chart 18.A9 Ke = 0.5; and L = 36m
Obtain H = 0.85m
Fall of culvert invert, LS = 57.98 – 57.50 = 0.48m hence:

HWo = (hc+D)/2 + H - LS
= 0.93 + 0.85 – 0.48
= 1.30m
HWi (Inlet control) = 1.70m greater than Inlet Control

HWo (Outlet control) = 1.30m HWi<HWmax, ok
Therefore inlet control governs.
18-28 Culvert
STEP 4: Flow Velocity
For 1050mm diameter pipes:
A = (πD2)/4 = 0.87m2
S = 0.48/36 = 0.0133 (= 1.33% )
Use Design From Colebrook-White’s Chart for k = 0.6mm (Chart 18.A12)

Chart 18.A12
Qf = 3.40m3/s
Vf = 3.80m/s
Use Design Because the culvert does not flow full it is necessary to use part-full
Chart 18.A5 flow relationships plotted in Design Chart 18.A5:
Q/Qf = 2.4/3.4 = 0.71 and from Design Chart 18.A5,
V/Vf = 0.96 and V = 0.96 x 3.80 = 3.65m/s
y/D = 0.68 and y = 0.68 x 1.05

y = 0.71m < hc = 0.80m
STEP 5: Summary
Use 2/1050mm diameter concrete pipes with square edge entrance. Use 2/1050mm
mm diameter
pipes with
Pipes will flow with inlet control with headwater height of 1.70m and
square edge
headwater at RL 59.68m.
entrance.
Outlet velocity = 3.65m/s and the possibility of scour or the formation

of a hydraulic jump at the outlet must be checked.
60.48m
HW=59.68m D=1050mm
Embankment
IL=57.98m Culvert
Ls IL=57.50m
L=36m
Profile Section
Culvert 18-29
18.B2 Box Culvert (Inlet Control)
Problem:
Using the same data as provided for the previous pipe culvert (Example 18.B1), calculate a suitable box culvert
size and check for the effects of the outlet velocity.
Solution:

STEP 1: Data
Flow Q = 4.8m3/s
Inlet = 57.98m
Outlet = 57.50m
i) 60.48 – 0.3 – 2.98 = 2.20m
ii) 59.73 – 2.98 = 1.75m

V = 2.0m/s.
Try 1500mm (wide) and 1200mm (high) box culvert

Use Design Enter Design Chart 18.A3 with D = 1.2m; Q/NB = 4.8/(1x1.5) =
Chart 18.A3 3.2m3/s/m; Inlet Type (1):

HWi = 1.70m > 1.75m maximum, which is acceptable HWi<HWmax, ok

TW = 58.30 – 57.50 = 0.80m< D (1.20m)
Use Design Enter Design Chart 18.A8 with B = 1.50m; Q/N = 4.8/1 = 4.80m3/s
Chart 18.A8 hc = 1.00m< D (1.20m)
(hc+D)/2 = (1.00 + 1.20)/2 = 1.10m > TW = 0.80m
18-30 Culvert
Calculate headwater for outlet control (HWo):

Use Design Enter Design Chart 18.A10 with A = 1.2 x 1.5 = 1.80 m2; Q/N = 4.8/1 =
Chart 18.A10 4.8 m3/s; Ke = 0.5; and L = 36m
Obtain H = 0.75m

HWo = (hc+D)/2 + H - LS
= 1.10 + 0.75 – 0.48
= 1.37m
HWi (Inlet control) = 1.70m greater than Inlet Control

HWo (Outlet control) = 1.37m HWi<HWmax, ok
Therefore inlet control governs.
Hydraulic radius R = Area/wetted perimeter
R = 1.8/(2(1.5+1.2)) = 0.33m2
Equivalent D = 4 x 0.33 = 1.33m and S = 0.48/36 = 0.0133 (= 1.33% )
Use Design From Colebrook-White’s Chart for k = 0.6mm (Chart 18.A12)

Chart 18.A12
Vf = 4.50m/s
Qf = 1.8 x 4.50 = 8.10m3/s
Use Design Because the culvert does not flow full it is necessary to use part-full
Chart 18.A6 flow relationships plotted in Design Chart 18.A6:
Q/Qf = 4.8/8.1 = 0.59 and from Design Chart 18.A6 B/D = 1.25,
V/Vf = 1.05 and V = 1.05 x 4.50 = 4.73m/s
y/D = 0.57 and y = 0.57 x 1.20

y = 0.68 < hc = 1.00m
Culvert 18-31
STEP 5: Summary
Use 1500mm (wide) by 1200mm (high) concrete box culvert with Use 1500mm
square edges. (wide) by 1200
(high) box
culvert with
Culvert will flow with inlet control with headwater height of 1.70m
square edges.
and headwater at RL 59.68m.

60.48m
HW=59.68m
Embankment
D=1200mm
IL=57.98m Culvert
Ls IL=57.50m
L=36m B=1500mm
Profile Section
18-32 Culvert
18.B3 Pipe Culvert (Outlet Control)
Problem:
Figure 18.B2 shows a different culvert crossing located at a road junction to be sized to accommodate a given
design flow of 0.90m3/s. Road level as well as culvert inflow and outflow inverts are as given. Determine a
suitable pipe culvert (k = 0.6mm) and calculate the velocity to check if erosion will be a problem.
Culvert Location
911 853
37. 37. 892
IL 35.3
00 37.
Flow
IL 35.309 IL 35.090
37.900 Flow
823 IL 34.915
37.
875 002
37. 38.
021
38.
Figure 18.B2: Culvert Location and Levels
Solution:

STEP 1: Data
Flow Q = 0.90m3/s
Inlet = 35.30m
Outlet = 35.09m
i) 37.90 – 0.3 – 5.30 = 2.30m
ii) 37.50 – 5.30 = 2.20m
Culvert 18-33

V = 2.0m/s.
Try 600mm diameter concrete pipe, D = 0.60m
Enter Design Chart 18.A2 with D = 0.60m; Q/N = 0.90/1 = 0.90m3/s;
Use Design Inlet Type (1):
Chart 18.A2 Obtain HWi/D = 2.80m
HWi = 1.68m for inlet control
HWi<HWmax, ok
This depth is less than the limit of 2.20m
TW = 36.59 – 35.09 = 1.50m> D (0.60m), the culvert is flowing full with

a submerged outlet.
Enter Design Chart 18.A9 with D = 0.60m; Q/N = 0.90/1 = 0.90m3/s;
Use Design Ke = 0.5; and L = 25m
Chart 18.A9
Obtain H = 1.25m

HWo = TW + H - LS
= 1.50 + 1.25 – 0.21
= 2.54m HWo>HWmax, not
acceptable
Note that because 2.54m > 1.68m for inlet control, the culvert is under
outlet control.
However the design is unacceptable because HWmax= 2.20m
Return to Step 2 using 750mm pipe diameter in Design Chart 18.A2

Use Design Obtain HWi/D = 1.45m
Chart 18.A2 HWi = 1.45 x 0.75 = 1.09m for inlet control
HWi<HWmax, ok
Now check for outlet control. Re-enter Design Chart 18.A9 with
Use Design D = 0.75m and obtain H = 0.48m
Chart 18.A9
HWo = TW + H - LS
= 1.50 + 0.48 – 0.21
= 1.77m
HWo (Outlet control) = 1.77m greater than
HWi (Inlet control) = 1.09m Outlet control
HWo<HWmax, ok
Therefore outlet control governs.
18-34 Culvert
With HW and TW both well above the crown of the pipe and a
moderate slope of 0.21/25 = 0.0084 the pipe will flow full hence:
V = Q/A
= 4 x 0.9/(3.142 x 0.752) = 2.04m/s
The velocity must be checked against erosion at outlet.
STEP 5: Summary
Use single line of 750mm diameter concrete pipe with square edge
entrance. Use concrete
pipe 750mm
Pipe will flow full under outlet control with headwater height of diameter with
1.77m and headwater at RL 37.07m. square edge.

37.90m
HW=37.07m D=750mm
Embankment TW=36.59m
IL=35.30m Culvert
Ls IL=35.09m
L=25m
Profile Section
Culvert 18-35
18.B4 Box Culvert (Outlet Control)
Problem:
Using the same data as provided for the previous pipe culvert (Example 18.B3), calculate a suitable box culvert
size and check for the effects of the outlet velocity.
Solution:

STEP 1: Data
Flow Q = 0.90m3/s
Inlet = 35.30m
Outlet = 35.09m
i) 37.90 – 0.3 – 5.30 = 2.30m
ii) 37.50 – 5.30 = 2.20m

V = 2.0m/s.
Try 750mm (wide) and 600mm (high) box culvert

Use Design Enter Design Chart 18.A3 with D = 0.60m and Q/NB = 0.90/(1x0.75) =
Chart 18.A3 1.2m3/s/m; Inlet Type (1):

HWi = 1.5 x 0.60
= 0.9m < 2.20 maximum, which is acceptable HWi<HWmax, ok
18-36 Culvert

TW = 1.5m (see Example 18.B3) > 0.6m hence the culvert is flowing
full with a submerged outlet.
Calculate H from Design Chart 18.A10, noting that B/D=1.25, so the

chart is applicable:
Use Design Enter Design Chart 18.A10 with A = 0.75 x 0.60 = 0.45m2; Q/N = 0.90/1
Chart 18.A10 = 0.90m3/s; Ke = 0.5; and L = 25m
Obtain H = 0.47m

HWo = TW + H - LS
= 1.50 + 0.47 – 0.21
= 1.76m
HWo(Outlet control) = 1.76m greater than Outlet control

HWi (Inlet control) = 0.9m HWo<HWmax, ok
Therefore outlet control governs.
As the culvert flows full,
V = Q/A
= 0.9/(0.75 x 0.60) = 2.00m/s
The velocity must be checked against erosion at outlet.
Culvert 18-37
STEP 5: Summary
Use a single 750mm (wide) by 600mm (high) concrete box culvert with Use 750mm
square edges entrance. (wide) by
600mm (high)
box culvert with
The culvert will flow with outlet control with headwater height of
square edges.
1.76m and headwater at RL 37.06m and outlet velocity = 2.00m/s and
the possibility of scour or the formation of a hydraulic jump at the
outlet must be checked.
37.90m
HW=37.06m
Embankment TW=36.59m
D=600mm
IL=35.30m Culvert
Ls IL=35.09m
L=25m B=750mm
Profile Section
18-38 Culvert
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Chapter 18 - Culvert

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Chapter 18 - Culvert

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MSMA 2nd Edition.

2012 | DID Malaysia

18.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 18-1

a) Projecting Barrel b) Cast In-place Concrete

c) Precast End Section d) End Mitered to The Slope

Figure 18.1: Four Standard End Inlet Treatments

Table 18.1: Typical Shapes and Uses

Round Common uses

For low clearance large waterway opening

Low-wide waterway enclosures and

Box Low-wide waterway enclosures

18.2 HYDRAULICS FUNDAMENTALS

18.2.1 Flow Conditions

18.2.2 Type of Flow Control

A. Projecting End – Unsubmerged Inlet

B. Projecting End – Submerged Inlet

C. Mitred End – Submerged Inlet

Figure 18.2: Types of Inlet Control

(a) Determination of Energy Head (H)

(a) Culvert Flowing Full, Submerged Outlet

(b) Culvert Flowing Full, Unsubmerged Outlet

(c) Culvert Flowing Full, for Part of Length

(d) Culvert not flowing full

Figure 18.3: Type of Outlet Control

The velocity head, Hv is given by,

The entrance loss is expressed as,

n = Manning’s friction factor;

Substituting in Equation 18.1 and simplifying, we get for full flow:

(b) Determination of Headwater Depth (HWo)

Figure 18.5: Determination of ho for High Tailwater.

This level should be used if it is greater than TW.

Figure 18.6: Determination of ho for Tailwater below Top of Opening.

18.3 DESIGN CONSIDERATION

• Limits on backwater not to cause inundation of the properties upstream; and

18.4 DESIGN PROCEDURE

The steps in culvert sizing are as follows:.

Step 1: Assemble Site Data

The following data are required for the design of culvert:

• Site survey and locality map;

Step 2: Determine Design Flood Discharge

HWi = Headwater for inlet control

Figure 18.7: Design Flow Chart

Step 3: Commence Summarising Data on Design Form

Step 4: Select Trial Culvert

• Choose culvert material, shape, size and entrance type.

Step 6: Determine Depth, h0 for Outlet control

Step 7: Determine Outlet Control Headwater Depth at Inlet, HW0

Step 8: Determine Controlling Headwater, HWc

Compare HWi and HW0 and use the higher:

Step 9: Calculate Outlet Velocity, V0

• hc, if hc > TW;

Step 10: Review Results

If outlet velocity is high, scour protection or an energy dissipater may be required.

Step 11: Improved Designs

18.5 FLOW VELOCITY

18.6 MINIMUM ENERGY CULVERTS

Here, the design requires knowledge of:

Using the following equations:

Hs,c = 1.5dc, (18.14a)

Q = bdc (gdc)0.5 (18.14b)

Corresponding values of b, dc and Hs can be tried and compared.

Figure 18.8: Characteristic Flow Line of Minimum Energy Culvert

HYDROLOGICAL AND CHANNEL INFORMATION SKETCH

CULVERT INLET CONT. OUTLET CONTROL HW 0= H + h 0-LS 0