Box Culvert

A Box Culvert is a П-shaped reinforced concrete structure used in civil engineering works, including; drainage and road works. Box culverts are most commonly used as an alternative to drainage pipes where design constraints limit the amount of cover available, but are also used in the construction of of a range of other assets including; pedestrian underpasses.

Major_Culvert1.jpg Pedestrian-Underpass1.jpg

The above images shows (a) four large box culverts laid side by side to form a bridge over a major stormwater drain in Bundaberg, Australia and (b) a pedestrian underpass.

Some box culverts come with a lid and are laid with the opposite way to those shown above, i.e. oriented like a 'U' rather than a 'П' with the lid placed on top of the U.

Useful Life

The useful life of a box culvert will depend on a number of factors. Many Councils assume a life of 80-100 years.

The table below shows the useful life for box culverts adopted by Councils or published elsewhere. Please feel free to add your Councils information.

Council Useful Life
Albury City Council 100 years
Camden Council 80 years
Campbelltown City Council 80 years
Holroyd City Council 100 years
Muswellbrook Shire Council 100 years
Shoalhaven City Council 80 years
Whittlesea City Council 100 years
Wollondilly Shire Council 100 years

Related Pages

External Links & References

  1. Humes
  2. Rocla
  3. Google Search
  4. Standard Life Comparison Roads and Stormwater
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