HYDRAULIC DESIGN OF HIGHWAY CULVERTS

The purpose of this publication is to provide information for the planning and hydraulic design of
highway culverts and inlet improvements for culverts (Figure I-1). Design methods are included
for special shapes including long-span culverts (Figure I-2). Detailed information is provided on
the routing of flow through culverts. Guidance and reference sources are furnished for
environmental, safety, structural, economic, and other consideration.
The check lists, design charts and tables, and
calculation forms of this publication should provide
the designer with the necessary tools to perform
culvert designs ranging from the most basic culverts
to more complex improved inlet designs (Figure I-3)
is a flowchart of the culvert design procedure
followed in this manual.
The methodology of culvert design presented in this
publication is in a clear, usable format. It is intended
for those with a good understanding of basic
hydrologic and hydraulic methods and with some
experience in the design of hydraulic structures.
The experienced designer is assumed to be able to
understand the variety of flow conditions which are
possible in these complex hydraulic structures and
make appropriate adjustments. The inexperienced
designer and those unfamiliar with hydraulic
phenomena should use this publication with caution.
This publication combines the information and
methodology contained in Hydraulic Engineering
Circular HEC Number 5, Hydraulic Charts for the
Selection of Highway Culverts, HEC Number10,
Capacity Charts for the Hydraulic Design of
Highway Culverts, and HEC Number 13, Hydraulic
Design of Improved Inlets for Culverts with other
more recent culvert information developed by
governmental agencies, universities, and culvert
manufacturers to produce a comprehensive culvert
design publication.
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