Culvert Design
Culvert Design
(OP)
I have a client who is asking me to design a concrete head wall and footing for a Contech aluminum culvert. I am a little surprised that there are no "typical details" for the design of the head wall. I understand the forces involved but what I do have questions about is whether or not the footing for the culvert needs to be founded below frost elevation.
We have asked Contech about this only to get mixed answers. They swayed us towards providing a footing below frost depth but did so reluctantly.... basically saying "if you think it should then we agree". The civil engineer is not giving much help either.
Should the footing for the culvert be placed below the frost elevation for the local jurisdiction? What do others do in this situation.
We have asked Contech about this only to get mixed answers. They swayed us towards providing a footing below frost depth but did so reluctantly.... basically saying "if you think it should then we agree". The civil engineer is not giving much help either.
Should the footing for the culvert be placed below the frost elevation for the local jurisdiction? What do others do in this situation.





RE: Culvert Design
Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.
WWW.amlinereast.com
RE: Culvert Design
RE: Culvert Design
Have you checked with your State or local DOT. They may have standard details for headwalls. If not, check neighboring states or FHWA to see if they have standards. Have you called your local Precast Company, maybe they have a precast unit?
RE: Culvert Design
Also, anticipated frost depth is usually decreased when under or adjacent to water (assuming the creek/river does not completely freeze).
RE: Culvert Design
Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com
RE: Culvert Design
Are you planning to stamp this design? Seems to me "the civil engineer" should be able to give you some guidance on expected scour depth - or for that matter the maximum elevation of the bottom of the footing.
RE: Culvert Design
When I was approached about the design I couldn't believe the Civil didn't have any typical details for this scenario. They have been kind of useless through the whole process. I am used to designing buildings and their foundations (which includes retaining walls). I have always thought that retaining walls were something that a structural or a Civil could take responsibility for.... I guess this Civil is not comfortable with that statement.
RE: Culvert Design
Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com