Topic #625-000-002

FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

265 Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

265.1 General

The Department recognizes three types of culverts;

 Round and elliptical reinforced concrete pipe,

 Concrete box culverts (four-sided), and
 Three-sided concrete culverts.

This chapter presents the minimum requirements for concrete box culverts and three-
sided concrete culverts, both of which are classified as Category 1 structures in
accordance with FDM 121. It is not possible to provide prescriptive requirements for all
conditions so guidance provided in this chapter is for typical designs. Each location will
usually have some unique character (e.g., floods, scour, surroundings, salt water, historic
character). Unique environments need to be thoroughly evaluated and all environmental
requirements satisfied.

The procedure for the hydraulic analysis of culverts differs based on whether the culvert
is located at a riverine or tidal crossing. Refer to Chapter 4 of the Drainage Manual for
the appropriate hydraulic analysis and documentation requirements.

Definitions of terms used in this chapter include the following:

Culverts are structures under the roadway with a clear opening of less than 20 feet
measured along the centerline of the roadway from face-to-face (inside) of the extreme
abutments or sidewalls. Culverts can be single or multiple-span construction. Those
with interior widths greater than or equal to 20 feet are known as bridge-size culverts.

Concrete box culverts (four-sided) typically have rectangular cross sections. An arch or
arch-topped culvert is considered a box culvert if the “sidewalls” are built monolithic with
the bottom (invert) slab. Two-piece (four-sided) box culverts are permitted with a simply
supported top slab, which is keyed into a monolithic three-sided bottom section. Concrete
box culverts are typically used where the streambed is earth or granular soil and rock is
not close enough to the streambed to directly support the structure.

Three-sided concrete culverts may be rectangular in shape or a frame with varying wall
and slab thickness or an arched or arch-topped structure. These structures have
separate foundations with spread footings supported by earth, rock or piles. The largest
culverts are typically not boxes; rather they are frames or arches. Use of three-sided
concrete culverts where rock is not at or near the streambed requires pile support for the
footings or some other form of positive scour protection. Three-sided concrete culverts

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

1
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

on spread footings may be used for railroads, wildlife crossings, bicycle/pedestrian/

equestrian/golf cart paths, and other uses that do not convey water or have scour
vulnerability.

Clear span is the perpendicular distance between the inside face of the sidewalls. The
maximum clear span recommended for a concrete box culvert is 24 feet.

Design span for non-skewed culverts is the perpendicular distance between the centerline
of the sidewalls. For culvert units with skewed ends, the design span of end sections is
the distance between the centerlines of the sidewalls measured parallel to the skewed
end.

265.2 Structure Type Selection

Determine the most appropriate type of short-span structure. The basic choices are a
corrugated metal structure, concrete box culvert, concrete frame or arch, and a short-
span bridge. While the site conditions are the primary deciding factor for structure
selection, aesthetics, constructability and economics are also very important.

Proper selection of the feasible structure alternatives is based on site and project-specific
parameters, including but not limited to:

(1) Vertical and horizontal clearance requirements

(2) Available “beam” (top slab) depth
(3) Maintenance and protection of traffic requirements (e.g., phase construction)
(4) Construction constraints (e.g., water diversion requirements)
(5) Foundation requirements
(6) Environmental concerns (e.g., natural streambed)
(7) Desired aesthetic treatments (e.g., arch appearance)
(8) Geometric limitations (e.g., skew angle, right of way restrictions, utilities)

Concrete culverts are usually more expensive in initial cost than corrugated metal
structures. However, concrete culverts are the preferred alternative when considering
suitability to the site and life-cycle cost estimates. The advantages of concrete culverts
are superior durability for most environmental conditions, greater resistance to corrosion
and damage due to debris, greater hydraulic efficiency, and typically longer service life.

Concrete culverts are typically the least expensive option at sites with limited headroom.
Smaller corrugated metal structures typically require a minimum height of soil cover of 2

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

2
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

feet and for some structures the soil cover increases to 4 feet or more depending on size
and shape. Concrete culverts, frames, and arches can have the least amount of cover
by placing a minimum of 3 inches of asphalt pavement directly on the top slab.
Corrugated metal structures will also typically require taller structures than concrete box
culverts, to provide adequate waterway area below design high water due to their arched
shapes. If a corrugated metal structure is a viable option, an engineering evaluation and
cost analysis should be performed in consultation with the District Drainage Engineer.

Single-cell and multi-cell concrete box culverts with barrel spans less than 15 feet, are
often the most cost effective structural solution where debris collection and aesthetics are
not a major concern. Three-sided culverts may be appropriate for single spans exceeding
20 feet where scour is not a concern.

The use of a short-span bridge should be investigated before a final determination is

made to use a large concrete culvert. Possible advantages of a bridge may be minimized
work in the stream, speed of erection, minimized interference with the existing structure
foundation, and easier phased construction. See FDM 121 for procedural steps on
planning short-span bridges.

265.2.1 Precast Concrete Culverts

Precasting permits efficient mass production of concrete units. The advantages often
offset the cost of handling and transporting the units to the site. Precast units are often
limited to certain sizes and skews due to forms, transportation and handling concerns.
Skewed units typically need more reinforcement and thicker slabs and/or sidewalls. The
use of skewed units will increase the cost of the culvert due to increased fabrication costs.

Skewed end units are sometimes required to satisfy right of way constraints and/or phased
construction requirements for skewed alignments. In the event they are necessary, skewed
precast culvert units must be designed for the skewed-end design span. Precast
manufacturers should be contacted for information on maximum skews available.

Precast culverts may occasionally need to be placed on moderate or steep grades. No

maximum slope is recommended for box culverts because of the need to match the slope
of the streambed. Three-sided box culverts and the frames and arches should be limited
to a maximum slope of 2%. Precast manufacturers should be contacted for the maximum
grade that can be fabricated if a grade larger than 2% is proposed. If matching a steeper
slope is necessary, the ends of the precast units must be beveled to create vertical joints
and the footings may be stepped or the length of the sidewall varied.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

3
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

Provide a 2 to 4 inch gap between the walls of adjacent cells when two or more single-cell,
precast concrete culverts are placed side-by-side. Fill this gap with Class I (non-structural)
concrete, non-excavatable, flowable fill or non-shrink grout.

All manufacturers must have approved precast drainage product facilities in accordance
with Section 6.3 of the Materials Manual.

265.2.2 Concrete Box Culverts

A cast-in-place culvert must be designed and detailed in the contract plans when a
concrete box culvert is selected as the appropriate structure for the site. A precast
concrete box culvert alternative is permitted during construction unless specifically
excluded in the contract plans. Speed of erection, maintenance of traffic, stream
diversion problems, and site constraints can be minimized when utilizing precast culverts.

265.2.3 Three-Sided Concrete Culverts

There are various types of proprietary, precast concrete frames, arch topped units, and
arches available. These units are typically used when larger culverts (spans ≥ 20 feet)
are required. They can only be considered when scour protection is adequately provided
or aesthetics are a consideration. They may be placed on spread footings with an invert
slab, footings on rock, or pile-supported footings. The advantages of the precast concrete
arches and frames are the same as for the precast concrete box culverts, except that
longer spans (up to 48 feet) are possible.

A precast culvert should be the preferred option when a three-sided concrete culvert is
selected as the appropriate structure for the site. A cast-in-place reinforced concrete
foundation and the channel lining must be designed and detailed in the contract plans.
The final design of the precast three-sided culvert structure and any necessary foundation
modifications must be completed by the Contractor’s Engineer of Record (usually the
manufacturer).

Sizes of precast units that are common to more than one manufacturer should be
selected. Dimensions of the sidewalls and top slab, reinforcement size and spacing
should not be shown on the plans, unless necessary. If sidewall or top slab dimensions
are dictated by site conditions, only show the affected dimensions and indicate if they are
minimums, maximums, or specifically required dimensions. The assumed top slab
dimension used to determine fill limits should be shown in the contract plans.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

4
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

Include a note in the contract plans requiring the Contractor to provide all design details
not included in the contract plans. This method should result in the most economical
culvert design.

265.2.3.1 Precast Arch and Arch-Topped Units

Consider the following when selecting a precast arch or arch-topped culvert:

(1) Aesthetics concerns may make the use of arch-shaped units desirable. The use
of arch-shaped facade panels is not recommended, especially for hydraulic
openings due to snagging of debris.
(2) The amount of skew that can be fabricated varies. Some manufacturers prefer to
produce only 0° skew units. The maximum skew at which a precast unit should be
fabricated is 45°. The culvert orientation to the centerline of the highway may be
at a skew greater than 45°.
(3) An arch unit is preferable for a grade separation for highway vehicles or railroads,
when a dry conveyance environment is necessary. The arch shape eliminates any
ponding problems above the culvert without special fabrication or field adjustments
that would be required for flat-topped culverts.
(4) Arch units are preferred in cases where fills above the precast units exceed 20 feet.
(5) Precast arch-topped units are currently available in spans up to 48 feet.
(6) Arched units have been used as liners for old masonry or concrete arches in other
States. After the construction of a pedestal wall at the base, the units are slid into
place. The void between the existing arch and the liner is filled with grout installed
through fittings cast into the liner units.
(7) Large arch units may be shipped in two pieces and assembled on site. Three-
piece units are not permitted.

265.2.3.2 Precast Frame Units

Consider the following when selecting a precast frame (rectangular) culvert:

(1) Many of precast frame-type units can be fabricated with skew angles up
to 45°. This characteristic is useful when phased construction is proposed. When
used for phased construction with shallow highway pavements, no temporary
shoring is needed at the phase construction joint to support the fill or pavement.
(2) Frame units provide a simpler traffic railing/headwall connection than arch-topped
units.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

5
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

(3) Frame units provide a hydraulic opening greater than arches of equivalent clear
span when flowing full.
(4) Precast frame units can be fabricated by some manufacturers with any increment
of span length up to 40 feet, although typical span length increments are 2 feet.
(5) Maximum rise of the units is normally limited to 10 feet due to shipping and
handling considerations. Investigate the need for a pedestal wall when a larger
rise is necessary.

265.3 Foundation Design

All structures discussed in this chapter, regardless of span and height of fill, are
considered buried structures in regard to foundation design. There is no requirement for
seismic analysis; however, this may change in the future as more research
is completed.

For culverts with spans greater than or equal to 20 feet, foundation recommendations are
provided in the Bridge Geotechnical Report (Phase I) and included in the Bridge
Development Report (BDR). Foundation design parameters for culverts with spans less
than 20 feet are provided by the District Geotechnical Engineer or the Department’s
Geotechnical Engineering consultant. Foundation recommendations and design
parameters must include factored bearing resistance, predicted total and differential
settlements, and any required excavation and replacement to ensure proper behavior of
the foundation.

The District Geotechnical Engineer or the District Structures Design Office should be
consulted to determine the proper foundation treatment.

Modification for Non-Conventional Projects:

Delete FDM 265.3 above and replace with the following:

265.3 Foundation Design
All structures discussed in this chapter, regardless of span and height of fill, are
considered buried structures in regard to foundation design. There is no requirement
for seismic analysis. The EOR will coordinate the foundation recommendations with
the geotechnical engineer for the project. Foundation design parameters must be
shown in the contract plan set and will include factored bearing resistance, predicted
total and differential settlements, and any required excavation and replacement to
ensure proper behavior of the foundation.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

6
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

265.3.1 Rock Foundations

In the unusual case where sound rock is at or near the surface of a streambed, an invert
slab is not required and a three-sided culvert would generally be the appropriate structure
selected. Concrete footings are either keyed or doweled into rock based on consultation
with an Engineering Geologist and the District Geotechnical Engineer.

The wall height should be constant and the footing height varied when the elevation of
the rock surface varies by 2 feet or less. If the variation in rock surface elevation exceeds
2 feet, the height of the culvert wall may be varied at a construction joint or at a precast
segment joint. In some cases, it may be necessary to use walls of unequal heights in the
same segment, but this should generally be avoided.

265.3.2 Earth or Granular Soil Foundations

In most cases a concrete culvert will not be founded on rock, so a box culvert (four-sided)
with an integral invert slab should be the preferred foundation treatment. In areas of
compact soil and low stream velocities, three-sided concrete culverts may be used if they
have positive scour protection such as piles or channel lining with concrete-filled
mattresses, gabions or riprap rubble, and spread footings founded below the calculated
scour depth. Three-sided concrete culverts located in stream beds, with spans equal to
or exceeding 20 feet, must have pile supported footings when the structure is not founded
on sound rock.

Concrete box culverts should never be founded partially on rock and partially on earth to
avoid differential settlement. If rock is encountered in a limited area, it should be removed
to a minimum depth of 12 inches below the bottom of the bottom slab and backfilled with
either select granular material or crushed stone. Concrete culverts are rigid frames and
do not perform well when subjected to significant differential settlement due to a
redistribution of moments. All concrete box culverts should have a designed undercut
and backfill. Consult the District Geotechnical Engineer to determine the depth of the
undercut and type of backfill material required to prevent excessive differential settlement.
Any required undercut and backfill must be shown on the plans.

Modification for Non-Conventional Projects:

Delete the above paragraph and replace with the following:

The EOR will coordinate the depth of undercut and type of backfill with the
geotechnical engineer for the project and include the details in the contract plans.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

7
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

A concrete box culvert can be considered if settlement is expected and the foundation
material is fairly uniform. The culvert should be designed to accommodate additional
dead load due to subsequent wearing surface(s) which may be needed to accommodate
the settlement of the box. Precast culverts require mechanical connections between units
when significant differential settlement is anticipated. Standard Plans, Index 400-291
provides criteria for cast-in-place link slab to satisfy this requirement when joint openings
are expected to exceed 1/8 inch. The District Geotechnical Engineer or the Department’s
Geotechnical Engineering consultant should provide the anticipated differential
settlement, which should be included in the contract plans.

If the foundation material is extremely poor and it is desirable to limit settlement, coordinate
with the District Geotechnical Engineer to determine the best course of action. A typical
remedy might be removal of unsuitable or unstable material and replacement with suitable
material. All required remedies must be shown on the plans.

265.3.3 Three-sided Culvert Foundation Design

Provide a cast-in-place footing design in the contract plans when a three-sided structure
is selected for a site. There are several types of culverts that may meet the project
specifications. Determine which specific type of unit would best fit that particular
application and use those vertical and horizontal reactions for design of the foundations.
Consider contacting known fabricators for design reactions. If no specific type of unit is
determined as most appropriate, a conservative estimate of the design reactions for all
types should be used and the reactions included in the contract plans.

Modification for Non-Conventional Projects:

Delete FDM 265.3.3 and replace with the following:

265.3.3 Three-sided Culvert Foundation Design
When a three-sided structure is selected for a site, the specific culvert details
including the cast-in-place footing design must be included in the contract plans.

265.4 Wingwalls

A wingwall is a retaining wall placed adjacent to a culvert to retain fill and to a lesser
extent direct water. Wingwalls are preferably cast-in-place, but precast wingwalls may
be considered on a project by project basis. Wingwalls are generally designed as
cantilevered retaining walls. Precast counterfort and binwalls may also be considered for

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

8
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

design of wingwalls. Cast-in-place wingwall designs are provided by the Department’s

standard box culvert computer program.

Wingwall alignment is highly dependent on site conditions and should be evaluated on a

case-by-case basis. The angle(s) of the wall(s) on the upstream end should direct the
water into the culvert. It is also desirable to have the top of the wall elevation above the
design high water elevation to prevent overtopping of the wall.

Consider potential conflicts with R/W limits and utilities when precast wingwalls are
permitted. The footprint of the footing and excavation, especially for bin type walls, can be
extensive. Notes should be placed on the plans alerting the Contractor to these
requirements when they exist. Due to skew or grade differences between the cast-in-place
or precast culvert units and precast wingwalls, it is necessary to provide a cast-in-place
closure pour between the culvert end unit and precast wingwalls. A closure pour is not
required if cast-in-place wingwalls are used.

When precast wingwalls are permitted, the cost is included in the cost of the culvert barrel.
No separate item is required but the estimated concrete and reinforcing steel quantities
for a cast-in-place design should be included in the contract plans.

Modification for Non-Conventional Projects:

Delete FDM 265.4 above and replace with the following:

265.4 Wingwalls
Precast wingwalls will only be permitted when specifically allowed in the RFP. The
specific culvert details must be included in the contract plans.

265.5 Headwalls/Edge Beams

Headwalls are normally used on all culverts. In deep fills a headwall helps retain the
embankment. In shallow fills the headwall may retain the roadway and provide the
anchorage area for the railing system.

Headwalls should be cast-in-place and attached to precast culvert end segments in

accordance with Standard Plans, Index 400-291. Headwalls one foot or less in height
with no railing attachment for single barrel precast culverts may be precast. If a curb must
be placed on a culvert without a sidewalk, the headwall must be cast-in-place to allow for
the tie-in of the curb's anchor bar, unless the curb is also cast at the precast facility.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

9
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

The typical maximum height of headwalls is 3 feet. Greater heights are attainable but are
only used in special cases. Headwall heights greater than 2 feet above the top slab
require an independent transverse analysis, which is not provided by the FDOT box
culvert program.

Concrete culverts with skewed ends may require additional stiffening of the top and
bottom slabs by what is most commonly called an "edge beam". An edge beam is similar
to a headwall or cutoff wall. The headwall may be used to anchor metal traffic railing
posts and traffic railings or retain earth fill, as well as stiffening the top slab of culverts
that lose their rigid frame action as a result of having a skewed end.

When additional strength is required in the concrete edge beam, use the following criteria:

(1) If there is a 1-on-2 slope to the edge beam, it will be more economical to increase
the depth of the edge beam in order to meet the required design.
(2) When the edge beam is at shoulder elevation (anchoring guard rail and traffic
railing), the edge beam height should be maintained and the width of the edge
beam should be increased.

265.6 Cutoff Walls

A cutoff wall is required in all culverts with invert slabs to prevent water from undermining
the culvert. The cutoff wall should be a minimum 24 inches below the bottom of the invert
slab or to the top of sound rock if the rock is closer. Investigate the need for deeper cutoff
walls when culvert is founded on highly permeable soils or with significant hydraulic
gradients. The cutoff wall may also act to stiffen the bottom slab for skewed box culverts.

Cutoff walls must always be specified at each end of the barrel. When a concrete apron
is provided, show an additional cutoff wall at the end of the apron. For three-sided
culverts, where the apron is made continuous with the barrel invert slab, the cutoff wall is
only required at the end of the apron. The wingwall footings should have toe walls
extending close to the bottom of the cutoff wall to prevent scour around the edges of the
cutoff wall.

When a precast culvert is specified, the cutoff wall must be cast-in-place. The cost of the
cutoff wall is included in the cost of the culvert barrel. No separate item is required but
the estimated concrete and reinforcing steel quantities should be included in the contract
plans.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

10
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

265.7 Aprons

Box culverts can significantly increase the stream flow velocity because the concrete has
a roughness coefficient significantly lower (i.e., smoother) than the streambed and banks.
To dissipate this increase in energy and to prevent scour, a riprap rubble or other type of
revetment apron may be required at the ends of some culverts. The District Drainage
Engineer should be consulted to determine the appropriate apron requirements.

Modification for Non-Conventional Projects:

Delete the last sentence in above paragraph and see RFP for requirements.

The apron must be cast-in-place when a precast culvert is specified with a concrete apron.
The cost of the apron is included in the cost of the culvert barrel. No separate item is
required but the estimated concrete and reinforcing steel quantities should be included in
the contract plans.

Modification for Non-Conventional Projects:

Delete the above paragraph and replace with the following:

When a precast culvert is specified with a concrete apron, the apron must be cast-
in-place.

265.8 Subbase Drainage

In some situations where there is low fill (< 12 inches below the base course) Standard
Plans, Index 400-289 requires additional friable base or coarse aggregate material above
the top and along the sides of the culvert to eliminate maintenance problems.

265.9 Joint Waterproofing

Culverts will occasionally be used to allow the passage of things other than water,
including but not limited to pedestrians, bicycles, trains, golf carts, wildlife, or farm
animals. In cases where it is desirable to have a dry environment, a waterproof joint wrap
should be used to cover the joints between precast culvert units or to cover the
construction joints in cast-in-place culverts.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

11
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

Even though a joint sealer is always placed between individual precast concrete culvert
units and the units are pulled tightly together, water may seep through the joint. The
minimum requirement for waterproofing these joints is to provide an external sealing band
in accordance with ASTM C 877, centered on the joints, covering the top slab, and then
extending down the sidewalls to the footing. The purpose of the waterproofing membrane
is to restrict seepage of water or migration of backfill material through the joints in the
culverts and it is not intended to protect the concrete.

The external sealing band is mandatory for precast three-sided culverts under Section 407
of the Standard Specifications but will need to be included as a note in the contract
plans when required for box culverts.

265.10 Traffic Railings

For information regarding roadside barriers or traffic railings refer to FDM 215.

265.11 Design Requirements for Concrete Culverts

Refer to the Chapter 3 of the Structures Design Guidelines for design and analysis
requirements.

265.12 Design Details

Provide a complete cast-in-place design in the contract plans when a box concrete culvert
is proposed for a site. Standard details for concrete box culverts are provided in the
Standard Plans, Index 400-289. The contractor is usually permitted to substitute precast
concrete box culverts for cast-in-place box culverts in accordance with Section 410 of
the Standard Specifications. The contractor may select a standard precast box culvert
design in accordance with Standard Plans, Index 400-292 or provide a custom design.
Design and fabrication details for precast box culverts, including calculations for custom
designs, must also comply with the requirements of Standard Plans, Index 400-291 and
be submitted to the Engineer of Record for approval.

Provide either a complete cast-in-place design or a conceptual precast barrel design with
a complete foundation and wingwall design, in the contract plans when a three-sided
concrete culvert is proposed for a site. The contractor is permitted to substitute precast
three-sided culverts for cast-in-place three-sided culverts in accordance with Section 407
of the Standard Specifications. Design and fabrication details for precast three-sided
culverts, including calculations, must be submitted to the Engineer of Record for approval.
Do not place wildlife shelves in hydraulic structures.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

12
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

The bar designations in Table 265.12.1 should be used for box culvert reinforcement:

Table 265.12.1 Bar Identification Schedule

BAR IDENTIFICATION SCHEDULE

C.I.P. Precast
(LRFD) (LRFD)
Description / Bar Location
Index Index
400-289 400-292
105 As1 Top Corner Bars
106 As1 Bottom Corner Bars
102 As2 Top Slab, inside face transverse bars
103 As3 Bottom Slab, inside face transverse bars
101 As1/As7 Top Slab, outside face transverse bars
104 As1/As8 Bottom Slab, outside face transverse bars
108 As4 Exterior wall, inside face vertical bars
105/106 As1 Exterior wall, outside face vertical bars
107 - Interior wall, vertical bars both faces
110/111 As6/As9 Top Slab longitudinal bars (temperature reinf.)
109/112 As9 Bottom Slab longitudinal bars (temperature reinf.)
113/114 Exterior wall longitudinal bars (temperature reinf.)
115/ 116… Interior wall longitudinal bars (temperature reinf.)
111 As5 Top Slab inside face longitudinal bars (design distribution reinforcement)

Additional reinforcing bars and designations must be added as required. No standardized

bar designations are provided for three-sided culverts.

Modification for Non-Conventional Projects:

Delete FDM 265.12 and replace with the following:

265.12 Design Details
Provide complete details for the proposed concrete culvert in the contract plans.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

13
Topic #625-000-002
FDOT Design Manual January 1, 2018

265.13 Computer Design and Analysis Programs

The Department’s LRFD Box Culvert Program (Mathcad) from the Structures Design
Office website is available for LRFD designs. This program analyzes monolithic single or
multi-barrel box culverts with prismatic members and integral bottom slabs only. The
program requires input for all member thicknesses, material properties and reinforcing
area utilizing a trial and error design methodology.

Other computer programs are available for design of reinforced concrete culverts such as
BOXCAR and CANDE. Generally these other computer programs should only be used
for preliminary designs or independent quality assurance checks. Consult with the State
Structures Design Office before using one of these other programs in lieu of the FDOT
box culvert program.

265.14 Design and Shop Drawing Approvals

The Engineer of Record for the contract plans has design and shop drawing approval
authority for precast concrete box and three-sided culverts. All calculations and shop
drawings require a quality assurance review for general compliance of contract
requirements and for suitability of the design for the given design conditions.

Standard precast concrete box culvert designs are available in Standard Plans, Index
400-292 for a limited number of box culvert sizes. Modification of FDOT standard box
culverts or design of special size box or three-sided culverts is delegated to Contractor’s
Engineer of Record in accordance with the Section 407 and Section 410 of the
Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction. The Contractor is responsible for
providing all design computations and details for these units.

Modification for Non-Conventional Projects:

Delete FDM 265.14 and replace with the following:

265.14 Design and Shop Drawing Approvals
The Engineer of Record for the contract plans has shop drawing approval authority
for precast concrete box and three-sided culverts.

265-Reinforced Concrete Box and Three-Sided Culverts

14