When a pipe is placed in an excavated trench to move water away, it is known as pipe culvert. It is the most commonly used drainage feature. Economy and ease of installation have made this type of culvert very popular. Pipe culverts are found in different shapes such as circular, elliptical, pipe arch etc. Generally, the shape depends on site conditions and constraints.
Uses of Pipe Culverts
- In lowland paths construction.
- In upland paths where suitable stones are not available to build cross drains or stone culvert.
Advantages of Pipe Culvert
The main advantages of pipe culverts are:
- Any desired strength is achievable by proper mix design, thickness, and reinforcement.
- Economical.
- Easy to Install.
- Pipe culvert can withhold high tensile stresses and compressive stresses.
- As pipe culverts don’t create barriers in the path, they provide a continuous surface over the pipe.
Disadvantages of Pipe Culvert
- Crown corrosion. When the crown is corroded because of bacteria ‘s organic attack and release of harmful gas, it is known as crown corrosion.