Culverts are enclosed or open underground drain systems that run underneath roads, cities, or other land areas. There are several types and sizes along with different reasons to use each one. If you're a contractor with drainage needs you haven't encountered often in the past, here's a brief guide to the basics of these systems.

What Are the Types of Culverts?

There are three main types of culverts. These varieties include box, arch, and pipes. Each type can be made of different materials, such as cement, corrugated steel, masonry, plastic, or a multi-material mix. Box types feature a cement floor and roof, arch types provide low and wide coverage, and pipes are typically circular and easy to install.

How Can You Choose the Right Culvert?

When deciding which type your project requires, there are several factors to consider. First, you'll need to determine how much water flows through the area and how deep you'd like the drainage system to reach. Elevation and grade are essential to keep in mind to prevent erosion issues in the future.

If the system will be placed under a road, the weight of traffic will need to be considered in terms of material choice and installation depth. If the required depth is deep, an arch may be more appropriate.

If the area is urbanized and the cost is a factor, pipes are likely the best option. This is the type used by most municipal systems for city storm and sewer drains. 

If you're in need of a partnership for waterfront construction services, you can count on Baldwin Land & Marine LLC in Foley, AL. These licensed and insured expert land and marine construction contractors offer culverts, sea walls, land clearing, tree removal, and more, all backed by over 50 years of industry experience. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (251) 923-0697 to speak with a team member about your project.