Re-enforcing a Big Culvert

[MikeD74T]

Nice looking job !!! I'd make one recommendation for future work. Reinforcing rods in the middle of a thick pour loose effectiveness as the slab gets thicker. I've poured several bridge decks on state & interstate highways. The thickness is 8-10" with a double rebar mat 12" on center - one 2" from the bottom & the other 2" below the top. Rebar varies from #4 to #6 depending on span/slab thickness. You may experience breaking in the middle from the ends bending down if the fill settles.

 

[Syncro]

Nice looking job !!! I'd make one recommendation for future work. Reinforcing rods in the middle of a thick pour loose effectiveness as the slab gets thicker. I've poured several bridge decks on state & interstate highways. The thickness is 8-10" with a double rebar mat 12" on center - one 2" from the bottom & the other 2" below the top. Rebar varies from #4 to #6 depending on span/slab thickness. You may experience breaking in the middle from the ends bending down if the fill settles.

Thanks Mike, that is interesting, wish I'd have known that before. Still, I think it will distribute the weight (I hope!) Now that I think about it a double layer of steel makes a lot of sense. Next Time!

 

[Iowachild]

Very good looking project and I agree pekabu, the view in pic #6 is magnificent!

 

[CharlieTR]

Looks like a great job!
I have a ditch I was planning on building a bridge to allow direct access to the back 40 acres. Now I need to drive about 1.5 miles to get across.
After seeing this I think a culvert would be a faster and cheaper alternative.
My only concern is the high fast water in a flash flood washing away the sides around the culvert. Water does wash up much higher and wider than the ditch. Have yo had any problems with high water?

Also not sure if two pipes are required.

Thanks

 

[Syncro]

Looks like a great job!
My only concern is the high fast water in a flash flood washing away the sides around the culvert. Water does wash up much higher and wider than the ditch. Have yo had any problems with high water?

Also not sure if two pipes are required.

Thanks

I don't have fast moving water, but I'm still going to pour a solid concrete head wall at each end of the culvert. That will help keep the whole thing together. Fast moving water can be a pretty powerful force though, and if you have a severe enough overflow it could still wash away. As far as using 2 smaller culverts, if it were me I'd favor one larger one to reduce blockage from debris that may wash into it.

Have fun.