U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000


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Bridges & Structures

Culvert Hydraulics

A number of issues must be considered during the hydraulic design of culverts including the following: allowable headwater; type of flow control (inlet control versus outlet control); permissible barrel and outlet velocities; location and orientation of the barrel(s); use of improved inlets; potential for siltation and abrasion of the culvert barrel; inlet and outlet protection for scour control; debris control; and any necessary fish passage criteria.


Updated: 08/30/2017
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000