Let’s talk
CULVERTS, CULVERTS AND MORE CULVERTS
If you are reading this, you have property near Tyler TX with a drainage issue and are considering what can be done to divert water where you want it and away from where you do not. We can help. There was an old joke referencing a commercial where the man speaking said "I am not only the president, I'm also a client". Well... That's the case with me. I got into culverts because we needed them and I was appalled at the estimates I received. It wasn't just pricing that turned me off. It was a lack of professionalism as well. It seemed suddenly everyone could install culverts, from fence companies to handyman outfits. I often felt like I was putting people out just to get a bid on the work in the first place. Then, after waiting several days for a quote, I was provided an estimate that lacked detail, failed to provide specific information and was basically just a dollar amount. I wasn't sure what I would be paying for. If any of this sounds familiar, please check out our services below. - Norman Ward, Owner TNT Tyler
HDPE (Plastic) Double Wall Culvert
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Double Wall Culverts are a type of piping system designed to handle stormwater drainage, sewage, and other types of fluid transportation, commonly used in civil engineering and construction. These culverts are designed with an inner and outer layer of material, providing enhanced structural integrity and better performance compared to traditional single-wall pipes.
Advantages:
-
Corrosion Resistance: Unlike metal pipes, HDPE culverts are immune to rust and corrosion, leading to longer life spans.
-
Impact Resistance: HDPE pipes are more resilient to physical impacts and can be bent slightly without cracking.
-
Lightweight: This reduces transport and handling costs.
-
Chemical Resistance: The material can withstand exposure to various chemicals.
-
Reduced Maintenance: Once installed, HDPE double wall culverts require minimal maintenance.
-
UV Degradation: While HDPE is UV resistant, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without proper UV protection can lead to degradation, especially if it is not properly coated.
-
Not Ideal for Extremely High-Temperature Applications: HDPE performs well under typical environmental conditions but is not suited for extremely high-temperature situations, as it may soften.
-
Not Suitable for Extreme Load Conditions: In areas with heavy traffic or high compressive forces, additional measures may be required to ensure that the culverts do not suffer damage.
Disadvantages:
Key Features of HDPE Double Wall Culverts:
-
Material Composition:
-
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): A durable, resistant, and flexible plastic material. HDPE is known for its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including chemicals, moisture, and UV rays.
-
Double Wall Structure: The pipe consists of two concentric walls – an inner smooth layer and an outer corrugated layer. The smooth interior allows for better flow efficiency, while the corrugated exterior provides additional strength and flexibility.
-
-
Strength and Durability:
-
The double-wall design enhances the structural strength of the culvert, enabling it to resist the weight of overlying soil, traffic loads, and external pressures.
-
HDPE is corrosion-resistant and does not degrade like concrete or metal over time, making it ideal for long-term installations in a variety of environments.
-
-
Flexibility:
-
The flexibility of HDPE allows it to be used in areas with shifting soil or seismic activity. It can also absorb ground movements, reducing the risk of cracking or failure.
-
The smooth interior wall reduces friction, providing superior hydraulic performance and increasing flow capacity compared to other materials.
-
-
Ease of Installation:
-
Lightweight: HDPE pipes are relatively easy to handle and transport due to their lightweight nature, which reduces installation costs and time.
-
Quick Assembly: The pipes are often joined using a variety of methods, such as mechanical couplings or heat fusion, making installation faster and easier.
-
No Need for Heavy Equipment: Due to their lightweight and durable nature, heavy construction machinery is typically not required for installation.
-
-
Cost-Effective:
-
HDPE pipes are often more cost-effective than concrete or metal culverts, especially considering the lower installation costs and the reduced need for maintenance due to their longevity and durability.
-
The material’s resistance to corrosion and abrasion results in fewer repair or replacement needs over time.
-
-
Environmental Benefits:
-
HDPE is recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Many manufacturers produce HDPE pipes using recycled materials, contributing to sustainability.
-
The material itself is also non-toxic and can be safely used in water systems without compromising the quality of the environment.
-
-
Applications:
-
Stormwater Management: HDPE double wall culverts are ideal for managing surface water runoff in urban areas or other places where large amounts of water need to be channeled away quickly.
-
Road and Highway Drainage: They are commonly used under roads and highways to provide drainage, preventing flooding and damage to the road structure.
-
Sewage and Wastewater Transport: HDPE double wall pipes can be used for conveying sewage or wastewater, thanks to their chemical resistance.
-
Irrigation: The pipes can also be used in agricultural applications for irrigation systems.
-
Flood Control: In flood-prone areas, these culverts help manage water flow to reduce the risk of flooding.
-
-
Hydraulic Efficiency:
-
The smooth interior of the pipe minimizes the friction between water and the pipe, which helps maintain flow rates and reduces the need for frequent maintenance. This is crucial in maintaining the efficiency of the culvert over long periods of time.
-
-
Resistance to Chemical Attack:
-
HDPE pipes are resistant to many chemicals, including acids, bases, and salts. This makes them suitable for use in environments where the water being transported may have high levels of chemical contamination.
-
Installation Considerations:
-
Proper Bedding: Ensure that the culverts are placed on an adequately prepared bedding to provide support and prevent deformation under pressure.
-
Proper Backfilling: It is essential to backfill the area around the culvert properly, using suitable material that minimizes the risk of pipe movement.
-
Jointing Techniques: HDPE double wall pipes can be connected using a range of jointing methods, including butt fusion, electrofusion, and mechanical couplings. The type of jointing method used will depend on the pipe size, application, and local conditions.
Summary:
HDPE double wall culverts are an excellent choice for a wide range of drainage, sewage, and fluid transportation applications due to their strength, durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Their design ensures that they can withstand harsh conditions, resist corrosion, and provide efficient flow for many years with minimal maintenance. Whether used in road drainage systems, stormwater management, or flood control, they provide a long-lasting solution that is both practical and environmentally friendly.
Corrugated Steel Culverts
-
Strength and Durability: Steel is a strong material that can handle large loads and harsh weather conditions. It’s ideal for areas with heavy traffic.
-
Long Lifespan: Steel culverts, especially galvanized or aluminum-coated ones, have a long life expectancy (typically 50-100 years) with minimal maintenance.
-
Versatility: Steel culverts can be manufactured in various sizes, shapes, and configurations, making them adaptable for different environments.
-
Corrosion Resistance: Galvanized or aluminum-coated steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, extending the culvert's lifespan.
-
Economical: Steel is cost-effective compared to some other culvert materials, particularly for larger installations.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
-
Corrosion: Despite the coatings, steel is still susceptible to corrosion over time, especially in areas where water contains high levels of chemicals, salt, or acidic elements.
-
Weight: Steel culverts can be heavy, which may require more effort in installation, especially for large or long structures.
-
Cost: While steel is generally affordable, highly corrosion-resistant coatings (e.g., stainless steel) can increase costs.
Key Features Of Corrugates Steel Culverts
Types of Steel Culverts
Steel culverts come in various shapes and configurations to suit different needs. The main types include:
-
Corrugated Steel Culverts (CSC):
-
The most common type, consisting of steel sheets rolled into a cylindrical or arched shape, with corrugations to provide strength and resistance to water pressure.
-
The corrugations enhance the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the culvert.
-
Can be used in both small and large-scale applications.
-
-
Non-Corrugated Steel Culverts:
-
These are smooth-walled steel pipes used for specific applications where water flow and soil conditions require a less rigid structure.
-
Less common than corrugated types.
-
-
Aluminum-Coated Steel Culverts:
-
Steel pipes that are coated with aluminum to resist corrosion.
-
Typically used in areas where high corrosion resistance is required (e.g., coastal areas or environments with high salinity).
-
-
Galvanized Steel Culverts:
-
Steel pipes coated with zinc to protect them from rust and corrosion. Galvanized steel is a more cost-effective option than aluminum-coated versions and works well in many environments.
-
-
Plate Steel Culverts:
-
These are large steel plates welded together to form a culvert. They are used when larger or more customized designs are required, such as in box culverts or larger tunnels.
-
Materials Used for Steel Culverts
Steel culverts are generally made from:
-
Carbon Steel: Standard for most applications.
-
Galvanized Steel: Carbon steel coated with a zinc layer for enhanced corrosion resistance.
-
Aluminum-Coated Steel: Used in environments with harsher conditions for durability and resistance to corrosion.
-
Stainless Steel: Occasionally used in highly corrosive environments but is more expensive than other options.
Design Considerations
Several factors influence the design and installation of steel culverts:
-
Hydraulic Design: The culvert must be sized to accommodate the expected flow rate, which can be influenced by rainfall, nearby water bodies, and drainage requirements.
-
Load Requirements: Steel culverts must be able to withstand traffic loads, including heavy vehicles passing over them.
-
Soil and Environmental Conditions: The soil type, water table level, and environmental factors like soil acidity or salinity impact the choice of steel coating (e.g., galvanized or aluminum).
-
Shape and Size: Common shapes include round, elliptical, and box-shaped culverts. The shape depends on factors like water flow rate, load-bearing capacity, and ease of installation.
Installation Process
The installation of steel culverts typically involves the following steps:
-
Excavation: The trench or hole for the culvert is dug to accommodate the size and shape of the steel structure.
-
Culvert Assembly: For corrugated steel culverts, the pipe sections are connected together, either through overlapping joints or by bolting/welding.
-
Placement: The steel culvert is lowered into place. This can be done with cranes or other machinery depending on the size of the culvert.
-
Backfilling: Once the culvert is in place, the area around the structure is backfilled with earth and compacted to ensure stability.
-
Water Flow Testing: The flow of water is tested to ensure the culvert is properly aligned and functional.
Maintenance and Repair
-
Inspection: Regular inspection of steel culverts is crucial, especially to check for signs of rust, corrosion, and blockages.
-
Cleaning: Periodic cleaning of debris, dirt, and silt buildup inside the culvert ensures that water flows freely.
-
Corrosion Prevention: Coatings may need to be reapplied or patched up over time to prevent rust and deterioration.
-
Repairs: Minor repairs, such as patching holes or replacing rusted sections, are generally straightforward for steel culverts.
Applications of Steel Culverts
Steel culverts are used in various applications, including:
-
Roads and Highways: To allow water to flow under roads and prevent flooding.
-
Railroads: To maintain proper drainage and prevent water damage to tracks.
-
Agricultural Drainage: In agricultural fields to manage water runoff and irrigation.
-
Urban Infrastructure: Used in cities for stormwater management.
-
Parks and Trails: Ensuring proper water flow in recreational areas.
Alternatives to Steel Culverts
While steel culverts are common, other materials can sometimes be used, depending on the application and environmental conditions:
-
Concrete Culverts: Strong and durable, but heavier and more expensive.
-
Plastic (HDPE) Culverts: Lighter and more resistant to corrosion, but not as strong as steel in heavy-load situations.
-
Fiberglass Culverts: Resistant to corrosion and lighter than steel, but less commonly used due to cost and strength limitations.
Environmental Impact
Steel culverts can have minimal environmental impact when installed and maintained properly. However, over time, steel may corrode if exposed to harsh elements, leaching chemicals into the water. Galvanization and other protective coatings reduce these risks.
Summary
Steel culverts are strong, durable, and versatile structures that are used to manage water flow in various applications. They are particularly useful in infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and stormwater systems. When properly designed, installed, and maintained, steel culverts offer long-term functionality and resistance to environmental challenges.
If you need more specific details or have questions about the selection or installation of steel culverts, feel free to ask!
Concrete Culverts
Advantages:
-
Durability: Concrete is highly resistant to corrosion, weathering, and other environmental factors, making it one of the most durable culvert materials.
-
Strength: Concrete can handle significant loads, such as the weight of traffic passing over the culvert, making it suitable for use under roads and highways.
-
Fire and Heat Resistance: Concrete is non-combustible and can withstand high temperatures, which is an advantage in areas prone to fires.
-
Low Maintenance: Concrete culverts generally require minimal maintenance, especially compared to other materials like steel or plastic.
-
Aesthetics: Concrete can be shaped into various designs, including decorative finishes that blend with the surrounding environment, especially with arch or box culverts.
Disadvantages:
-
Heavy Weight: Concrete culverts are significantly heavier than materials like steel or plastic, which can make transport and installation more challenging.
-
Susceptibility to Cracking: Concrete can crack under extreme stress or if it is improperly mixed or installed, though reinforcing steel helps mitigate this risk.
-
Corrosion of Rebar: Although concrete itself is highly resistant to corrosion, the steel reinforcement bars (rebar) inside the concrete can corrode over time if exposed to moisture, especially in areas with high salinity or acidic soil.
-
Higher Initial Cost: Concrete culverts, particularly precast options, can be more expensive than alternatives like plastic or steel culverts, although their durability can offset this over time.
Pricing
The cost of installing a 20-foot section of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) culvert can vary depending on several factors, such as location, labor costs, and the specific type and size of the culvert. On average, the installation costs can range from $15 to $50 per linear foot, which includes the material and labor.
For a 20-foot section, you can expect the total cost to be approximately:
-
Low end: $300 to $600
-
High end: $1,000 to $1,500
Keep in mind that this estimate may increase if you require additional excavation, gravel, backfill, or if there are complications with access or the surrounding environment.
The cost of installing a 20-foot section of steel culvert can also vary based on location, labor costs, and the type of steel culvert being used (e.g., corrugated or smooth wall). On average, steel culvert installation typically ranges from $20 to $70 per linear foot, including material and labor.
For a 20-foot section, you can expect the total cost to be approximately:
-
Low end: $400 to $1,000
-
High end: $1,400 to $1,800
Factors that could influence the cost include the size and thickness of the steel, site conditions, and the need for additional work like excavation, backfilling, or permits.
The cost of installing a 20-foot section of concrete culvert can vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of concrete culvert (e.g., precast or poured-in-place), location, and labor costs. On average, the installation cost for concrete culverts generally ranges from $40 to $150 per linear foot, which includes both the material and labor.
For a 20-foot section, you can expect the total cost to be approximately:
-
Low end: $800 to $1,000
-
High end: $2,000 to $3,000
Factors like site preparation (excavation, grading), the specific type of concrete culvert, access to the site, and additional features (such as reinforcement or coating) can all impact the final price. Precast concrete culverts tend to be more expensive than poured-in-place due to the manufacturing process and transportation.
Our Services Areas In East Texas Include:
-
Palestine
-
Elkhart
-
Neches
-
Montalba
-
Frankston
-
Jacksonville
-
Tyler
-
Bullard
-
Whitehouse
-
Chandler
-
Troup
-
Arp
-
Winona
-
Overton
-
New Chapel Hill
-
Gilmer
-
Big Sandy
-
Ore City
-
East Mountain
-
Anderson County
-
Gregg County
-
Henderson County
-
Rusk County
-
Smith County
-
Cherokee County
-
Upshur County
-
Van Zandt County
-
Wood County
-
Longview
-
Kilgore
-
Gladewater
-
White Oak
-
East Mountain
-
Athens
-
Gun Barrel City
-
Malakoff
-
LaRue
-
Eustace
-
Quitman
-
Mineola
-
Winnsboro
-
Hawkins
-
Yantis
-
Alba
We are based in Tyler, Texas and are locally owned and operated. Our business address is near Tyler State Park and our service area encompasses most of East Texas. If you need culvert installation in and around Tyler, call us today for a free estimate.