Another type is to reserve a comparable area on-site designated for mitigation alternatives like constructed or revitalized wetlands. 7 In some cases, the cost of mitigation can end up being even more expensive than the culvert itself. This might be a good time to compare what the cost of a bridge might be. Permitting authorities can be hesitant to approve a culvert because of its environmental impact, which includes waterway constraints and possible flood risk. These culvert impacts can include: clearing out the immediate natural surroundings, changing the flow of water, and filling in the surrounding landscape with dirt to buffer the culvert while supporting the above roadway.
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Obtaining a permit for culvert installation can result in high mitigation costs. The price of mitigation can push the costs of a culvert over the price of a bridge. Mitigation is the act of 'replacing' one environmental impact with an equivalent investment of another to offset the environmental impact of your project. 7,8 There are two main types of mitigation. One type is to pay impact fees that are typically associated with the square footage or acreage of the affected area.
There are three interrelated things to consider when evaluating the functional longevity of a bridge or culvert solution: design, maintenance, and risk.
What is it about design that affects resiliency in a bridge versus a culvert? A culvert is often a cookie-cutter element that can significantly alter the natural processes. In addition, a culvert is sometimes designed to accommodate flow but not necessarily clear the 100-year flood elevation; meaning that in some cases the 100-year flood elevation can exceed the designed roadway elevation and during extreme flooding, excess water is then expected to cross the roadway.10 Alternatively, bridges are typically designed with a bridge's low chord above the 100-year Elevation. A YBC bridge design is always recommended to be a minimum of 12 inches above the 100-year Flood Elevation. This element of bridge design helps to increase flood flow area, clearance for debris, and reduces the overall risk of adverse impacts during flood events.
What is typical for responsible maintenance of a bridge versus a culvert? It's important to note that all roadways require a general level of maintenance, including keeping the path of travel clear, maintaining the surrounding areas, and performing routine inspections. For a YBC timber bridge, the low-maintenance recommendations include every 2 to 4 years general tightening of fasteners and updating the coatings. In contrast, culverts may require frequent cleaning out of debris to prevent clogging. Additionally, all crossings typically require an inspection about every two years. The frequency of inspection depends on the legal requirements per state.
Now that the design and maintenance roles have been evaluated for bridges versus culverts; how do they influence risks? As far as risks are concerned, there are two levels of risk: risk of improper maintenance and risk of design failure. An improperly maintained bridge or culvert of any type runs the risk of a reduced life span and capacity that's attributed to negligence. However, in the case of a YBC bridge, if low-maintenance design elements and regular inspection recommendations are followed, then it is unlikely to pose risks of hidden threats. Alternatively, an improperly maintained or clogged culvert can collapse and cause flooding, roadway failures, or other harmful environmental impacts.6 In the event of flooding, which is one of the greatest risks of nature that a bridge or culvert design will be subjected to, the weather intensities are greater than average conditions. When exposed to flooding, a bridge design has a reduced risk of failure because it can traditionally withstand flooding better than a culvert due to design requirements and increased clearances.7 In contrast, a culvert design inundated with increased flow and accompanying debris can be adversely impacted and potentially fail under the heightened storm conditions.10
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Choosing the right culvert or buried bridge structure is crucial for any site application. While this may seem straightforward, it involves numerous practical and functional considerations. Project engineers and site developers must address these factors early in the planning stages. This article outlines key questions that facilitate the decision-making process for selecting the appropriate structure type and shape.
Culverts and buried bridges come in various materials, shapes, and sizes. Common materials include:
Corrugated metal structures also offer multiple coating options such as galvanized steel, aluminum, aluminized steel, and coated steel. Selecting the appropriate material and coating involves considerations like durability, service life, environmental conditions, corrosion factors, and cost.
Once the material is selected, determining the size, shape, and number of structures for the site is the next step. Options include a single wide-span structure or multiple smaller structures. Simplify the process by focusing on the functional and practical needs of your site.
These considerations are essential for selecting the right type, shape, and size of culvert or buried bridge structure. By addressing these questions, project engineers and site developers can make informed decisions that ensure the longevity, functionality, and regulatory compliance of their culvert or buried bridge projects.
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