What Is a Box Culvert? Get to Know Its Functions and Types

In the past, the use of concrete in construction projects was limited to conventional types of concrete. However, as technology develops, many are turning to precast concrete, including box culverts that are often used in waterway structures.

Please note that box culverts offer several advantages, one of which is the ability to expedite construction projects. Do you want to know the other advantages of a box culvert? Before that, understand the complete definition, functions, and types in the explanation below.

What Is a Box Culvert?

A box culvert is a type of precast concrete designed to drain water from one place to another. The general public often calls it a culvert. However, there is also a term that is quite often used by construction practitioners, namely Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert (RCBC).

A box culvert includes a reinforced concrete structure with a hollow center as a place for water flow or pipe placement. The shape varies, ranging from square, trapezoidal, and even round, according to project needs.

The dimensions and size of the box culvert are also relatively diverse because they adjust to the estimated water discharge that passes through it. However, generally the size of the culvert box starts from 40 cm to 4 meters. Box culverts are made of steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or common materials in concrete making, such as cement and sand.

This concrete is often found in waterway structures, such as highway culverts, short-span highway bridges, pedestrian path construction, farm construction, groundwater recharge systems, utility tunnels, and many more.

The Functions of Box Culvert

Here are some functions of a box culvert that you need to know to maximize its use in construction projects:

As an underground construction material, such as culverts, short bridges, or short tunnels.
Drain rainwater and other types of water under roads or similar infrastructure to prevent inundation.
Minimizes the risk of erosion by controlling water flow and making surrounding structures more stable.
Helps reduce the risk of pollution due to vehicle waste, oil, or other dangerous materials.
Distributes water for irrigation needs in agricultural areas.
In some areas, box culverts are used as wildlife crossing points. Usually, this is under a highway or railroad.
Sometimes, box culverts also function as temporary tunnels in construction projects that require special access during the construction period.
Helps speed up the construction process because the installation is easy and fast.

Types of Box Culvert

Box culvert is divided into several types, as follows:

1. Box Culvert Pre-Stressed Concrete

Box culvert pre-stressed concrete consists of a concrete mixture that has been reinforced with high-voltage steel tendons so that it is very strong and more resistant to tensile forces. This type of box culvert is often chosen for large-scale projects, such as bridges and toll roads.

2. Steel Frame Box Culvert

This type of box culvert uses a steel frame as the main structural component. Its characteristics are lightweight, flexible, and easy to assemble. With these characteristics, this type of box culvert is very suitable for use in temporary projects.

3. Reinforced Concrete Pipe Box Culvert

This type of box culvert has a shape similar to a large pipe, with both ends closed and the center made open. The reinforced concrete pipe box culvert is the right choice for making a water sewer system.

4. Precast Box Culvert

From the name, you may already know that this type of box culvert is produced in a factory. The precast box culvert has gone through a production process in the factory so that it can be directly installed in the construction area. The process allows for custom sizes as needed and shortens the processing time on-site.

5. Cast Concrete Culvert Box

Contrary to the previous type, cast concrete culvert boxes are not made in a factory, but are made directly at the project site. The trick is to pour concrete into the mold (formwork). This type of box culvert generally requires relatively longer processing time and more complex maintenance than the precast type.

The Advantages of Box Culvert

Box culvert is often a mainstay in several construction projects because it has various advantages below:

1. Known to be Strong and Durable

Because it is made of concrete, the box culvert certainly has high durability in withstanding heavy loads, such as vehicle traffic. This makes its usage lifelong enough.

2. Easy to Build and Install

The process of making a box culvert is relatively simple because it consists of a number of precast components that are designed to fit together quickly. This can help the installation process on-site to be more practical and efficient than ordinary concrete construction.

3. Able to Withstand Heavy Loads Well

It was previously mentioned that the box culvert is a reinforced concrete structure. So, it is only natural that this type of concrete has a good ability to withstand heavy loads, such as on roads, railways, or industrial areas that are traversed by large vehicles.

4. Easy to Maintain

The advantages at this point are closely related to the explanation in the first point. With high durability, a box culvert does not require complicated maintenance methods and complex maintenance costs.

5. Allows Customization of Shape and Size

Box culvert offers convenience for construction projects because they can be customized with various sizes and shapes as needed.

6. More Environmentally Friendly

The manufacture of box culverts does not involve hazardous and flammable materials, so it can minimize the risk of harm to the surrounding environment.

This is all about box culverts as a reliable component for a variety of water-related construction needs. If your project requires a closed waterway, requires supporting heavy loads from above, or is located in an area with a high risk of inundation, then you should consider using a box culvert.

As you already know from the previous explanation, one type of box culvert is the precast box culvert. If you are interested in using this type of concrete, make sure to choose high-quality Precast Concrete from Semen Merah Putih.

Beton Merah Putih, a subsidiary of Semen Merah Putih, supplies innovative ready-mixed concrete products designed for a variety of unique and robust applications with its flagship product, Precast Concrete.

Ready-mixed concrete products from Beton Merah Putih are designed for a variety of applications according to consumer demand. Available in various quality options for the construction of various constructions, such as industrial, commercial, and infrastructure, which includes the construction of high-rise buildings, housing, highways, and other developments.

What are you waiting for? Contact us immediately to get complete information about Semen Merah Putih products and find the best construction solution for your project!