CONVENTIONAL BRIDGE OR BOX CULVERT ?

24-foot Span CIP Concrete Box Culvert

Many civil engineers and land development project managers believe that box culverts are always less expensive than a bridge - which is not always true. This installment of A Bridge Moment provides some important factors to consider (including cost) when deciding whether a large box culvert or a conventional bridge type structure is the preferred alternative for your water crossing. FDOT and some other DOTs, do not recommend considering a 4-sided concrete box culvert for any span over 24 feet because a bridge is usually more economical.

24-foot Span CIP Concrete Flat Slab Bridge

In addition, the FDOT Plans Preparation Manual and some other DOT design manuals recommend - Before a final determination is made to use a large concrete culvert, the use of a short-span bridge should be investigated. Possible advantages of a bridge may be minimized work in the stream, speed of erection, minimized interference with the existing structure foundation, and easier phased construction.

If you are interested in a design-build cost proposal for your next bridge or large box culvert project, contact Ralph Verrastro, PE. Go to www.rv-pe.com for more information. Also look for more information on this topic in future installments of A Bridge Moment. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with me by email at ralphverrastro@gmail.com.