Topic outline

  • Culverts - Types of Structures

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides a summary on the principles of construction and design of various types of culvert structures. A wide variety of culvert structures are currently in use as stream crossings, underpasses, and other highway and railroad applications.  Although modern culverts are made primarily from reinforced concrete, corrugated metal, and, more recently, solid-wall, profile-wall, and reinforced plastic, some culverts constructed with stone masonry, terracotta, or timber still exist. The emphasis of this course is primarily on modern culvert construction.

    Topics:

    • Engineering and Economic Considerations
    • Culvert Shapes
    • Circular, Pipe /Elliptical Arched, Box Sections, Multiple Barrels
    • Culvert Materials
    • Concrete, Steel, Aluminum, Plastic, Other
    • Coatings for Culvert Materials
    • Culvert Installation Methods
    • Trenched, Embankments, Bored, Augured or Jacked
    • Culvert Construction
    • Backfills and Fills
    • Foundations and Bedding, Construction Loads, Camber
    • Culvert Appurtenances
    • Endwalls and Wingwalls
    • Energy Dissipators
    • Aprons and Scour Protection
    • Safety Barriers and Grates
    • Debris Control Structures
    • Junctions, Fish Passage

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, hydraulic, stormwater, environmental, construction, and other engineering professionals whose job description may require an intermediate knowledge of culvert types.
    Publication Source: US FHWA

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1