Abstract

A precast concrete culvert system includes a series of open bottom culvert sections each having parallel spaced vertical side walls integrally connected to an arcuate top wall having a curved inner surface with a radius of curvature at least twice the rise defined between the top center of the curved inner surface and the bottom surfaces of the side walls. The side walls rest on footers and have outer surfaces which form sharp corners with the top surface of the top wall and have a vertical height at least sixty percent and preferably between eighty and ninety percent of the rise. The vertical height is also less than fifty percent of the radius of curvature which is between twenty and fifty feet and preferably either about twenty-five or forty feet. The end sections have vertical head walls, and the vertical side walls are adapted to connect with angularly disposed vertical concrete wing walls which are precast with anchor walls and provide for a smooth hydraulic flow into and through the series of the culvert sections. Culvert sections may also be precast with a taper to form a curved conduit or be provided with end walls to enclose an underground tank or be precast with parallel spaced and outwardly projecting end ribs.