This standard deals with both large (structural) and small (non-structural or light structural) box culverts of
rectangular cross-section formed monolithically and designed as continuous elements with a joint detail
shaped to allow the possible incorporation of sealing materials. Box culverts can be used for creation of voids
below ground for conveyance and storage of materials. e.g. conveyance and storage of wastewater, cable
tunnels and subways
For the purposes of this standard, box culverts having internal cross-sectional dimensions (W and H in
Figure 1) less than or equal to 1 250 mm should be considered as small (non-structural or light structural). All
other units should be defined as large. The elements are generally manufactured in factories using either
normal weight or lightweight concrete and usually require reinforcing steel. This standard does not include
units manufactured from autoclaved aerated concrete, nor prefabricated reinforced box culverts of lightweight
concrete with open structure.
Each unit is structurally complete. They are used in combination to form a total structure of appropriate length
(including joints) and capacity.