Box Culvert

Precast concrete culvert are box shaped configurations used for transportation infrastructure, stormwater management, and multiple other applications. Engineers and contractors use our culvert products for everything from bridges and streambeds to underground storage and utility vaults.

Jensen carries one of the most diverse product lines of culvert in the industry. Our monolithic, arch, and Type I, II, and III segmental culvert can be configured to meet small and large scale construction projects. Our gasketed and Verti-Set Joint solutions expedite installation.

Product availability varies by location. If you need a product immediately, contact us to ensure availability.

If you need modifications to a standard product or a complete custom solution, we will work to accommodate your request in a timely manner. Please provide us with a few details about your project. Contact us now.

Subcategories

Monolithic Box Culvert

Segmental Box Culvert

Product Resources

Precast Culvert Opens Up PNW Fish Passage

One of a host of campgrounds in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Wish Poosh sits at the eastern shore of Cle Elum Reservoir, about 60 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington. It is a region where water supply is critical, where salmon and steelhead trout are integral to the culture, and where protecting this vital natural resource is important to many. Fishing enthusiasts, local residents, nearby businesses, environmental groups, and

Concrete Culvert Updates Arizona State University Utilities Tunnel

Keeping students and teachers cool in Arizona’s hot climate is a necessity at the Arizona State University (ASU) Tempe campus. Lying 15’ beneath the university’s surface is an expansive underground utility tunnel system servicing the entire campus. The underground structure houses utility pipes containing chilled water and steam used to power, cool, and heat the campus. Some of these tunnels are more than 80 years old. In 2022

Thinking Inside the Box: MSG Sphere

By Mason Nichols Las Vegas is anything but ordinary and boasts eclectic architecture that is a visual treat. The MSG Sphere, a $1.66 billion entertainment venue under construction at the Venetian Resort, will be no different when it is completed in 2023. The structure will include approximately 875,000 sq. ft. of interior space, a seating capacity of up to 20,000, and a fully programmable LED exterior. When completed,

Crumbling Steel Culvert Gets Precast Concrete Upgrade

Crumb Road was already crumbling when winter storms scoured a section over Highland Creek and rendered it temporarily impassable. Major flood events rained down on Lewis County, Washington in early 2020, and the old corrugated metal arch pipe culvert under Crumb Road was damaged beyond repair. “We needed an economical solution to restore unrestricted traffic on Crumb Road,” says Rodney Lakey, PE, project manager for Lewis County Public

A Precast Cure for Arizona Cheese Artisans

So the cheese cave will be a lot less work because the humidity and temperature will be easier to keep steady without the blowing air. We realized for liability and safety reasons that it needed to be an engineered structure. We called up Jensen, and they were like, ‘Yeah, let’s do this.’ They thought it was a great idea.

Jesse Couch
Operations Manager, Hassayampa Vineyard & Farm

A Precast Cure for Arizona Cheese Artisans

Precast Culvert Opens Up PNW Fish Passage

Concrete Culvert Updates Arizona State University Utilities Tunnel

Thinking Inside the Box: MSG Sphere

Crumbling Steel Culvert Gets Precast Concrete Upgrade

A Precast Cure for Arizona Cheese Artisans

Jesse Couch
Operations Manager, Hassayampa Vineyard & Farm

Features & Benefits

Features and Benefits of Precast Concrete Box Culvert

Versatile Solutions

Jensen Infrastructure’s box culvert is designed for a wide variety of applications, including stormwater drainage, road crossing, pedestrian underpasses, utility tunnels, and custom projects.

Faster Installation

Precast box culvert is delivered ready to install, reducing on-site labor time, and minimal disruption to surrounding areas, leading to faster project timelines and cost-effective construction.

Custom Sizes and Configurations

Jensen offers a variety of standard and custom box culvert sizes to accommodate your project requirements. Contact our sales team to discuss your project needs.

High Quality Construction

Precast concrete box culvert is manufactured to ensure long-term structural integrity, load bearing capacity, and resistance to environmental wear and tear.

Box Culvert Applications

Transportation Infrastructure

Bridges and road crossings
Pedestrian and service tunnels
Cattle and wildlife crossings
Steam tunnels
Corridor links
Conveyor tunnels

Stormwater Management

Flood control
Stormwater infiltration
Rainwater harvesting
Detention and retention systems
Underground storage and tunnels

Other

Utility vaults and trenches
Wastewater holding and recirculation tanks
Environmental encasements
Underground storage
Wine cellars
Disaster and security bunkers
Intakes and outfalls

Box Culvert Solutions

Special loading conditions for traffic, deep bury, and high ground water
Headwall and wingwall design for support and erosion control
Sweeping radius turns for long and winding lays
Openings for catch basins, manholes, and pipe access
Sloped floors for gravity flow
Design options for low flow conditions

Loading Specifications

AASHTO LRFD
COOPER E-80
FAA AC150

Questions & Answers

What are typical applications for precast box culvert?

Precast box culverts are used in a variety of projects where efficient water flow or passage is needed beneath roads, railways, or embankments. Typical applications include:

Stormwater drainage systems in urban or highway settings
Stream and creek crossings under roads or rail lines
Utility tunnels for electrical, telecom, or water infrastructure
Pedestrian and wildlife underpasses for safe cross-traffic movement
Access ways for maintenance vehicles or equipment beneath roadways

Due to their strength, durability, and ease of installation, precast concrete culvert are a preferred solution for both public works and private development projects.

How are box culverts installed?

Precast box culvert is installed using a streamlined, staged process:

Site preparation: the foundation is excavated and leveled, with compacted bedding material added for support.
Section placement: Using cranes or heavy equipment, precast box culvert sections are lifted and set into place.
Joint connection: Sections are aligned and joined using tongue-and-groove or gasketed connections to ensure proper fit and watertight performance.
Backfilling: Once all sections are installed, the structure is backfilled and compacted to restore the surrounding area.

This method reduces installation time and ensures high-quality, consistent results across projects.

What standards govern the design and manufacturing of precast box culvert?

Precast box culvert is manufactured and designed to meet strict industry standards for quality, performance, and safety. Key standards include:

ASTM C1433 – Standard for precast reinforced concrete box sections for culverts, storm drains, and sewers
ASTM C1577 – Standard for precast reinforced concrete box sections with special designs
AASHTO Specifications – For load-bearing performance on highways and transportation projects
Project-specific municipal or agency requirements – Local or state guidelines may apply

These standards ensure that each culvert meets structural, hydraulic, and durability requirements for long-term performance.

What are the benefits of using precast box culvert over cast-in-place alternatives?

Using precast box culvert offers several advantages compared to cast-in place:

Faster installation: Precast sections are delivered ready for immediate installation, reducing site time and labor costs.
Consistent quality: Produced in a controlled environment, precast components meet precise specifications and quality standards.
All-weather reliability: Unlike cast-in-place methods, precast installation is less impacted by weather delays.
Minimal disruption: faster installation minimizes road closures, traffic delays and environmental disturbances.

What maintenance is required for precast box culvert?

Precast box culvert requires minimal maintenance due to their durability and resistance to environmental wear. Typical maintenance tasks include:

Periodic inspections to check for debris, sediment buildup, or structural wear
Cleaning to ensure unimpeded water flow and prevent blockages
Joint and seal inspection to maintain watertight performance and alignment
Vegetation control around inlet and outlet areas to prevent clogging

Routine maintenance helps preserve the culvert’s functionality and extend its service life.