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driveway culvert

v1ru5879

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I have an irrigation ditch I need a culvert put into so I can access the back side of the property. Should I go with the metal corrugated stuff some steel pipe or will the corrugated plastic stuff be able to support the weight of a truck and loaded trailer?
 
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larry_g

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oregon
I have an irrigation ditch I need a culvert put into so I can access the back side of the property. Should I go with the metal corrugated stuff some steel pipe or will the corrugated plastic stuff be able to support the weight of a truck and loaded trailer?

Way to many variables here.
Size of culvert needed to carry max flow?

Is this truck and trailer 10klbs or 60klbs?

Soil type, will it compact around the culvert?

Will you be using this when the soil is saturated with water?

Have you give thought to how to handle washout on the exit of the culvert?

A lot of things play into selecting the proper setup. If deep enough then the plastic will work, we use it most places on the farm.

lg
no neat sig line
 

MattN03

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Nov 4, 2007
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KY
The composite culverts require being buried deeper and have additional soil on top. If the ditch permits for this, I'd go with composite. You should be able to get these specs where ever you buy the culverts.
 
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v1ru5879

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Feb 19, 2018
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Its literally a small irrigation ditch about 8 inches wide and 10 inches deep. I only use it sparingly. Biggest truck back there will pry be a 2500 chevy with a 16' flatbed for hauling out brush. I would not be opposed to mounding over the culvert either. I just need a 12' section so I can have vehicle access to the area. I have heard the composite culverts are quite strong when buried down with sufficient soil over, however everyone I talk to suggests going with metal. I think an 8" culvert would be the biggest I would need for the section. 6" might be a little small but would work.
 

joe49

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Tonica, Il
You can just bush hog the brush? If terrain is to steep move brush to a flat area and mow it in. Why haul it, it will compost back in.
 
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v1ru5879

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Feb 19, 2018
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Its mostly tree limbs and leafs I want to get a chipper back there and shred it all up. It is a huge fire danger as it sits due to extreme New Mexico drought. The are used to be a corral so I will just spread out the chippings into the field
 

jimgood

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Aug 4, 2014
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Location
Marshall, VA
I would use the metal corrugated pipe just to be safe and make it 4 feet wider on each side than you think you need. The problems begin when the edges get hidden by undergrowth.
 

jeffg

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Aug 16, 2006
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Location
Idaho
worst case, you could build a bridge over the culvert. Maybe even a road plate.
 

SimS

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Jun 11, 2007
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Its literally a small irrigation ditch about 8 inches wide and 10 inches deep.......

For something that small just put in a row of concrete hollow block just to make a place to ford the ditch.

SimS
 

kbs2244

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Nov 11, 2006
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I would guess that you do not have a choice.
Most irrigation stuff is highly regulated.
You should check with the local agency.
 

larry_g

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oregon
For something that small I would dig out a bit and lay RR ties parallel to the stream bed with a 12" gap and then bridge across with a few boards.

lg
no neat sig line
 
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Lelandwelds

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Sep 6, 2017
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Central Texas
Metal is easiest. My oldest one is 50 years old. Don't go too small. Trapped debris can plug. Rebar strainers need maintenance. A fox has kits each year in one of my culverts.

I bought four that were around 16" at the scrap yard for double the scrap rate price. Cheaper options always exist.

A compact tractor pto driven wood chipper could cross unimproved land.
 
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v1ru5879

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Feb 19, 2018
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Its an irrigation ditch on my property to which I own two sets of watering rights. This I dug across my yard to get water to the back of my house. I am totally free to be able to modify to suit my needs. This way works the best for my layout. I was leaning more towards the 8" for keeping the debris out. I have no problem finding 4" stuff its once I get to the 6" and greater it becomes a little scarce to find, without buying a 20' section at a time
 

Lelandwelds

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Central Texas
If you like little ones, you can gang up several for enough flow. I live somewhat near the edge of an almost desert. I get flash floods. I like big culverts with bulk heads or lots of native plant life. The extra wildlife habitat is a plus.

You can always contour the ground for better drainage. Dig a ditch. Put down some berms. Put in a bridge.
 

ZipSnafu

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Mar 8, 2011
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410
Location
Virginia
I have a 10" plastic one that loaded dump trucks have driven over with no problem. Don't go to small or it WILL get clogged.
 

denis4x4

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Jul 23, 2006
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510
Location
Durango CO
We use the oval corrugated metal pipe on our ditch crossings. Have at lease two feet on either side, four feet would be even better.
 

chipdog4

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Jul 14, 2016
Messages
481
Location
Southern Indiana
Anyone know if the dual wall plastic culverts can be cut down to shorter lengths? Are the walls 'fused' together in each valley?
This is at my parents place and there's a drainage pipe from a dry dam about 7' away from the other end.
I want to add 6 feet to the other side of this one and use the rest of a 20 foot section on this side.
They are sold in 12 and 20' lengths.
This one is 30" diameter

dscf1281.jpg
 
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v1ru5879

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Feb 19, 2018
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369
Well I came across a 16' piece of PVC for 20 bucks. How much more should I mound over to hopefully support a gravel truck with 5 tons of gravel. This is a picture from each end
ba19a3b600fcc114f9db4e790b15321f.jpg
f34d4e8927aeab7581acd5405768393c.jpg


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