1.1This specification covers material, geometric, and wall section properties of aluminum box culverts manufactured from corrugated plate or sheet, with attached rib stiffeners, for field assembly. Appropriate fasteners and optional materials, such as aluminum invert plates and headwalls, are also described. Applications for aluminum box culverts include conduits for gravity flow drainage of surface water, such as culverts and storm drains, as well as for small bridges and grade separation structures such as pedestrian or vehicular underpasses, and utility tunnels.

1.2This specification does not include requirements for foundations, backfill, or the relationship between earth cover or live loads and strength requirements. These important design considerations are described in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and the LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications.

1.3This specification does not include requirements for the hydraulic design of these structures. Hydraulic design, placement of footings or inverts, and end treatments to resist scour are described in FHWA HDS No. 5.

1.4Appendix X1 lists nominal dimensions of box culvert sizes commonly available. Also listed are cross-sectional area and hydraulic design parameters for these sizes.

1.5Appendix X2 lists manufacturer's suggested design properties for the rib stiffener types, spacing classes, and material thicknesses described in this specification.

1.6The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.7This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.