Not sure which culvert is best for your job? Learn more about what you need to know when shopping for culverts, where we explore some of our most frequently asked questions. You can also explore the benefits of HDPE Culvert in various applications. For municipal work or large projects requiring a custom quote, please contact (905) 386-1744 x1 or submit a tender request.
Both Bell & Gasket and Plain end styles in stock. Available in 10’ and 20’ lengths from 4” all the way up to 60” in diameter. HDPE Culverts are also available with sealed ends. Perfect for boat docks or sump basins.
The Basics
HDPE Pipe is manufactured from high-density polyethylene resin which meets or exceeds the cell class requirements of ASTM D3350. 320 kPa corrugate pipe ranges from 100mm to 900mm diameter and combines a smooth interior wall with annular exterior corrugations for gravity-flow drainage applications.
Advantages of HDPE (Plastic) Culvert
LIGHTWEIGHT: Its light weight allows for safe handling and quick installation with minimal equipment.
HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE: The smooth interior ensures optimum flow capacity for storm sewer applications.
COST EFFECTIVE: Less equipment and manpower required for installation.
CHEMICAL/ABRASION RESISTANT: Highly resistant to chemical attack and abrasive environments.
UV RESISTANT: A minimum of 2% carbon black additive protects against UV light deterioration.
DURABLE: Highly durable; withstands impact in all weather conditions.
Installation Advantages
HDPE culvert is significantly lighter than CSP (steel) or concrete culverts. Due to the reduced weight, installation requires less time, smaller equipment, and increased workability on jobsites. Being able to install your drainage faster and more efficiently greatly decreases the labour costs. Handling lighter materials can also create a safer working environment. Lighter materials also have a lower freight cost and a wider range of delivery options.
Operational Efficiency
HDPE Dual Wall culvert has a smooth inside which results in higher fluid capacity at the same pressure compared to corrugated interiors. The smooth interior also minimizes obstructions with flow, scaling, and material buildup inside the culvert. Due to the corrosive resistance of HDPE culvert, chemical inertness, and durable joints, HDPE culvert requires minimal maintenance over its lifespan. This reduces the time spent on repairs, replacements, inspections, and their associated costs.
Cost-Effectiveness
In addition to a lower material cost up front, you’ll also benefit from lower freight costs, installation costs, and maintenance costs, as discussed above. CSP (Steel) culvert can be a lower product cost once your diameter exceeds 36”.
Environmental Benefits
HDPE is a recyclable plastic, contributing to sustainability and reducing landfill waste. The manufacturing process generally requires less energy compared to producing metal or concrete culverts. Lastly, the lower weight reduces fuel consumption throughout all stages of transportation.
HDPE Culvert Specifications
SCOPE
This specification covers the requirements of 100mm to 900mm nominal diameter corrugate high-density polyethylene pipe with a smooth interior wall and annular exterior corrugations for gravity-flow drainage applications.
MATERIALS
Pipe shall be manufactured from high-density polyethylene resin which shall meet or exceed the Cell Class requirements of ASTM D3350.
PIPE DIMENSIONS
The nominal size of the pipe is based on the nominal inside diameter of the pipe. The tolerance on the specified inside diameter shall be +3 / -1.5%. Outside diameters should be specified for manhole/catch basins to accommodate the pipe. Perforated pipe and filter cloth is available on special order and may vary by region.
STOCKED LENGTHS
Standard pipe lengths shall be 6m or as requested by the Engineer. Lengths shall not be less than 99% stated length.
JOINTS
Pipes shall be joined with external double bell ‘snap’ couplers (100mm – 200mm) or external ‘split’ couplers (250mm – 900mm) for soil-tight applications meeting CSA Group standard B182.8 Type 3 / BNQ 3624-120. Pipes shall be joined with Ultra Stab 75 gasketed bell and spigot couplers (150mm – 900mm) lab-tested to 75kPa in accordance with ASTM standard D3212 meeting CSA Group standard B182.8 Type 1 / BNQ 3624-120 for water-tight applications under normal gravity flow operating pressures. Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) gaskets shall be incorporated into the system with lubricant supplied by the manufacturer.
PIPE STIFFNESS
The pipe shall have a minimum pipe stiffness of 320kPa (100mm – 900mm) meeting CSA Group standard 182.8 or 210kPa (250mm – 900mm) at 5% deflection. Tests shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM D2412.
HYDRAULICS
The pipe shall have a Manning’s ‘n’ value of 0.012 at a flow velocity of 0.75 m/s.
RETEST AND REJECTION
If any failure to conform to these specifications occurs, the pipe or fittings may be retested to establish conformity in accordance with the agreement between the purchase and the seller.
APPLICABLE STANDARDS
CSA B182.8, BNQ 3624-120, OPSS 1840, OPSS 410, OPSD 806.02, BC MoT SS-317
Research shows that when it comes to abrasion and chemical resistance HDPE outperforms other commercially available pipe materials.
HDPE Culvert Installation Recommendations
For Installation steps, view page 5 of our HDPE culvert brochure.
Which Culvert Pipe is Best?
The best culvert pipe depends on the situation, but here are some factors to consider:
Material
Different materials have different properties and are better suited for different environments:
Concrete: Durable, corrosion-resistant, and can withstand heavy loads. Concrete is a good choice for high-traffic areas or where heavy loads are expected. However, concrete is more expensive and difficult to install than plastic or metal.
Plastic (HDPE): Lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, chemicals, flames, and water friction. Plastic is a good choice for residential driveways, farm, or field use, and is easy to install.
Galvanized steel (CSP): Better suited for corrosive environments, roadways, and municipal projects.
Size
The size of the culvert you need depends on local regulations and the amount of water flow. A common size for residential driveway culverts is 12 inches in diameter.
Length
The culvert should extend beyond the driveway or gap by at least a few feet on each side to prevent erosion and ensure proper water flow.
Installation
A well-built culvert will be more effective in managing water flow and save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs. You can find HDPE and CSP Installation guides on our website.
Still searching for the correct culvert? View the rest of our options here. You can also view our HDPE frequently asked questions.
*Always check with your municipal requirements prior to installation.