Outlet flow velocity in circular culvert

Abstract

The outlet flow velocity in the end section of the culvert barrel depends in most cases on the culvert geometry, including the barrel slope, as well as on upstream and downstream channel parameters. Flowing water can create pressure flow or free surface flow in the culvert barrel. In the case of an unsubmerged barrel outlet, the free-surface flow is more frequent than the full flow. Increased velocities can cause channel bed scour and bank erosion downstream of the culvert outlet. Different culvert flow cases in which the barrel outlet is unsubmerged are presented in this paper. The influence of the flow regime on the outlet velocity is also discussed.