CulvertSoft© is a culvert analysis program developed to evaluate the performance of culverts including multiple barrels (non-conforming) and broken-back culverts. CulvertSoftVA© is designed for use in the Commonwealth of Virginia and by the Virginia Department of Transportation [VDOT]. Circular, elliptical and rectangular shapes of Concrete or corrugated metal sections can be analyzed. The program uses the methodology found in FHWA's HDS-5 “Hydraulic Design of Highway Culverts” and supports both English and Metric units. Inlet edge descriptions correspond to those described in HDS-5. A simple and easy to follow interface allows the user to quickly and efficiently input any culvert configuration and solve for a host of result parameters.
Special features have been added to make the designs conform to VDOT’s Drainage Manual.
CulvertSoft© permits Discharge analysis using either Rational Method or SCS-TR-55 Method. Rainfall intensities based on NOAA NW-14 Atlas Data and Rainfall Depths for all VA counties are stored in the database. In addition to single and multiple conforming barrels, changes in vertical or horizontal alignments within the barrel or non-conforming multiple barrel culverts can be analyzed.
Design Discharge, Maximum Discharge and Check Discharge (2-year or 10-year) values are either directly entered or computed.
The program permits the User to select a constant roadway elevation or a known roadway profile. Similarly, tailwater channels can be defined (triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal or irregular) or known tailwater elevations can be input.
Data entry for culvert design is easy and user friendly. Once all data is entered, SOLVE calculates the results of analysis. The results can be printed in standard culvert report forms in MS Excel format.
CulvertSoft© includes energy dissipation analysis at the culvert outlet. In addition to USDA method of providing rock outlet protection, the program uses FHWA’s HEC-14 - “Hydraulic Design of Energy Dissipators in Culverts and Channels” in the design of riprap stilling basins and an estimate of downstream scour. VDOT’s outlet protection methods are also included for use in VA. Outlet protection results can be printed in MS Excel format