Author(s): Kiarash Shirmahi; David Admiraal
Linked Author(s): David Admiraal
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: When constructing roads, culverts must be installed to safely convey surface water and runoff at stream crossings. Typically, two main types of culverts are used: rectangular and circular. These culverts are usually sloped, and the flow area decreases as water enters the culvert, leading to increased flow velocity. This acceleration can lead to soil erosion and leaching near the outlet, potentially damaging road substructures and surrounding land. While numerous studies have investigated energy dissipation methods for rectangular culverts, more limited research has been conducted on circular culverts. To address this gap, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) funded the current research to identify optimal designs for energy dissipation structures at the outlets of circular culverts. The footprints of these dissipation structures must be minimized due to land availability limitations. The study focuses on using baffles to reduce flow energy, exploring optimal baffle placement and height for maximizing energy dissipation.
Year: 2026