The Role of Tanker Shell Culverts in Bridge Construction

Innovation often comes from repurposing everyday materials to meet the demands of specialized projects. One such example is the use of tanker shell culverts in bridge construction, specifically in temporary roadways, creek crossings, and overpasses. Culverts, commonly used in drainage systems, can play a pivotal role in certain construction projects where traditional bridge-building materials may not be feasible. Their adaptability and durability make them ideal for supporting temporary infrastructure during road construction.

Let’s explore the applications of these culverts and the benefits they offer in road and bridge construction, particularly in temporary setups.

What Are Tanker Shell Culverts?

These types of culverts are large, cylindrical structures often repurposed from tanks or similar vessels. These shells, typically made from steel or durable metals, are commonly used in civil engineering projects to provide support for waterways, creeks, or other areas where water flow must be maintained.

In many projects, tanker shell culverts are primarily used for drainage purposes, allowing water to pass through roadways or beneath construction sites without interrupting the surface above. However, these structures can also be strategically utilized in bridge construction, especially for temporary solutions or smaller-scale projects. Their size, durability, and flexibility make them an appealing option for supporting the infrastructure during road construction.

Culvert Shells: The Foundation of Bridge Construction

In certain construction sites, temporary bridges are necessary to maintain traffic flow or provide access to remote areas. Larger tanker shell culverts can serve as an effective solution in these cases, functioning as makeshift supports for smaller, temporary roads or overpasses. Their size allows them to accommodate water flow while providing stability to the bridge structure above.

The Benefits of Culvert Construction

The benefit of using larger culverts in bridge construction is that they can handle large loads without the need for complex engineering. The cylindrical shape of the tanker shells distributes weight evenly, reducing stress on the structure and making it a reliable option for supporting temporary roads or overpasses.

A Construction Cost-Solution

Larger culverts are often more cost-effective than traditional bridge materials, such as concrete or steel beams. Since tanker shells are often repurposed, they can be sourced at a lower cost while providing the necessary strength and stability to support road traffic. This makes them an ideal choice for projects with budget constraints or tight timelines.

Creek Crossings: A Common Use for Tanker Shell Culverts

When constructing a road or temporary access point over a small body of water, such as a creek or stream, maintaining the natural water flow is essential to avoid flooding or damage to the surrounding environment. Tanker shell culverts provide a practical solution, allowing water to pass through the culvert while supporting the roadway above.

New Building Methods

In many cases, traditional bridge-building methods are unnecessary for creek crossings, particularly in rural or remote areas. Instead, using tanker shell culverts can offer a faster, more cost-effective solution that still provides the necessary support for the road. The culverts are placed across the creek bed, allowing water to flow through while providing a stable foundation for the road above.

Tailored Building Solutions

Creek crossings often require custom solutions depending on the water flow, soil conditions, and environmental concerns. Tanker culverts can be modified or adjusted to fit the specific needs of the project so the water is properly channeled through the culvert without causing erosion or other damage to the surrounding landscape.

Reducing Hazards With Culverts in Bridge Construction

Tanker culverts offer an important risk mitigation strategy in bridge construction by providing a stable and reliable solution for temporary infrastructure.

Eliminate Flooding

When building over waterways, ensuring that water flow is not obstructed is critical. A blocked creek or stream can lead to flooding, delaying construction and even damaging surrounding property or equipment. Tanker shells help minimize this risk by allowing water to flow freely through the culvert.

Peace of Mind Over Structural Designs

Structural failure in temporary bridges or roads can be a common issue over time. Culverts have a durable, cylindrical design that ensures weight is evenly distributed across the structure, minimizing the likelihood of collapse. This can be important when working in areas where heavy machinery or equipment needs to cross the temporary roadway, as tanker shells can handle the load without compromising safety.

Have you considered how culverts provide an easy fix for creek crossings on construction sites? Partner with Steel Pipe Pros for the best solutions in the industry.

Our Culvert Selection

Common Applications of Culverts in Bridge Construction

Beyond creek crossings and temporary bridge supports, culverts serve as essential components in the following scenarios:

Drainage Systems

Maintaining proper drainage during construction is crucial to preventing water buildup, which can lead to road degradation or failure. The culverts provide a path for water to flow under the road so the surface remains stable and dry. Prevent water-related issues and extend the lifespan of the roadway by opting for culverts today!

Temporary Construction Roads

In areas where permanent infrastructure is not required, such as construction access roads, tanker shell culverts can provide a quick and cost-effective solution. These temporary roads may need to cross streams or low-lying areas, and tanker shell culverts allow for the smooth flow of water while supporting the road’s weight.

Supporting Structures for Worksite Access

In many cases, the use of culverts in worksite access roads can save time and reduce costs, as they are quicker to install than more permanent structures.

Implement Innovative Bridge Construction Solutions With SPP’s Wide Selection of Tanker Culverts

Steel Pipe Pros is proud to offer a wide selection of durable tanker culverts. We provide cost-effective, reliable options for temporary roads, creek crossings, and drainage systems. With our expertise and quality products, we make sure your project runs smoothly, efficiently, and within budget.