Corrugated Metal Pipe Sizes Guide: Dimensional Standards and Selection Guide
Download the corrugated metal pipe sizes chart.
1. Corrugated Steel Arch Pipes
Standard Dimensions:
- Span Range: 8′ to 40′ (2.4m to 12.2m)
- Rise/Span Ratio: 0.5 to 0.75 (typically 0.6)
- Material Thickness: 12 GA to 1/4″ (2.7mm to 6.4mm)
Case Example:
I-94 Michigan bridge replacement used 28′ span x 18′ rise arches with 3/16″ thick galvanized steel, achieving 100-year design life with polymer coating.
2. Corrugated Steel Culvert Pipes
Common Specifications:
- Circular Diameters: 24″ to 144″ (0.6m to 3.7m)
- Elliptical Profiles: 72″x48″ to 144″x96″
- Wall Patterns:
- 2-2/3″ x 1/2″ corrugation (Type M)
- 5″ x 1″ structural plate (Type SP)
Load Capacity Data:
ASTM A796 Class III 120″ pipes withstand HS-20 loading at 15′ cover when backfilled with select granular material.
3. Metal Box Culverts
Dimensional Parameters:
- Single Cell: 6’x4′ to 20’x20′
- Multi-Cell Configs: Up to 3-cell 30′ total width
- Thickness Standards:
- 14 GA for <8′ spans
- 3/16″ for 8′-16′ spans
- 1/4″ for >16′ spans
Notable Project:
Colorado DOT’s US-36 flood channel utilized 18’x12′ aluminum box culverts with 0.188″ wall thickness, reducing weight by 35% vs steel equivalents.
Selection Considerations
Hydraulic Factors:
- Manning’s n values:
- 0.024 (smooth coatings)
- 0.033 (standard corrugations)
Structural Requirements:
- AASHTO LRFD Section 12 for live load distribution
- Minimum 1.5 safety factor for buckling resistance
Corrosion Protection:
EnvironmentCoating SystemNormal soilsG235 galvanizingCoastal areasGalfan + polymerIndustrial zones3-layer polyethylene
Installation Best Practices
- Foundation preparation:
- Minimum 95% compaction for bedding
- Geotextile separation layers in fine soils
- Joint detailing:
- 6″ minimum overlap for structural plate
- Butyl sealant for watertight applications
- Backfill requirements:
- Select granular material within pipe zone
- Lift thickness ≤12″ for proper compaction
All dimensional data conforms to ASTM A796, AASHTO M167, and CSA G401 standards.