Precast box culverts can also be used as groynes and aquatic habitat

By Paul Martin, Centennial Concrete Pipe & Products Inc., Cindy Toth, City of St. Catharines,
and Brian Rankin, Stephens and Rankin Inc.

Culvert installation at Deflector A, ultimately a home for aquatic species.

Precast concrete box culverts do more than channel run-off to provide safe crossings of waterways and drainage systems. They are used as structures for people and migratory animals to pass safely under railways and major roadways. They also serve as storage structures for stormwater to prevent flooding, and tunnels for traffic. Availability, durability, and speed of installation factor, significantly, into the specification of box units.

Now, precast concrete box culverts have been used as groynes, with a value added ecological feature. This application introduces a 21st century way of thinking to solve a complex problem involving industrial requirements, local tourism/recreation trade, and safe use of waterfront amenities in a major city.

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