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Alternative Pipe Culvert Selection (AltPipe)

AltPipe is a web-based tool that may be used to assist designers in the appropriate selection of pipe materials for culvert and storm drain applications. The computations performed by AltPipe are based on the procedures and California Test Methods described in Chapter 850 of the Caltrans Highway Design Manual.

AltPipe is not a substitute for the appropriate use of engineering judgment as conditions and experience would warrant. AltPipe establishes uniform procedures to assist the designer in carrying out the highway design functions of the California Department of Transportation, and is neither intended as, nor does it establish, a legal standard for these functions. Implementation of the results and output of this program is solely at the discretion of the user.

Click Below to Open the Web-Based AltPipe Application

AltPipe v7.0 Structural Requirements

The structural requirements within AltPipe Version 7.0 are based on the AASHTO Load Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) pipe update by Structures. AltPipe Version 7.0 was specifically developed to coincide with the publication of the Caltrans 2010 Standard Specifications and the associated update of the Highway Design Manual (HDM). Projects using the 2006 Standard Specifications must continue to use AltPipe Version 6.09.

Legal Notice

By using this program, the user agrees that:

  • The program and any related documentation is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties or merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or noninfringement; the entire risk arising out of use or performance of this program remains with the user.
  • In no event shall the author, or the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) be liable for any consequential, special, incidental, or indirect damages of any kind (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the delivery, performance, or use of this program.