Installing a culvert wall is a critical step in managing water flow and preventing erosion for homeowners, developments, and municipalities alike. The Hartman Products plastic culvert wall system offers a reliable and efficient solution for these needs, combining ease of installation with long-term durability. Unlike traditional methods that rely on heavy materials like concrete or gabion baskets, the Hartman SIP system is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and designed for rapid installation. This system not only reduces labor costs compared to alternatives but also minimizes environmental impact by offering a more sustainable alternative. With its modular design, the Hartman SIP culvert wall can be adapted to fit different sites and pipe sizes. The following guide provides a step-by-step approach to installing the Hartman Products plastic SIP system, ensuring the best results for your project.
Prepare The Area
Survey the Area
Evaluate the installation site. Ensure that the area is free of debris, and the ground is stable. Mark the area where the culvert wall will be installed.
Excavation
Excavate the trench for the culvert wall according to the project specifications. The trench should be wide enough to accommodate the SIP wall sections and deep enough to reach stable ground.
Prepare the Base
Add a layer of gravel or crushed stone at the bottom of the trench to provide a stable base for the culvert wall. Compact the base layer using a compactor or tamper to ensure stability.
Install Geotextile Fabric (if needed)
If erosion control is necessary, lay down geotextile fabric along the sides and bottom of the trench before placing the wall sections.
Install the Plastic Culvert Wall
Position the First Wall Section
Place the first SIP culvert wall section into the trench, ensuring that it is level and aligned with the planned wall direction.
Secure the Section
If required, drive rebar or other reinforcement materials through the pre-drilled holes in the SIP wall section and into the ground for added stability. Ensure that the wall section remains level and straight.
Join Additional Sections
Continue placing and securing additional wall sections as needed, following the same procedure. Use Hartman Products sectionals to increase the height of the units. Make sure each section is aligned and level.
Secure and Clean Up
Backfill Around the Wall
Begin backfilling the trench around the SIP culvert wall with gravel or soil. Add the backfill in layers, compacting each layer to prevent settling. Ensure that the wall remains level during the process.
Erosion Control (If Needed)
If erosion control is a concern, cover the exposed area around the culvert wall with additional geotextile fabric or vegetation to prevent soil erosion.
Final Inspection
Inspect the entire installation to ensure that the wall sections are securely in place, level, and properly backfilled. Check for any signs of instability or gaps in the wall.
Clean Up
Clean the site, remove any excess materials, and ensure that all tools are accounted for. Dispose of any waste materials according to local regulations.
Final Thoughts and Video Tutorial
The best advice our team can give is to not overthink it. Hartman Products are designed to be intuitive, with a few simple steps ensuring professional installation. If you’d like to see what the process looks like, watch this tutorial video produced by our inventor and founder: