In 2009, FPInnovations created a spreadsheet tool based on a culvert length field guide originally developed by Dominico Iannidinardo of Timber West Forest Corp. The FPInnovations’ culvert length estimation tool was developed to assist with estimating culvert barrel length requirements for cross drains and for stream crossings. The tool also provided expert comments on culvert and road cross-section geometry.
In 2014/15, with support from BC Timber Sales, upgrades were made to the culvert length estimation tool. These changes expanded the scope of the tool to include some important design considerations not in the original tool. The upgrades include a function that helps optimize culvert ordering from suppliers, expert comments on fish passage and coupler selection, and determination of appropriate culvert material type and wall thickness. The software is available for download at the FPInnovations website www.fpinnovations.ca