How is the height of a culvert defined?

The correct answer is the distance between the top and bottom slabs. This definition specifically addresses the vertical measurement within the culvert itself, known as the barrel. The height of a culvert is crucial for determining its ability to convey water flow efficiently and ensure that it can accommodate the required hydraulic capacity.

When engineers design culverts, they must consider the height to meet the expected water flow volumes while also addressing factors such as sediment transport, potential blockages, and the positioning of the culvert relative to the surrounding landscape. Understanding this definition helps in evaluating whether a culvert can effectively serve its purpose in stormwater management and ecological connectivity.

The other options may reflect aspects related to the culvert's structure but do not directly define the measurement commonly referenced in engineering practices when describing a culvert's height.