The method we've used to represent cross drainage in a roadway project is to create a template for the culvert. The template follows a specified flow line profile. It also has a number of display rules that may be turned on or off. These display rules represent the headwall/end treatment and main drainage structure. Then the 'create profile from 3D feature' is used to tie in the grading as a point control.
Is this the best method to show a culvert?
Are you using SS4 Civil product or OpenRoads Designer ? If yes did you have a look on Subsurface Utilities Design and Analysis? You can create culvert, headwall as 3D and get all in the cross sections.
I am using SS4 Civil product. Can you direct where to go in the Subsurface Utilities Design and Analysis? How do you specify the dimensions of culvert, etc.? Is it a standard template like the other utility information?