What is Invert?
Definition of Invert in Construction
The term invert normally refers to the bottom of a pipe, basin, culvert or other fluid system.
The invert is normally identified by the elevation of the bottom of the pipe. This elevation is especially important to the engineers and the contractor, to ensure that the flow of the fluids within the piping system is positive. This means that the fluid flow is from a high point to a low point with a consistent grade. Inverts must be coordinated to ensure that the elevations coincide with other components within the building. If the piping relates to a floor drain, then the inverts must be below the floor, if the inverts relate to existing bodies of water, then the inverts must be coordinated to relate to the elevations of the surface of the body of water. On construction projects the correct and detailed layout of all the inverts is necessary to provide positive drainage within piping systems, on the surface of the ground, as well as to ensure that all mechanical systems work properly within the structure. Inverts are normally indicated on the site documents for all sanitary and storm systems. The inverts of interior piping if not sanitary or storm are normally coordinated by the mechanical engineer together with the civil / site engineer.