LONG TERM STUDY OF METAL BOX CULVERTS. FINAL REPORT

Structural performance of four metal box culverts was monitored. These culverts (bulb angle reinforced aluminum, angle rib reinforced steel, corrugated rib reinforced steel, and deep corrugated steel) were installed in roadways under similar backfill conditions. The culverts had been in operation for up to five years. Structural performance was originally studied during construction and when subjected to live load. All culverts had approximately the same rise and span dimensions. Instrumentation consisted of biaxial strain gages and tape extensometer hooks. Extensometer readings were taken on a 2-3 month interval, and strain gage readings were recorded at least once a year under static load test. The long term culvert response recorded from these tests was compared to the short term study. Permanent deformation of all the culverts stabilized within the study period. Maximum permanent vertical deflection, found at the crown of the aluminum culverts, was approximately ten times as large as those of the steel culverts. No significant increase in moment response was observed due to the static load application for any of the culverts. In several load tests the location of the maximum moment shifted from the crown. Thrust responses generally decrease over time. Long term data indicates that the culvert response becomes more composite with time.

• Corporate Authors:

  Ohio University, Athens

  Department of Civil Engineering
  Athens, OH  United States  45701

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  25 South Front Street
  Columbus, OH  United States  43215

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Sargand, S M
  • Hazen, G A
• Publication Date: 1992-5-18

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 112 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aluminum culverts; Box culverts; Corrugated metal culverts; Deformation; Extensometers; Live loads; Load tests; Performance evaluations; Static loads; Strain gages; Structural analysis; Structural mechanics; Time duration
• Uncontrolled Terms: Long term; Steel culverts; Structural response; Vertical deflection
• Old TRIS Terms: Deep corrugated steel culverts
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00628784
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/OH-93/002
• Contract Numbers: State Job No. 14464(0)
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Apr 12 1996 12:00AM