DESIGN AND PROOF TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR PRECAST REINFORCED CONCRETE BOX CULVERTS

The accuracy of a proposed proof test for single cell box culverts was verified by testing 16 full size specimens. The proof test involved placing a symmetrical arrangement of concentrated loads against the upper and lower slabs. The measured strength was compared to that predicted by yield line theory. It was shown that for culverts reinforced with welded wire fabric, the plastic moment capacity should be based on the tensile strength of the wire. For culverts reinforced with deformed bars, the plastic moment could be based on the yield strength of the reinforcement; however, because of strain hardening, the proof test procedure occasionally underestimated the actual capacity. It was found that the proof test could detect significant deficiencies in either style of flexural reinforcement. Efforts to develop a nondestructive proof test based on crack width were unsuccessful. An ancillary study involving 24 beams considered the influence of reinforcement style on the width of flexural cracks under sustained loading conditions. It was found that deformed bars provided significantly better crack control than smooth welded wire fabric.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by Oklahoma Department of Transportation and prepared in cooperation with DOT, Federal Highway Administration.
• Corporate Authors:

  Oklahoma State University, Stillwater

  Department of Civil Engineering
  Stillwater, OK  United States  74074
• Authors:
  • Ghanem
  • Hussam, M F
  • Lloyd
  • John, P
• Publication Date: 1977-3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Box culverts; Cracking; Deformed bars; Design; Loads; Precast concrete; Reinforced concrete culverts; Strength of materials; Tensile strength; Testing; Welded wire fabrics; Yield line method
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00158129
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-77-S0613 Final Rpt., FCP 4SI2183
• Contract Numbers: HPR-231
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 13 1977 12:00AM