CORRUGATED METAL PIPE CULVERT PERFORMANCE. FINAL REPORT

Culvert examinations were conducted in ten counties across the state of Kansas. A total of 103 corrugated metal pipes (CMPs) and a smaller number of concrete crossroad pipes were examined. Of the 103 CMPs, 36% were rusty, with 24.3% heavily rusted or otherwise seriously compromised. Only one CMP had damage adequate to be classified as failed. The only problems noted on the reinforced concrete boxes (RCBs) and pipes (CPs) were caused by faulty installation or improper grades. No CP or RCB failures were found at the limited number of locations observed. However, District engineers indicated that erosion caused displacement of CP end sections was a significant problem. It was concluded that, within the next 10 to 15 years, over 50% of the CMPs examined will be rust perforated and some of them possibly collapsed. Although without proof, the rust was probably caused by some form of strong acidic drainage which etched the zinc film away from the pipe surface. There is an abundance of agricultural chemicals available which may react with this galvanized layer, and these chemicals are probably used on adjacent or nearby farm land. Silting and poor drainage at some locations may have contributed to the early severe rusting of the CMPs. Even under ideal installation and maintenance conditions, an estimated 11% of the pipes would still show rusting. It is recommended that an increased emphasis on the design, installation and maintenance of crossroad structures should be promoted. Also, a method of maintenance repair, i.e., slip liners or invert paving, should be developed and implemented to extend the life of the severely rusted CMPs.

• Corporate Authors:

  Kansas Department of Transportation

  Docking State Office Building
  Topeka, KS  United States  66612

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Stratton, W
• Publication Date: 1989-6-19

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: 16 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Box culverts; Condition surveys; Corrosion; Corrugated pipe; Failure; Metal pipe; Reinforced concrete culverts; Reinforced concrete pipe
• Old TRIS Terms: Acidic drainage
• Subject Areas: Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; I26: Water Run-off - Freeze-thaw;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00601315
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 30 1990 12:00AM