A Case History and Finite Element Modeling of a Culvert Failure
Publication: Geo-Frontiers 2011: Advances in Geotechnical Engineering
Abstract
This paper presents the case history of a culvert failure and the results of finite element modeling and evaluation of the failure mechanism. The 1.8 m by 1.8 m reinforced concrete box culvert runs parallel to and at a distance of 0.6 meters from a 18.9 m high mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall, and a concrete flume located above the culvert discharges storm water into the culvert through concrete drop-inlet structures. When the wall approached its final height, the culvert experienced extensive cracking, and it had to be braced internally to prevent total collapse. Results of the finite element modeling indicate that, as the MSE wall settled, it induced significant drag on the culvert due to its virtually rigid connection with the wall through the flume and the drop-inlet structures. The resulting bending moment in the culvert exceeded its moment capacity, causing cracking and failure of the culvert.
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Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Apr 26, 2012
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Analysis (by type)
- Case studies
- Channels (waterway)
- Concrete
- Culverts
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering materials (by type)
- Failure analysis
- Finite element method
- Flumes
- Geotechnical engineering
- Hydraulic engineering
- Hydraulic structures
- Hydrologic engineering
- Infrastructure
- Materials engineering
- Methodology (by type)
- Numerical methods
- Pipeline systems
- Pipes
- Reinforced concrete
- Research methods (by type)
- Retaining structures
- Water and water resources
- Water discharge
- Waterways
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