Engineering Commons^™

Analysis Of Loads And Settlements For Reinforced Concrete Culverts, David L. Allen, Bobby W. Meade

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Three primary factors in considering the loads on, and therefore the design of, underground conduits are: bedding conditions, trench configuration, and use of the "imperfect trench." Models of varied conditions are analyzed using a finite element program and the results compared to data obtained at instrumented sites of similar conditions. Presented herein are charts developed from these analyses which will facilitate future design of culverts. Also presented are recommendations for design criteria and construction procedures.