Structural Design of Culvert Joints

This document explores the effect of longitudinal bending on joints in rigid (reinforced concrete) and flexible (corrugated steel and thermoplastic) culverts. The report examines two joint types, those that release the longitudinal bending moments (denoted ‘moment-release joints’) like gasketed bell and spigot joints, and those that transfer them (denoted ‘moment-transfer joints’) such as band connections. Both field performance and laboratory experiments are used to evaluate the behavior of jointed pipe systems for four different diameters, two different cover depths, and response to surface loads in a variety of positions. Different approaches are investigated for analysis of the structural behavior of joints to determine thrust, moment and rotation across joints. One approach considering two beams supported by elastic springs is used to develop a simplified design procedure. A second design approach involves finite element analysis using beam-on-elastic-spring modeling. Design examples are presented, and preliminary tests of the capacity of three of the test pipes indicate that these products satisfy the structural design requirements being proposed. Content: Front Matter • Table of Contents • Abstract • Executive Summary • 1. Background • 2. Research Approach 3. Findings and Applications • 4. Conclusions and Suggested Research • References Appendices

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