Title:
Fatigue Evaluation for Reinforced Concrete Box Culverts
Author(s):
Hany Maximos, Ece Erdogmus, and Maher K. Tadros
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
107
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
13-20
Keywords:
box culverts; buried structures; fatigue; load; reinforced concrete.
DOI:
10.14359/51663384
Date:
1/1/2010
Abstract:
This paper summarizes the experimental program conducted by the authors to evaluate the fatigue effects on reinforced concrete (RC) box culverts, and the resulting recommendations that were made to the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO). The study presented herein includes testing of two fullscale RC box culvert sections designed and manufactured according to ASTM C1577. The first specimen was 12 ft x 4 ft x 12 in. (3657.6 x 1219.2 x 304.8 mm), and the second was 7 ft x 4 ft x 8 in. (2133.6 x 1219.2 x 203.2 mm). Test results show a good distribution of the load resistance between the two reinforcement directions in box culvert sections. Fatigue effect on the flexural capacity of the RC box culvert sections was found to be minimal. As a result of the study, the authors proposed that the fatigue check for RC box culverts designed according to ASTM C1577 be eliminated; this recommendation is accepted by AASHTO.