Refinement of Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert Installation Guidelines

Details

• Creators:
  Moro, Carlos ; Espinoza, Wilson ; Torres, Anthony ; Kambampati, Satyapriya ; Adewale, Kehinde
• Corporate Creators:
  Texas State University--San Marcos
• Corporate Contributors:
  South Dakota. Department of Transportation ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Reinforced concrete
  • Box culverts
  • Installation
  • Cast in place structures
  • Precast concrete
  • Skewed structures
  • Hydraulic structures
  • Performance tests
  • Infrastructure
  • Durability
  More +
• Publication/ Report Number:
  SD2023-07
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States ; South Dakota
• Edition:
  Final Report: April 2024 - June 2026
• Corporate Publisher:
  South Dakota. Department of Transportation
• Abstract:
  This study developed a refined, data-driven framework to support the selection of reinforced concrete box culverts (RCBCs) in South Dakota, where designers often face uncertainty when choosing between cast-in-place (CIP) and precast systems under complex site conditions. The project combined stakeholder interviews, nationwide surveys, inspection records, cost information, and predictive modeling to evaluate current practices, long-term performance, and constructability constraints. Results show that while precast RCBCs are widely favored for standard installations due to faster construction and reduced traffic impacts, CIP remains the main option for high skews, challenging hydraulics, poor soils, large rises, and specialized geometries. South Dakota performance data show that precast culverts generally maintain high condition ratings in the short- to mid-term, though most are not yet old enough to fully assess long-term durability. In contrast, older CIP culverts have demonstrated reliable long-term performance where properly maintained. Based on these findings, the study proposes selection criteria and revisions to the SDDOT Bridge Design Manual, including updated skew and rise limits for precast units, allowance for hybrid precast-CIP configurations, and preference for multiple single-cell units in multi-barrel designs. The resulting framework enhances consistency, efficiency, and long-term performance in RCBC design and construction across South Dakota.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  311629
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/93351/dot_93351_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 6.94 MB]
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:39fa3403f1185a661c063cd0d2c39001ed0c009d4113a99d12d7bb36d1b45189c015ec2eef13b807363d35254b740b1867c18db8820be3e065ffc3cd9770afef