Simulation of behavior of in-service metal culverts

As part of an experimental program, a large number of in-service culverts were tested to investigate the influence of several parameters on field performance of culverts. These parameters included cover depth, load application, size, shape, and other properties of corrugated metal culverts. Response of 14 test culverts was simulated using a two-dimensional finite element program and a three-dimensional finite difference program. Deflections predicted from the two-dimensional analyses were larger than the deflections measured in the field. However, the experimental and calculated thrust forces were similar. Deflections and thrust forces predicted from the three-dimensional analysis were similar to the experimental results. The critical factors affecting the response of the culverts include cover depth, culvert size, metal thickness, and elastic modulus and other properties of backfill soil. The influence of these parameters on the culvert behavior is investigated through numerical simulations using the established modeling properties.