THE STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF R.C BOX CULVERTS ACCORDING TO AASHTO SPECIFICATIONS USING COMPUTER PROGRAM SAP 2000

Abstract

In this research, three configurations of box culverts were considered to study the structural performance of each one by using structural analysis program SAP 2000. The discharge was calculated from a hydrological study and the dimension of box culverts were obtained through hydraulic study. Different load cases and their combinations were considered as follows: dead loads, vehicular lives load and water and soil pressures. The results obtained from structural analysis were illustrated in graphical presentations in order to study the structural performance of the three configurations of box culverts Types 1, 2 and 3. It was taken the variations of internal forces (bending moments, shear and axial forces) with respect to height of box culvert models. The design of box culverts components was carried out using load resistance factor design (LRFD) according to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). From the variation of internal forces, it was concluded that box culvert Type 2 has the best performance in comparison with other two box culverts Types 1 and 3.