Economic feasibility and increased sustainability of short span arch culverts.

摘要

Short span box culverts are widely used for stream flow passing throughout the State of Arkansas. Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has standard box culverts ranging from 4 ft to 12 ft in span to use for individual box culvert combination. This study is strictly for culverts with a total span range from 10 ft to 30 ft. To achieve more than 12 ft culvert span, AHTD uses different combinations of standard box culverts. As a result, the clear span becomes smaller and may cause higher debris accumulation near the culvert openings. The goal of this study is to provide a culvert selection guideline for choosing the best culvert for a particular site from standard box culverts and available short span arch culverts, depending on the hydraulic efficiency, site topography, soil bearing capacity, environmental conditions, construction cost, periodic maintenance cost, and serviceability. A culvert selection chart has been prepared from this study considering the previously mentioned parameters.