Allowable total and differential settlements for box culverts

[HENRYZAU]

Hi everyone，
What are your comfortable total and differential settlements for box culverts?

 

[oldestguy]

It's gotta be darn excessive before any action is taken, as I see it. One corrugated metal one recently had to be replaced when a circular slip failure (over a marsh area) cut it in half with displacement at the failure of half the diameter. If it was not for this being during construction and since it still carried water, it might still be there.

 

[HENRYZAU]

Thanks oldestguy. Yes steel pipe culvert can take a lot more settlement than concrete box culverts. Any experience on the latter subjected to excessive settlement?

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

I'd say it depends on the depth of soil cover. Less soil cover will cause smaller displacements to have a greater effect on the road quality.

Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanConcrete/

 

[robyengIT]

may beit can help

http://www.interactiveds.com.au/Publications/Morwell07.PDF

 

[JStructsteel]

I would say 1" total, 1/2" differential for both. Depends on the span, walls, etc also with it.

 

[HENRYZAU]

Thanks everyone for your responses/reference paper!