New to Existing Concrete Culvert

[ChongMin]

Hello fellow structural engineers,

I am designing a concrete box culvert extension that is to be connected to an existing concrete culvert. The decking of the culvert will also be subjected to vehicular traffic. I am trying to come up with a solution to connect the new and old culvert. I was going to use dowels, but I was afraid that if the new culvert settles, it would create cracks on the decking. Can somebody help me find a way to analyse this dowel connection?

Thank you,
Chong

 

[ChongMin]

Also, the new culvert extension will be cast in place.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

IMHO, using dowels for the connection is the best solution. If there is significant settlement, cracked concrete may be only one of several problems that will occur. In practice settlement is usually not that big a concern, a box culvert has a large soil bearing area. See thread507-139453

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

 

[ChongMin]

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction. That thread was so helpful. The poster had the same issue I had. Nice to know that I'm not alone. In anycase, thank you again for that incredible index finger. You are a blessing.