A full-scale field test was conducted to determine the response of a corrugated metal pipe arch culvert for the exceptional live load. The design span and rise of the culvert were 15 feet 8 inches and 9 feet 6 inches respectively. The cover for the first and second day of testing were approximately 7.5 feet and 3 feet respectively. Position transducer and strain gage techniques were used to measure the deflection and strains. Data was collected by using computer controlled data acquisition system. A tape extensometer was used to determine the shape of the culvert before and after the testing. Exceptional live load was applied through the two seven inch diameter piston rod hydraulic cylinders. They had a capacity of 230 tons and connected to a hydraulic control unit for simultaneous operation. A total of three loading sequences were applied, one on the first day and two on the second day.
The ultimate load carrying capacity of this type of culvert under 3 feet cover was determined to be 100 tons approximately. Maximum vertical deflection of 6.989 inches occured at the crown point during the third loading sequence. During the first sequence the magnitude of moment and thrust was insignificant. In the first loading sequence symmetric nature prevailed in the culvert response. No section exceeded its ultimate moment capacity of 3.745 kips-ft/ft. During the second and third loading sequences of only section four exceeded its plastic moment capacity and formed a plastic hinge. The formation of creases at both sides of the instrumented section were reported. The slip occured at a bolted connection near to the crown was also reported.
A numerical analysis was done using the CANDE finite element program. Parameters for Duncan's hyperbolic model were derived from the triaxial tests conducted using the undisturbed soil samples from the field. The numerical predictions were compared with the field response. Although the magnitude didn't agree well an identical trend was observed between the numerical simulations and the field results.