Fatigue evaluation for reinforced concrete box culverts

This paper summarizes the experimental program conducted by the authors to evaluate the fatigue effects on reinforced concrete (RC) box culverts, and the resulting recommendations that were made to the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO). The study presented herein includes testing of two full-scale RC box culvert sections designed and manufactured according to ASTM C 1577. The first specimen was 12 ft x4 ft x 12 in. (3657.6 x 1219.2 x 304.8 mm), and the second was 7ft x 4ft x 8 in. (2133.6 x 1219.2x203.2 mm). Test results show a good distribution of the load resistance between the two reinforcement directions in box culvert sections. Fatigue effect on the flexural capacity of the RC box culvert sections was found to be minimal As a result of the study, the authors proposed that the fatigue check for RC box culverts designed according to ASTM C 1577 be eliminated; this recommendation is accepted by AASHTO.