A Case History and Finite Element Modeling of a Culvert Failure

This paper presents the case history of a culvert failure and the results of finite element modeling and evaluation of the failure mechanism. The 1.8 m by 1.8 m reinforced concrete box culvert runs parallel to and at a distance of 0.6 meters from a 18.9 m high mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall, and a concrete flume located above the culvert discharges storm water into the culvert through concrete drop-inlet structures. When the wall approached its final height, the culvert experienced extensive cracking, and it had to be braced internally to prevent total collapse. Results of the finite element modeling indicate that, as the MSE wall settled, it induced significant drag on the culvert due to its virtually rigid connection with the wall through the flume and the drop-inlet structures. The resulting bending moment in the culvert exceeded its moment capacity, causing cracking and failure of the culvert.