Publication:
Durability Analysis of Aluminized
Type 2 Corrugated Metal Pipe
FHWA-RD-97-140, January 2000
(
PDF
- 1.16MG)
Contact:
John O'Fallon
John.O'Fallon@fhwa.dot.gov
Abstract:
The
Literature Review and Field Studies portion of this investigation were completed
by August 1995. Both revealed myriad factors affecting culvert durability. The
literature review considered more than 140 research papers on or relating to the
topic of culvert durability. Of these papers, roughly 60 were considered further
and are included in an annotated bibliography. Many references are made in the
report to past research efforts and conclusions from these papers. Summaries of
these conclusions include laboratory and field research on various culvert
materials and durability methods. These summaries are included to help in both
the selection of pipe material and in the use of durability prediction methods.
Those papers presenting field data similar to that used in the present study
(including pit depth, age, and original thickness) were consolidated into a
database of information on more than 240 galvanized culverts.
The focus of field studies conducted during this
investigation centered on the performance of Aluminized Type 2 culverts. Of the
32 culverts inspected during this investigation, 21 culverts were part of a
previous Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study. These culverts were
located in Alabama and Oregon. Eight culverts at five sites in Maine were added
with the expansion of these field studies. In situ field measurements of
pH and resistivity were taken at each culvert. The abrasive situation at each
culvert was characterized, including slope, flow velocity, and abrasive
material. Each culvert was photo-documented and many were videotaped for future
reference. Coupon samples were taken at each location for pit-depth analysis.
Soil samples were removed for laboratory resistivity measurements.
Conclusions from past research, the database, and
present field studies have been used to evaluate current durability prediction
methods. Advantages and disadvantages of various culvert materials are
discussed, with correlations drawn from the literature review and field studies.
