Seismic Design of Metal Arch Culverts: Design Codes Vs. Full Dynamic Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Corrugated steel plate (CSP) culverts have been used successfully in diverse applications throughout North America and worldwide. Seismic loading has a considerable effect on the performance of large-span culverts. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies in the literature concerning the seismic performance of these structures. In this study, full dynamic finite element modelling was used to investigate the seismic performance of large-span CSP culverts. First, the static behavior of a long-span culvert was verified using a field case study. Dynamic analyses were then performed with the aid of seismic records with different levels of seismicity. The finite element analysis results were subsequently compared with commonly used simplified seismic provisions to evaluate their suitability. Furthermore, a parametric study was developed to investigate the seismic behavior of CSP culverts under different subsurface conditions, and to examine the effect of changing the culvert rigidity and configuration. This study clearly shows that the commonly used simplified equations underestimate the internal forces, and consequently, for culverts located in zones of high seismicity, a full dynamic finite element analysis is required.