Culvert‐Soil Interaction Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

A culvert‐soil structural model developed using general purpose finite element codes is described. Features of culvert specific codes such as incremental construction and Duncan's soil model are incorporated in the model via MARC user coded subroutines. Model evaluation through comparison of numerical results with results of prior empirical and analytical work establishes model validity. Our work demonstrates that finite element analysis performed using general purpose codes models the culvert‐soil interaction as effectively as culvert specific codes. Furthermore, both the interactive graphics and analytical capabilities of general purpose codes extend beyond those of culvert specific codes making general purpose codes applicable to a wider range of problems. This work guides engineers using general purpose codes in evaluating culvert‐soil interaction.