Finite Element Analysis for Bearing Capacity of Prefabricated Arch Culverts

Abstract

A new type of prefabricated arch culvert is consisted of precast arch pieces and cast-in-place concrete bases. The shape of precast arch pieces is confirmed by catenary theory. In the case of simulating placement in layers of embankment, internal forces of arch piece structure are statically analyzed by using finite element method. The results indicate that under the designed filling height, arch pieces mainly suffer from stress and only very little bending moment and shear force acted on them. The prefabricated arch culverts have reasonable structure stress and simple installation process, which can substantially save materials and shorten project duration of culverts with obvious economic benefits, and should be promoted and applied in mine highway engineering.