Tenbusch (2008) studied failing culverts and their solution options with special

attention to the option of replacement by tunneling. State DOTs (Department of

Transportation) are increasingly facing the challenges of deteriorating culverts, both
concrete and corrugated metal pipe (CMP). DOT officials and maintenance engineers
face a daunting task of maintaining failing infrastructure. The inconvenience to the
public must be as minimal as possible during replacement or rehabilitation. The
long-term interests of the public sector must be balanced between the immediate cost
and the longest design life materials. They discussed to first create a list of options for
a failing culvert and second look closely at the option of complete replacement with
same size or larger size pipe. It deals primarily with failing CMP, however the options
and the replacement methods and materials can be used for other failing materials as
well as square, rectangular or oval shaped structures. When the existing culvert is
reinforced concrete pipe or reinforced concrete box culvert, the same tunneling
options apply. The old pipe material must be removed and the hole excavated as
necessary to allow the new pipe or box structure to be jacked into place. New box
culvert suitable for jacking is available in both reinforced concrete and polymer
concrete.

The National Cooperative Highway Research Programs synthesis report (2002)

states that the deterioration of pipes and culverts is a growing problem for
transportation agencies. As transportation drainage infrastructures age, the need for
repair or rehabilitation often becomes more critical. As a result, the number of pipes
and culverts being repaired or rehabilitated is increasing each year.From the results of
the literature search and the survey of transportation agencies, it was discovered that
there is no consistent and comprehensive methodology among transportation
agencies to inventory, inspect, and evaluate pipes and culverts in the field. Several
agencies have portions of a comprehensive system, but not one has a complete
system in place. Transportation agencies that have implemented a management
system, for example, pavement, bridge, or sign, usually gradually expand and
enhance their system, because they realize its benefits and how it allows them to
better manage their assets. This progression would inevitably occur with a pipe
management system once a transportation agency implemented a pipe system.There
have been a number of studies on the load capacity of pipes and the compaction of
the soil around the pipes. In addition, a number of studies on the abrasion, corrosion,
and durability of various types of pipes, metal pipes in particular, have been
conducted over the last 75 years. States have documented relationships between the
durability and service life of various types of pipes from these studies and use charts
and graphs with these relationships to determine what type of pipe to use to replace
an existing pipe.