Engineering Theory ET Culvert PDF

aashto_specifications Page 1 of 1
Supported Specifications
Eriksson Culvert supports the AASHTO LRFD Specifications and the AASHTO Standard Specifications for
Highway Bridges, along with the AREMA and Canadian Bridge Specifications. The following specific versions
are supported:
AASHTO Specifications Edition/Interim

LRFD Specifications 5th
Edition (published in 2010)
6th Edition (published in 2012)
2013 Interims to the 6th Edition
7th Edition (published in 2014), plus the 2015 and
2016 Interims
8th Edition (published in 2017)
Standard Specifications th
17 Edition (published in 2002)
CHBDC (Canadian) CSA-S6-06 edition (published in 2006), plus all 3
supplements
AREMA Specifications 2010 Edition
2017 Edition
The selected design specification can be freely changed during the design process. Access to the
specifications type is provided in the Project Settings dialog box. When the specifications is changed, design
parameters that are specification-dependent and which have been designated as “automatic” (e.g., load and
resistance factors) will be automatically updated to reflect the particular design specifications selected. As a
result, it is recommended that when the governing specifications is switched, that the input data and results
be carefully reviewed to understand the full extent of the changes.
The AREMA analysis is mostly identical to the STND Specifications. We will only point out the differences
between those two specifications in this section. Also, any reference to LRFD will generally mean all of the
LRFD specifications listed above. If any of the LRFD specs differ, this will be noted.
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Material Properties Theory Page 1 of 1
Material Properties
Lightweight Concrete
Concrete type can be normal weight, sand lightweight, or all lightweight (in CHBDC, these categories are referred to
as normal-density, semi-low density and low density). The LRFD Specs define lightweight concrete as having an air-
dry density not exceeding 0.120 kcf. However, it is up to the user to explicitly designate a concrete type as
lightweight in the Materials Properties page of the Culvert Properties dialog box. Note that this has changed in the
7th Edition. Now the program will select either Normal Weight or Lightweight depending on the assigned unit weight
(the user may not assign concrete types). For unit weights greater than or equal to 135 pcf, the program will treat the
concrete as Normal Weight. For unit weights less than 135 pcf, the program will treat the concrete as Lightweight. In
addition to weight calculations, designating a concrete type as lightweight will influence three other areas of the
calculations:
1. Modulus of rupture (LRFD 5.4.2.6)

2. Resistance factor for shear (LRFD 5.5.4.2)
3. Tensile and shear capacity of concrete (LRFD 5.8.2.2)
The following moduli of rupture are computed by Eriksson Culvert:
Condition fr (ksi)
Normal wt. concrete, minimum reinforcement 0.37 f’c (5th Edition)
Normal wt. concrete, minimum reinforcement 0.24 f’c
Sand-lightweight concrete 0.20 f’c
All-lightweight concrete 0.17 f’c
All concrete types 0.24 f’c (7th Edition)
Normal-density concrete 0.40 f’c (CHBDC)
Semi-low-density concrete 0.34 f’c (CHBDC)
Low-density concrete 0.30 f’c (CHBDC)
For normal weight concrete, the resistance factor for shear, fv, is 0.90. For both types of lightweight concrete fv is set
to 0.70, but has been increased to 0.80 in the 6th Edition, and to 0.90 in the 7th Edition. For CHBDC, fs (steel) is
0.90, and fc (concrete) is 0.80.
In accordance with LRFD Article 5.8.2.2, if lightweight concrete is specified, all occurrences of the term “ f’c” within
LRFD Articles 5.8.2 and 5.8.3 are modified by the following factors:
Concrete Type Factor

Normal weight 1.00
Sand-lightweight 0.85
All-lightweight 0.75
Modulus of Elasticity
The modulus of elasticity of the culvert concrete are computed by default using the following equation, which is the
same in both LRFD and STND:
(LRFD 5.4.2.4-1)
(LRFD 5.4.2.4-1, 7th Edition)
(CHBDC 8.4.1.7)
where, wc, γc = unit weight (i.e., density) of concrete

f’c = specified concrete strength
The user can of course override the program calculation of this value. Further discussion of other materials
properties is included under the appropriate sections within this chapter of the user manual.
Structural Model Page 1 of 1
Structural Model
The method of analysis is the displacement or stiffness method. The structure is represented by a matrix
consisting of member stiffnesses. These are derived for three possible movements at the ends of members:
vertical, horizontal, and rotational. The following boundary conditions are then applied to the matrix for a box
culvert:
No vertical displacement at the outside ends of the bottom slab.
No lateral displacement at the right end of the bottom slab.
For a three sided culvert the following boundary conditions are applied to the matrix:
No vertical or lateral displacement at the bottom of both walls.
An optional roller (which allows lateral displacement only) may be placed at the bottom of the left wall.
Figure 5-1: Structural idealization models for a box and three sided culvert.
Through matrix manipulation, the true displacements at the ends of each member are computed for each
given loading condition. Then the exact end moments and forces are determined using the computed
displacements. These moments and forces are used to develop stresses, proportion reinforcement, or alter
member depth. If member depth is altered, its effect is reevaluated in the above manner.
The length of each member for analysis purposes will be from centerline to centerline of the supporting
members. Moments at the geometric centers of members, moments at faces of support or moments within
and at the ends of fillets (haunches) built monolithic with the member and support may be selected for
member design.
It is assumed that loading applied to the top slab will be uniformly distributed over the whole bottom slab. This
is a reasonable assumption since a mat of granular material is usually placed beneath the bottom slab for the
culvert to lay on. More refined assumption appears impractical due to the lack of precise soil information for
each site.
Analysis results are reported for the each member at 10th points along the member, measured from centerline
of supporting member to centerline of supporting member. Eriksson Culvert provides two methods of
presenting numerical results: graphs and text reports.
Applied Loads Page 1 of 2
Applied Loads
Vertical Loads
The Dead Load on the top slab consists of soil weight plus the weight of the concrete slab. The program is
capable of analyzing additional uniform dead load as well as accepting up to three (3) extra concentrated
dead loads.
The program complies with STND Articles 16.6.4.2 and 16.7.4.2 (Modification of Earth Loads for Soil
Structure Interaction) for embankment installations (see also LRFD 12.11.2.2). These Articles state that the
earth loads described in STND Article 6.2 may be used if they are multiplied by a soil-structure interaction
factor, Fe, that accounts for the type and condition of installation.
The soil-structure interaction factor, Fe, is not applicable if the Service Load Design Method is used.
For CHBDC, the program uses the Vertical Arching Factor from Table 13 in Section 7.8.4.2.3, which depends
on the installation type, B1 or B2.
Horizontal Soil Pressures

The program will not only investigate the maximum lateral earth pressure but will also investigate the
minimum lateral earth pressure acting on the outside walls. This is an AASHTO loading condition to check for
maximum positive moments in the top and bottom slabs.. For STND and LRFD, the program used an
equivalent fluid pressure method to calculate the horizontal soil pressure, not the soil weight. For AREMA, the
program uses the soil weight multiplied by the minimum and maximum lateral pressure coefficients. For
CHBDC, the program uses the unit weight of the soil in conjunction with the Horizontal Arching Factors from
Table 7.11, again depending on the installation type.
Internal Water Pressure

Water pressure inside the culvert barrel can reverse the wall moments and add to slab positive moments and
may be checked. The program is able to use full height of water pressure and no water pressure as two
loading cases. Internal water pressure is taken as 62.4 pcf.
Figure 5-2: Typical static loads applied to a culvert under design
Load Combinations
Load combinations are created based on code requirements. Generally, they are broadly grouped into service
and strength categories.
Service Combinations
Service combinations are primarily for the Service Load Design Method and for serviceability checks
Strength Combinations
Strength combinations are checked for shear and flexural strength.
For STND and AREMA, we only have one load combination to check:
Loading = 1.3(DL) + 2.17(L+I) (STND)
Applied Loads Page 2 of 2
Loading = 1.4(DL) + 2.33(L+I) (AREMA)
In the above equation, DL includes concrete, soil and water dead loads.
For LRFD, we check three load combinations:
For maximum vertical load on the roof and maximum outward load on the walls,
DCmax + DWmax + EVmax + EHmin + (LL+IM)max + WAmax.
For minimum vertical load on the roof and maximum inward load on the walls,
DCmin + DWmin + EVmin + EHmax + LSmax
For maximum vertical load on the roof and maximum inward load on the walls,
DCmax + DWmax + EVmax + EHmax + LSmax + (LL+IM)max
For CHBDC, we check five load combinations:
For maximum vertical load on the roof and minimum horizontal inward on the walls,
DCmax + DWmax + EVmax + (LL+IM)max + EHmin + WAmax
For maximum vertical on the roof and maximum horizontal inward on the walls,
DCmax + DWmax + EVmax + (LL+IM)max + EHmax + WAmin
For minimum vertical on the roof and maximum horizontal inward on the walls,
DCmin + DWmin + EVmin + EHmax + WAmin
For maximum vertical on the roof and maximum horizontal inward on the walls,
DCmax + DWmax + EVmax + LSmax + EHmax + WAmin
For minimum vertical on the roof and maximum horizontal inward on the walls,
DCmin + DWmin + EVmin + LSmax + EHmax + WAmin
Live Load Page 1 of 3
Live Load
The live load vehicle definition of Eriksson Culvert is very flexible and therefore very powerful. It permits most
load types encountered in highway and railroad bridge design to be modeled. Several predefined vehicle
types are included as default trucks in the vehicle library. The primary vehicle types for all specifications are
discussed below:
H and HS Loadings
Eriksson Culvert can model all H and HS loadings. These vehicles consist of an axle load portion or a lane
load portion. The axle load portion of the H series consists of a pair of axles that are fixed in spacing.
However, the HS series axle load consists of three axles: the front pair of axles is fixed and the rear pair is
variable in spacing.
Separate analyses are performed for the axle load and lane load analyses. The results of each analysis are
compared for moment and shear at each location under consideration along the structure and the governing
value is adopted.
HL-93 Load
The HL-93 load consists of the following three distinct parts, as defined in Art. 3.6.1.2 of the LRFD
Specifications:
Design Truck: Three axles of 8 kips, 32 kips, and 32 kips spaced a 14 (fixed) between the front axles and
variable between 14 and 30 ft between the rear axles.
Design Lane: Uniform load of 0.64 klf.
Design Tandem: Pair of 25-kip axles spaced at 4 ft (fixed).
As with all vehicles, separate analyses are performed for each vehicle component. However, what
distinguishes a live load analysis performed under the LRFD Specifications as compared to the Standards
Specifications is the manner in which the components are combined. Under LRFD, the results of the design
truck are compared to the results of the design tandem, and the governing values are adopted. These
combined results are then added to the results of the lane load analysis.
Note that whether the results of the truck analysis and the lane load analysis are to be combined in an “AND”
or an “OR” fashion is specified by clicking the respective radio button in the Combine group at the bottom of
the Vehicle Properties dialog box.
Live Load may be neglected when the depth of fill is greater than or equal to 8 feet, and exceeds the span
length of a single culvert, or exceeds the total width of multiple culverts. Additionally the lane load may be
turned off, as lane loads are typically not applied to many types of buried structures.
Cooper E80 Load

As per AREMA 2.2.3, the recommended live load for each track the Cooper E80 loading with no lane or
tandem load. The longitudinal distribution of the axle loads are to be limited by the axle spacing. The
transverse distribution of the axles loads are to be limited by the extent of the structure. The program
assumes only one track on a structure, and the direction of the track must be placed parallel to the main
reinforcement.
CL-625/CL-625-ONT Load
Per CHBDC 7.8.4.3, the live load shall be the trucks in Section 3, and shall include the dynamic load analysis
as specified in Section 3.8.4.5.2. The truck definition file shipped with the program includes one large axle
(Axle 4), and 2 smaller axles in the tandem (Axles 2 and 3). Of course, the user may define their own CHBDC
truck that includes all of the axles.
Fill Depths < 2 Feet

When the culvert has traffic running directly on the top slab, wheel loads are distributed as in ordinary
bridges. This is also done when the height of fill on the culvert is less than 2 feet.
When the traffic direction is parallel to the main reinforcement, the program will distribute wheel loads over a
slab width, E, equal to 4 + 0.06S, where S is the perpendicular distance between wall centerlines. See STND
3.24.3.2. For LRFD, the equation is the same (see 4.6.2.10.2), but here S is defined as equal to the clear
span. Note that the program calculates this width for one wheel only, for both STND and LRFD. Also, note
that the program will only use one traffic lane, with the appropriate MPF. For CHBDC, we use the same live
load distribution as is found in the 6th Edition of LRFD.
When the traffic direction is perpendicular to the main reinforcement, the program calculates a distribution
length based on the desired specification, and then places as many axles as possible on this width. Again,
this distribution width may be limited by the culvert length. Additionally, more than one lane may be placed on
the culvert, depending on the magnitude of the clear span. Due to complex placement of wheel loads for the
perpendicular case specified in the AASHTO specification each lane is assumed to be 10 feet wide. This
conservative assumption may result in increased flexural and shear demands on the structure depending on
the clear span. For example Figure 5-3 shows the maximum live load distribution used in Eriksson Culvert for
a 40 foot clear span when the number of lanes is allowed to be computed by the program. However, if the
user feels that this is too conservative, they may limit the number of lanes placed on the culvert in the Loads
dialog box.
Figure 5-3: Live load distribution for perpendicular traffic travel
The user may elect to not limit the distribution width to the culvert length. In this case, the user is responsible
to insure proper shear transfer between adjacent culvert sections. Note that in STND there is an absolute
limit of 7 feet for the distribution width. This absolute limit cannot be overridden by the user.
Fill Depths >= 2 Feet

When the height of fill is greater than or equal to 2 feet, wheel loads are distributed over areas having sides
equal to 1.75 (for STND and CHBDC), and 1.15 for LRFD, times the depth of fill. This is outlined in STND
6.4.1, CHBDC 6.9.6, and LRFD 3.6.1.2.6. When these wheel loads overlap, the entire truck load is distributed
over the length of the distributed truck. As with fill depths less than 2 feet, the user can force the program to
limit the total width of distribution to a maximum of the supporting slab, or they may allow the distribution width
to be exceed the width of the supporting slab. Note, however, that limiting the distribution width equal to the
width of the supporting slab may be overly conservative, and in any case is not required by any of the
specifications supported by Eriksson Culvert.
The method of analysis is similar regardless of the traffic direction (with one exception, as noted below). For
all specifications, the program considers two, three and four adjacent vehicle lanes and selects the critical
case. Appropriate lane reduction percentages are used for the three and four lane loading cases.
When the traffic direction is perpendicular, under the last paragraph of LRFD 3.6.1.2.6, if the live load and
impact moment, based on the distribution of the wheel load through earth fills, exceeds the live load and
impact moment calculated according to LRFD 4.6.2.10 (equivalent strip method for fills < 2 feet), the latter
moment shall be used. Therefore, when the fill depth is greater than or equal to 2 feet, and the traffic
direction is perpendicular, then Eriksson Culvert runs the moving live load analysis twice, one with the
assigned fill depth, and once with a fill depth equal to 0.
Live Load Distribution in AREMA

In AREMA, all fill depths are treated the same for live load distribution. The live load distribution factor is
taken as 1.0 for the transverse direction. For the longitudinal direction, the program assumes that each axle
load is distributed over a length of 5 feet.
In AREMA, the fill depth must be at least 18 inches in depth (AREMA 16.1.1).
Skew Effects
Both specifications mention the need to account for the effects of skews, but do not provide any details for
implementation. For STND, if the design span exceeds 6.0 / sin(θ), where θ is the skew angle, the distribution
width is reduced by multiplying the cosine of the skew angle for fill depths less than 2 feet. Culverts with
skews in excess of 60 degrees are designed for a skew of 60 degrees. For LRFD, when the skew angle is
greater than 15 degrees for all fill depths, the program places the traffic lanes in the perpendicular direction.
Note that these effects may be turned on and off via the Analysis Options dialog box.
Live Load Surcharge

Live load surcharge is automatically applied by the program for fill heights less than 2 feet. Surcharge should
be applied by the user whenever the culvert is under live load influence for fills ≥ 2 feet. Surcharge need not
be applied when live load may be neglected in accordance with AASHTO Article 6.4.2.
Impact Factors/Dynamic Load Allowance

For STND, the Live Load Impact is in accordance with Article 3.8.2.3. For the LRFD Specs, a value of 0.33 is
assumed for the dynamic load allowance in accordance with LRFD Table 3.6.2.1-1. This value is only applied
to the wheel load component of the live load. For AREMA, the impact factor is assumed to be 60% at a fill
depth of 18 inches decreasing linearly to 0% at a fill depth of 10 feet, see AREMA 16.4.4.. For CHBDC, the
dynamic load allowance for box type structures shall be the value obtained from Section 3.8.4.5.3.
Flexural Strength Page 1 of 4
Flexural Strength
For both the LRFD and the STND Specifications, the following procedure is used to compute the required
area of steel at three critical sections of each member (left/bottom end, midpoint, and right top end). At the
ends of the member, the critical section for the following flexure calculations may be taken at the face of the
intersecting members, within a haunch (LRFD C5.7.3.2.1 and STND 8.8.2), and at the toe of a 45 degree
haunch (LRFD 12.11.4.2 and STND 16.7.4.5).
1) Compute the loading using the code specified load factors (see Section 5.4 of this manual).
2) A concrete stress of 0.85f’c will be assumed uniformly distributed over an equivalent compression
zone bounded by the edges of a cross section and a straight line located parallel to the neutral axis at
a distance a = Β1 (c) from the fiber of maximum compressive strain.
or for greater than 4000 psi,
but cannot be less than 0.65
3) No compression steel is considered and all tension steel is assumed to be in 1 layer
4) Assume As
Set
where
Better economy is achieved when instead of
5) Compute Mu (Pure Flexure)
where:
and for 3-sided precast and for 4-sided precast
(note: under LRFD, phi is excluded in the above equation for Mu, as it is present in the P-M diagram)
6) Compute Po (Pure Compression)
where:
and
(note: under LRFD, phi is excluded in the above equation for Po, as it is present in the P-M diagram)
Standard Specification:
7) Compute Pb and Mb (Balanced Condition)
where:
and T = member thickness
For slabs, phi = 0.85, for exterior walls, phi = 0.8, and for interior walls, phi = 0.7.
8) Assume straight line relationship between pure compression and balanced condition and balanced
condition and pure flexure.
for
for
for
LRFD:
7) Compute Pc and Mc (limit of compression controlled section, and Pt and Mt (limit of tension controlled
section). Here phi is variable, depending where on the P-M diagram you fall. For the compression
controlled area, phi is 0.75. For the tension controlled area, phi is 0.9. For the transition zone, phi will
vary between 0.75 and 0.9 (see LRFD Article 5.5.4.2.1).
8) Under LRFD, there are three parts to the P-M curve, that between pure compression and the
compression controlled limit, that between pure flexure and the tension controlled limit, and a third line
that transitions between the two limits. As with STND, a straight line is assumed between major
points on the curve.
for
for
for
for
and for
For both codes, the program then iterates until the allowable moment is greater than the applied moment.
For both STND and LRFD, the user also has the option of using 12.10.4.2.4 to calculate the flexural
resistance using:
where g = 0.85 bf’c
For CHBDC, the above equation is modified as follows:
where g = αφc bf'c, and α = maximum (0.67, 0.85 - 100 / 1000 * f'c (psi))
Minimum Eccentricity
Minimum eccentricity is be checked for all members.
If e is less than 1", then e is set equal to 1".
If e is less than 0.1(T), then e is set equal to 0.1(T), where T = member thickness.
Slenderness
Slenderness is checked for walls only.
Slenderness may be neglected if , where
K = 2.0, l = box culvert clear height, and
Walls are designed using the factored axial load, Pu, and a magnified factored moment, Mc, defined by:
, where M = Design Moment
and
, where , and
, where Dead Load Moment / Maximum Total Moment
Deflections
The maximum live load deflection in the top slab is calculated for single cell boxes only. This live load
deflection is compared to the deflection limitation specified in the input and, if needed, the thickness of the top
slab is increased until the deflection criterion is met.
Maximum Steel
The STND Specification specifies that mild reinforced concrete members shall be designed so that the
reinforcement ratio shall not exceed 0.75 of the balanced reinforcement ratio (STND 8.16.3.1). This approach
is used for CHBDC as well.
LRFD uses a unified approach which is built into the P-M diagram.
Minimum Steel
Both STND and LRFD require that a sufficient amount of reinforcement be present in the culvert element to
develop a moment of 1.2 times the total moment required to crack the culvert element. If the flexural
resistance is at least 1/3 greater than that required by analysis, then this limit may be ignored. Minimum
flexural reinforcement (parallel to the span) is calculated as 0.002bh for all specifications.
Shear Strength Page 1 of 4
Shear Strength
Concrete Shear Strength
The shear stress (fv) is computed as follows:
where b = 12 inches and Φ = 0.90
At the left end or right end of a member where sections are located less than a distance d from the face of the
support, they will be designed for the same shear, V, as that computed at a distance d. For LRFD, substitute
dv for d. Note that in LRFD C5.13.3.6.1 (2nd Paragraph), the design section may be taken at a distance dv
past the end of the haunch.
In the case of Vee-Bottom culverts, where the bottom slab is thickened at the walls to provide a “fish bottom”,
the appropriate additional thickness (at a distance d from the wall) is used to calculate the shear capacity of
the bottom slab. The bottom slab member is still assumed to be prismatic with a thickness equal to that at
mid-span for flexural design at all locations.
For the Standard Specifications, the allowable concrete shear stress is computed as follows:
For fill height less than 2 feet:
or
whichever is greater.
reinforcement ratio and
For fill height greater than or equal to 2 feet (and AREMA):
with
Per LRFD 5.14.5.3, the provisions of 5.8 apply to fill depths less than 2 feet for both the sidewalls and the
slabs. Eriksson Culvert calculates the shear resistance of the concrete using the simplified approach as
allowed in LRFD 5.8.3.3, and assumes a beta value of 2.0 (except when the member thickness is greater than
or equal to 16 inches, see below). This leads to the calculation of Vc and Vc,max as follows (Vp is equal to
zero as this is a non-prestressed member):
(LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-3)
(LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-2)
Where the member thickness is equal to or greater than 16 inches or the member is in tension, the program
uses the iterative approach in Appendix B5 for the calculation of beta used in Eq. 5.8.3.3-3, due to the lack of
transverse reinforcing assumed in the design algorithm. A value is assumed for theta, which is used in Eq.
B5.2-1. From this we can use Table B5.2-1 to look up a new value for theta. This process is repeated until
successive values for theta are approximately the same. Once the calculations for theta have converged,
theta is used in Table B5.2-1 to obtain a value for beta.
The proper selection of the governing provision in LRFD can summarized by the following flow chart:
4-sided structure
Fill depth >= 2 feet
Use 5.14.5.3 for slabs
Use 5.8.3 for walls
If wall thickness >= 16” or member is in tension, use 5.8.3.4.2 (beta calculated using
App. B5)
If wall thickness < 16”, use 5.8.3.4.1 (beta is a constant 2.0)
Fill depth < 2 feet
Use 5.8.3 for all members
If member thickness >= 16” or member is in tension, use 5.8.3.4.2 (beta calculated
using App. B5)
If member thickness < 16”, use 5.8.3.4.1 (beta is a constant 2.0)
3-sided structure
Any fill depth
Use 5.8.3 for all members
If member thickness >= 16” or member is in tension, use 5.8.3.4.2 (beta calculated
using App. B5)
If member thickness < 16”, use 5.8.3.4.1 (beta is a constant 2.0)
Note that the iterative beta method (beta calculated using Appendix B) is actually usable in all situations,
regardless of the member thickness or location.
For most culverts, moment and axial force demands are calculated on a preliminary estimate of each member
thickness. The area of reinforcing steel is determined based on moment demand and the corresponding
section depth is checked for shear capacity. If the depth is insufficient the loop re-iterates and this process is
performed until all requirements are met.
However, when the section depth is greater than 16 inches the flexure reinforcing steel affects the calculation
of the shear strength and causes the strain to vary. If the usual design approach (as detailed in the preceding
paragraph) is followed then every iteration increases the member depth, reduces the flexural steel, and
increases the strain. This increase in strain reduces the provided shear stress. The increase in strength in
shear from every depth increment is overcome by the decrease in Beta which causes the loop to not
converge and continue until the maximum shear strain is met or the maximum number of iterations is
performed. This process produces inefficient design results in which large member thicknesses are
produced.
Therefore the design of flexural steel reinforcing for members greater than 16 inches are controlled by the
demands of shear and not moment. The new process used by Eriksson Culvert for such member proceeds
as follows:
1. Once the member thickness reaches 16 inches, a preliminary estimate of the reinforcing steel is
based on moment demand. Then the area of steel is used to calculate the shear capacity and
checked against the shear demand. If the preliminary estimate of the area of reinforcing steel is
unsatisfactory the program enters a loop inside the shear calculations to increase the area of steel
until this requirement is met. This area of steel should be limited to around 2.0 in2/foot for practical
purposes (note that this upper limit can be adjusted by the user). If this limit of the reinforcing steel
cannot be satisfied then the program increases the member thickness, recalculating the structural
steel demand, and re-starts the shear demand loop.
2. When the member thickness is fixed, the program then checks the steel reinforcing and member
thickness for moment demand requirements.
3. Proceed to check all other requirements such as service stress limits.
For fill depths greater than 2 feet, the horizontal slabs the provisions of Article 5.14.5.3 shall apply. Note that
this section uses de instead of dv.
(LRFD Eq. 5.14.5.3-1)
In all specifications, Mu can either be taken as that which occurs at the critical section for flexure design, or as
that moment that is present at the critical section for shear (‘corresponding moment’).
For CHBDC, Vc can be found from the following:
The value of β can be determined using one of the methods in Section 8. Eriksson Culvert uses the general
method.
Shear Stirrups
Shear stirrups are only taken into account during Analysis mode. In Design mode, the program assumes that
the shear is resisted by the concrete only.
LRFD
The capacity of the defined shear steel area can be determined by:
(LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-4)
where theta is assumed to be 45 degrees
The program then checks for the maximum capacity of the shear steel using:
where (LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-2)
Finally, the program finds the maximum spacing of the shear stirrups, which depends on the shear stress in
the concrete, which can be calculated by:
for , smax is the lesser of 0.8 * dv or 24 inches
for , smax is the lesser of 0.4 * dv or 12 inches
Standard Specification
The capacity of the defined shear steel area can be determined by:
(STND Eq. 8-53)
The program then checks for the maximum capacity of the shear steel using:
(STND 8.16.6.3.9)
Finally, the program finds the maximum spacing of the shear stirrups.
(STND 8.19.3)
if , then (STND 8.16.6.3.8)
CHBDC
Per Section 7.8.8.2.3, if Vc is less than Vu at any section, shear stirrups shall be designed to satisfy:
Crack Control Page 1 of 2
Crack Control
LRFD
Under the LRFD Specification the stress in the spacing of the individual tension steel bars must be less than a
required value as specified LRFD 5.7.3.4. First, the stress in the tension steel is calculated. This stress is
used to calculate the required spacing of the tension steel using the following equation:
(LRFD Eq. 5.7.3.4-1)
In LRFD, there is no limit on dc (distance between the center of the layer of steel closest to the tension face
and the tension face itself) in the cracking analysis. Therefore, to prevent the calculation of a negative sreqd,
the cracking analysis limits the calculation of dc similar to that in the STND Specification, that is, an upper limit
of 2 inches is placed on the concrete cover used in the calculation of dc.
The cracking parameter γe is assigned by the user, however LRFD does not give any guidance as to the
magnitude of this value for culverts. To bypass the cracking check, that is, to prevent cracking from
controlling the design, set γe to a very large value.
For the STND Specification service check (16.6.4.7 and 16.7.4.7), the stress in the tensile steel is again
calculated, which is then compared to an allowable stress as calculated by the following:
(STND Eq. 16-19 - CIP)
where β is equal to:
(STND Eq. 16-24 - Precast)
Where A is the effective tension area of concrete surrounding the flexural tension reinforcement and having
the same centroid as that reinforcement, divided by the number of bars. The cracking parameter Z is
assigned by the user. The STND Specification suggests a value of 155 for Z for CIP construction, and 98 for
precast. To bypass this check, that is, to prevent cracking from controlling the design, set Z to a very large
value, although keep in mind that there is still an upper limit on fs of 0.6fy. AREMA suggests a Z of 170 for
members in moderate exposure conditions and 130 for members in severe exposure conditions.
CHBDC
Per Section 8.12.3.2, the crack width shall be calculated as follows:
where kb shall be taken as 1.2 for components with epoxy-coated reinforcing steel and 1.0 for all other
components, and βc shall be taken as 1.7
srm shall be calculated as follows:
Crack Control Page 2 of 2
where kc = 0.5,
db = diameter of bar (mm)
ρc = ratio of area of steel (As) to effective tension area of concrete (Act). The depth of Act shall be
taken as the lesser of 2.5 times the distance from the extreme tensile fiber to the centroid of the tension steel,
or, 1/3 the distance from the neutral axis to the extreme tensile fiber
εsm shall be calculated as follows:
where fs = stress in reinforcement at the serviceability limit state (i.e., service load),
fw = stress in reinforcement under conditions causing initial cracking
Per 8.4.1.8, the cracking strength for normal density concrete shall be taken as:
And fw can be calculated using fcr and the thrust in the member by first calculating:
The program then uses this moment to determine what the stress in the reinforcement (fw) would be at this
moment value.
Fatigue Page 1 of 1
Fatigue
LRFD
Fatigue check is not required in LRFD under Article 5.5.3.1.
The fatigue stress limits on reinforcement due to the repeated application of live loads are necessitated by the
high reinforcement stresses resulting from Load Factor Design and the high allowable stresses for Grade 60
reinforcement in Service Load Design. These limits have a substantial effect for culverts under low fill
heights. AASHTO Article 8.16.8.3 is followed.
The range between a maximum and minimum stress in straight reinforcement caused by live load plus impact
at service load shall not exceed:
, where stress range

and
algebraic minimum stress level, tension positive, compression negative
At a section where stress is not reversed:
, where M = live load moment range
At a section where stress is reversed:
(tensile part of stress range)
(compressive part of stress range)
Total stress range
In many cases, with low fill heights, the area of the flexural reinforcement is increased to satisfy the fatigue
serviceability requirement.
CHBDC
Per 7.8.10, box culverts with depths of cover less than 0.6m (23.62”) shall be checked for fatigue
requirements (8.5.3.1). Per 8.5.3.1 the stress range in straight bars shall not exceed 125 MPa. The program
applies this stress range to all bars.
Distribution Reinforcement Page 1 of 1
Distribution Reinforcement
LRFD
When the fill depth is less than 2 feet, see Article 9.7.3.2, in which the distribution steel must be equal to or
greater than the following percentage of the flexural steel:
For primary reinforcement parallel to traffic:
, where S is the design span
For primary reinforcement perpendicular to traffic:
When the fill depth is greater than 2 feet, Article 5.15.4.1 states that distribution steel is not required.
Therefore, Eriksson Culvert uses shrinkage and temperature steel as a minimum check.
Standard Specifications
According to Section 6.5, when the depth of the fill exceeds 2 feet, reinforcement to provide for the lateral
distribution of wheel loads in not required. Top slabs with less than 2 feet of fill must have distribution steel
that satisfies the following percentage of the flexural steel:
For both specs, when the fill depth is less than 2 feet, the program uses epoxy coated bars in the top face of
the top slab when requested by the user. Note that this is a requirement in most states.
CHBDC
Per 7.8.12.1 (a), top slabs of box sections having a depth of cover of less than 0.6m shall be provided with
distribution reinforcement in accordance with 8.18.7, to be placed near the inside of the bottom face of the
slab.
Per 8.18.7, distribution reinforcement shall be placed transverse to the main reinforcement. The amount of
distribution reinforcement as a percentage of the main reinforcement shall be:
For main reinforcement parallel to traffic:

%Steel = 55 / √S, maximum 50%, where S = effective span length in meters
For main reinforcement perpendicular to traffic:

%Steel = 120 / √S, Maximum 67%, where S = effective span length in meters
Shrinkage and Temperature Reinforcement Page 1 of 1
Shrinkage and Temperature Reinforcement

LRFD
For 4-sided precast structures, use the greater of 5.10.8 or 0.002Ag, except that 5.10.8 does not apply to
sections less than 16 feet in length. For 3-sided structures, see 12.14.5.8, which requires a minimum of
0.002Ag. Article 5.10.8 does not apply to 3-sided structures. LRFD does not provide any guidance for fill
depths greater than 2 feet, therefore the program applies the above logic, as other minimum steel
requirements will probably control in the design.
For CIP structures at all depths, see Article 5.10.8.
For 4-sided precast structures, use the greater of 0.125 in2/ft (8.20), or 0.002Ag (16.7.4.8), however note that
8.20 does not apply for structures with lengths under 16 feet. For 3-sided precast structures, see 16.8.5.8
(0.002Ag), however, 8.20 does not apply for any length structure. While there is no guidance for fill depths
greater than 2 feet, the program applies the same logic as listed above, as it is likely that other minimum steel
criteria will ultimately control.
For CIP structures at any fill depth, see 8.20.
CHBDC
Per 7.8.11.2, the minimum area and maximum spacing of shrinkage and temperature reinforcement shall be
in accordance with Table 7.18. In Table 7.18, precast box culverts with a depth of cover equal to or greater
than 0.6m shall have a minimum area of reinforcement of 300 mm2/m, at a maximum spacing of 250mm
above the principal reinforcement on the inside face.
bar schedule Page 1 of 2
Bar Schedule
The following is a list of all the possible bar marks that may appear in the output.
A1 Top corner bars (flexural reinforcement)

A2 Bottom corner bars (flexural reinforcement)
A100 Top slab, inside face transverse bars (flexural reinforcement)
A200 Bottom slab, inside face transverse bars (flexural reinforcement)
A300 Top slab, outside face transverse bars (flexural reinforcement for multi-cell culverts, temperature
steel for single cells)
A400 Bottom slab, outside face transverse bars (flexural reinforcement for multi-cell culverts,
temperature steel for single cells)
B1 Exterior wall, inside face vertical bars (flexural reinforcement)
B2 Exterior wall, outside face vertical bars (flexural reinforcement used in combination with A1 and
A2 bar if a U-bar is not used)
C1 Top slab, bottom slab, and wall longitudinal bars (temperature reinforcement)
C100 Top slab, inside face longitudinal bars (distribution reinforcement)
C200 Bottom slab, inside face longitudinal bars (distribution reinforcement)
Reinforcement Bar Types:

STR Straight Bar
L-BAR L-shaped bar
U-BAR U-shaped bar
Bar sizes range from #4 to #11. Bar spacings range from 2 inches minimum to 12 inches maximum. The
program uses the actual reinforcing bar diameter when locating design reinforcement. For mesh, the program
supports mesh sizes from 2.5 to 45, in both smooth and deformed types. Mesh can be spaced at 2 inches
through 12 inches.
When the clear height of the box is greater than 6 feet, bar marks A1, A2, and B2 are arranged to have the
same spacing so that Class C splices may be supplied.
When the clear height of the box is less than 6 feet, the program will omit the B2 bar and bar marks A1 and
A2 will have the same spacing and overlap with a Class C splice.
Some fabricators prefer to combine bar marks A1, A2 and B2 or A1 and A2 into one large U-shaped bar
instead of separate bars and this is acceptable.
bar schedule Page 2 of 2
When single cell boxes have clear spans less than 5 feet, the program will combine bar marks A1 and A300
into one U-shaped bar for the top mat of the top slab and bar marks A2 and A400 into one U-shaped bar for
the bottom mat of the bottom slab. This U-shaped bar will be given bar mark A1 for the top slab and A2 for the
bottom slab and will be displayed as a U-BAR in the bar schedule.
It should be noted that when fill heights are less than 2 feet, epoxy-coated reinforcement is required in the top
mat of the top slab in most states. This affects bar marks A1, A300 and C1. When epoxy-coated bars are
used, their bar marks will be displayed as AE1, AE300 and CE1 in the bar schedule.
For mesh, the design algorithm adds two additional bar types, C2 and C3. These wires are not necessitated
by the analysis, rather they represent the assumed cross wires for the A1 and A2 wires, respectively. They
are not editable in Analysis Mode, and can safely be ignored.
For ASTM charts, use the following conversions for AS1 – AS8.
ASTM Eriksson Culvert

AS1 A1 / A2 / B2
AS2 A100
AS3 A200
AS4 B1
AS5 C100
AS6 C1
AS7 A300
AS8 A400
Splice Length Chart

The program will compute and print splice lengths for bar marks B1, B3, C1, C100 and C200 as per AASHTO
Specifications. Bar splices for bar marks A100, A200, A300 and A400 will be printed only if the required bar
length exceeds 60 feet.
Load Rating Page 1 of 1
Load Rating
LRFR Analysis
When the user selects the 5th Edition of LRFD as the governing specification, the calculation of each load
rating follows the procedure outlined in The Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE), First Edition/2008 by
AASHTO. This section was primarily designed for load rating bridge superstructures, and gave no guidance
on several conditions that apply to culverts. These conditions include vertical and horizontal soil loads, water
pressure and horizontal live load surcharge. These loading conditions can create reversed effects to individual
members of the culvert. For example, horizontal earth pressures produce opposite top slab moments
compared to vertical live loads and gravity loads. Also, vertical loads on the top slab can reduce soil pressure
effects on the exterior walls. Consequently all of these actions must be considered when calculating the
ultimate resistance in the numerator of the load rating equation. Therefore Eriksson Culvert adopted a load
rating equation that is identical to the Equation 6A4.2.1-1 given in the 2nd Edition of the MBE for culverts and
is shown below. In this equation, live load surcharge is considered a transient load derived from the presence
of a vehicle axle positioned adjacent to the edge of the culvert that creates additional soil pressure and is
therefore placed in the denominator. Also note that in the first edition of the MBE, it was assumed that the
max/min effects of the horizontal earth load is produced using the load factors for EH. This is the method
used when the user selects the 5th Edition of LRFD as the governing specification.
When the user selects the 6th Edition of LRFD, the calculation of each load rating follows the procedure
outlined in The Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE), Second Edition/2010, by AASHTO (including all interims
up through 2014). Support for culverts was added with the 2013 Interims in Article 6A.5.12.4. The new load
rating equation, 6A.5.12.4-1 (shown below), is equivalent to the procedure currently contained in Eriksson
Culvert, with one exception. The new MBE states that max/min effects for horizontal earth loads shall be
produced via the ratio of the maximum and minimum equivalent fluid pressures (basically the method followed
in STND).
In summary, when the governing specification is LRFD 5th Edition, the load factors for EH are used in the
load combinations and rating equations. When the governing specification is LRFD 6th Edition, the ratio of
the maximum and minimum fluid pressures are used for EH instead.
A load rating is produced at the 3 critical sections of each member of a culvert. The controlling rating of either
shear or moment is shown in critical sections table in the text report output. If the value of the live load shear
or moment is zero for a member the load rating output is zero, and shown to the user as NC, meaning Not
Calculated or Not Checked. Also, in the walls at the mid-height, if there is no negative live load moment, then
the negative critical section is not rated. Similarly, if there is no positive live load moment at wall mid-height,
then the positive critical section is not checked. If the load rating exceeds 99.0, the rating output is shown as
99.00. If live load exists at one of the critical sections while the dead load action is in excess of the capacity of
a member a negative factor will be shown.
Load Rating in Design Mode

The program initially calculates the reinforcing steel required and member thicknesses to satisfy the shear,
axial and moment demand on each section. Following this computation the requirements of minimum
reinforcing steel and fatigue stress limits are checked for adequacy on the reinforcing steel and increased if
necessary. Once a final steel reinforcing area is calculated, a trial bar size and arrangement is checked
against crack control requirements until satisfactory. This finalized pattern is then displayed in the output and
used for calculating the moment inventory and operating load ratings for each member and each members
thickness is used to obtain the shear inventory and operating ratings.
Load Rating in Analysis Mode

Here the reinforcing area and member thickness are defined to the program in the culvert properties dialog
box. The program performs checking of all appropriate limit states and a rating for both moment and shear is
calculated. The moment rating is based on the allowable moment capacity of each member while, the shear
rating is calculated based on the total shear capacity of each member including both concrete and shear
steel.
End Regions Page 1 of 3
End Regions
Cast-in-place construction allows for the easy formation of edge beams and cut-off walls for the support of the
cut reinforcement. Cut reinforcement is not assumed for precast construction as precast forms do not easily
accommodate edge beams and cut-off walls. The following suggested edge beam and cut-off wall
reinforcement and dimensions must be verified by the designer and increased if necessary.
In situations where a skewed culvert unit may control slab thickness requirements for the project, designers
are encouraged to investigate edge beam design, in accordance with the LRFD Specifications, as an
alternative to increasing slab thickness. In addition, if the skewed unit is located at the fascia of the bridge,
the Multiple Presence Factor, MPF, may be reduced from a value of 1.2 to 1.0.
Cast-in-place culverts with skewed ends require additional stiffening of the top and bottom slabs by what is
most commonly called an "edge beam" in the top slab and a "cut-off wall" in the bottom slab. An edge beam
is very similar to a headwall in that it may be used to anchor guide railing posts or retain earth fill. Its main
purpose, however, is to stiffen the top slab of cast-in-place culverts that lose their rigid frame action as a result
of having a skewed end. A cut-off wall will stiffen the bottom slab as well as prevent water from undermining
the culvert. A cut-off wall is usually required on culverts with no skew also.
For single cell cast-in-place culverts with skewed ends use a minimum 1'-6" wide by 1'-0" high (measured
from the top of the top slab) edge beam for the top slab. The end of the bottom slab is suggested to have a
minimum of a 1'-6" wide by 4'-0" high (measured from the bottom slab invert) cut-off wall placed directly
beneath it.
The single cell edge beam should have a minimum of 4 - #8 longitudinal bars (bar marks S1 and/or S2) in the
bottom of the top slab. The cut-off wall should have a minimum of 4 - #8 longitudinal bars placed in the top of
the bottom slab. In addition, the top slab edge beam should have a minimum of 4 - #5 longitudinal bars (bar
marks G1 and/or G2) placed as shown below with #5 stirrups at 1'-0" centers. Note that the S1 bars are
intended for both edges, if the edges have the same skew, and the left edge otherwise. The S2 bars are
intended for the right edge The same logic is applied to the G1 and G2 bars.
For multiple cell cast-in-place culverts with skewed ends it is suggested to use a 1'-6" wide by 1'-0" high edge
beam for the top slab. The end of the bottom slab should have a minimum of a 1'-6" wide by 4'-0" high cut-off
wall poured directly beneath it.
The multiple cell edge beam is typically reinforced with a minimum of 8 - #6 longitudinal bars (bar marks S1
and/or S2). A minimum of 4 - #6 bars are usually placed in both the top and bottom of the top slab edge
beam as well as in the top and bottom of the bottom slab cut-off wall. In addition, the top slab edge beam
should have a minimum of #5 stirrups at 1'-0" centers.
Retaining wall design Page 1 of 3
Retaining Wall Design
Lateral Earth Pressure

The magnitude of the lateral pressure, per geotechnical engineering theory, is
Where is the vertical stress of the soil and is the coefficient of lateral earth pressure. This coefficient
depends on the state of the soil. If the wall does not deflect it is at rest, if the wall deflects away from the soil
causing the pressure it is considered active, and if the wall deflects towards the soil causing the pressure it is
considered passive. Note: Different specifications require different deflects to be considered active/passive.
At Rest Earth Pressure

When the soil is considered at rest, the coefficient of lateral earth pressure, , can be found to be
where,
is the angle of internal friction of the soil.
The angle the pressure acts on, measured from the horizontal is
where,
is the slope of the surface we are finding the lateral pressure on, taken from the y-axis with positive being
clockwise and
is the slope of the backfill
Rankine’s Active Earth Pressure

Rankine earth pressure theory was developed under the assumption that no friction exists between the wall
and the soil. Using this theory we can find to be
where,
is the slope of the backfill,
clockwise,
is the angle of internal friction of the soil and
is
where,
clockwise and
Coulomb’s Active Earth Pressure

Coulomb’s active earth pressure theory accounts for wall friction and can be used on retaining walls with
granular backfill. Using Coulomb’s active earth pressure the lateral earth pressure coefficient can be found as
where,
clockwise,
is the slope of the backfill and
is the angle of friction between the interface of the soil pressure.
Rankine’s Passive Earth Pressure

Rankine earth pressure theory was developed under the assumption that no friction exists between the wall
and the soil and that the interface is vertical. Using this theory we can find to be
where,
is the slope of the backfill and
is the angle of internal friction of the soil
where,
clockwise and
Surcharge Loading
All surcharges are assumed to be uniform infinite loads applied to the surface of the backfill. For uniform loads
the magnitude, , assumes the not attenuate through the soil and thus all points under the soil the vertical
stress is increased by . This also translates to an increase in lateral pressure by using the selected lateral
earth pressure theory.
Bearing Pressure
The bearing pressure is added as a force to the system acting on the bottom of the foundation. The bearing
pressure however is unique depending on the loads being applied, thus each load combination has a unique
bearing pressure. The location of this bearing pressure depends on the eccentricity, e, of the reaction which
comes from the overturning analysis. The pressure distributions follow LRFD in that they are rectangular when
on soil and trapezoidal when on rock.
Sliding Stress
The sliding stress is added as an axial force acting upon the bottom of the slab. It’s magnitude is the .
This will result in a compressive force in the toe and a tensile force in the heel.

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aashto_specifications Page 1 of 1

AASHTO Specifications Edition/Interim

1. Modulus of rupture (LRFD 5.4.2.6)

The following moduli of rupture are computed by Eriksson Culvert:

Concrete Type Factor

(LRFD 5.4.2.4-1, 7th Edition)

where, wc, γc = unit weight (i.e., density) of concrete

No vertical displacement at the outside ends of the bottom slab.

No lateral displacement at the right end of the bottom slab.

No vertical or lateral displacement at the bottom of both walls.

Horizontal Soil Pressures

Internal Water Pressure

Figure 5-2: Typical static loads applied to a culvert under design

Loading = 1.3(DL) + 2.17(L+I) (STND)

Loading = 1.4(DL) + 2.33(L+I) (AREMA)

For LRFD, we check three load combinations:

For CHBDC, we check five load combinations:

Cooper E80 Load

Fill Depths < 2 Feet

Figure 5-3: Live load distribution for perpendicular traffic travel

Fill Depths >= 2 Feet

Live Load Distribution in AREMA

Live Load Surcharge

Impact Factors/Dynamic Load Allowance

or for greater than 4000 psi,

but cannot be less than 0.65

3) No compression steel is considered and all tension steel is assumed to be in 1 layer

Better economy is achieved when instead of

5) Compute Mu (Pure Flexure)

and for 3-sided precast and for 4-sided precast

6) Compute Po (Pure Compression)

7) Compute Pb and Mb (Balanced Condition)

and T = member thickness

vary between 0.75 and 0.9 (see LRFD Article 5.5.4.2.1).

where g = 0.85 bf’c

For CHBDC, the above equation is modified as follows:

If e is less than 1", then e is set equal to 1".

Slenderness may be neglected if , where

K = 2.0, l = box culvert clear height, and

, where M = Design Moment

, where Dead Load Moment / Maximum Total Moment

where b = 12 inches and Φ = 0.90

For fill height less than 2 feet:

reinforcement ratio and

For fill height greater than or equal to 2 feet (and AREMA):

(LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-3)

(LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-2)

(LRFD Eq. 5.14.5.3-1)

For CHBDC, Vc can be found from the following:

(LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-4)

where theta is assumed to be 45 degrees

where (LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-2)

for , smax is the lesser of 0.8 * dv or 24 inches

for , smax is the lesser of 0.4 * dv or 12 inches

(STND Eq. 8-53)

if , then (STND 8.16.6.3.8)

(LRFD Eq. 5.7.3.4-1)

(STND Eq. 16-19 - CIP)

where β is equal to:

(STND Eq. 16-24 - Precast)

srm shall be calculated as follows:

εsm shall be calculated as follows:

, where stress range