How to Structurally Design a Concrete Slab Culvert? RC Slab Deck Design Using the FORTRAN-95 Program

Table of Contents

• 1 Introduction
• 1.1 Motivations
• 1.2 Problem Statement
• 1.3 Objective
• 1.3.1 Specific Objective
• 1.4 Scopes and Limitations
• 1.4.1 Scopes
• 1.4.2 Limitations
• 1.5 Methodology for the Design & Program Development
• 1.5.1 AASHTO LRFD Method
• 1.5.2 Design Methodology
• 1.5.3 Writing the FORTRAN Code and Testing
• 1.6 Substructure of slab Culvert
• 2 Literature Review
• 2.1 Overview
• 2.2 Slab Culvert Structure Usage in Ethiopia
• 2.3 Concrete Slab Culvert
• 2.3.1 At Grade Slab Culvert Typical Drawing
• 2.3.2 At Fill Slab Culvert Typical Drawings
• 2.4 Reinforced Concrete Slab Culvert Deck
• 2.5 Construction Material Strength of Slab Culvert Deck
• 2.5.1 Concrete
• 2.5.2 Steel Reinforcement Bar
• 2.5.2.3 Fatigue Strength
• 2.6 Types of Culvert
• 2.7 Design Problems of Slab Culverts
• 2.8 Considerations for the Design of Concrete Slab Culvert Deck
• 2.8.1 Design Method
• 2.8.2 Design Philosophy
• 2.8.3 Loadings of Slab Culvert
• 2.8.4 Ultimate Limit States
• 2.8.5 Serviceability Limit States
• 2.8.6 Fatigue Limit States
• 2.9 Substructure Design of Slab Culvert
• 2.10 ERA Slab Culvert Design Practice
• 2.10.1 Concrete Slab Culvert Deck Design Practice
• 2.10.2 Substructure Design Practice
• 3 Analysis and Design
• 3.1 Definition of Slab Culvert Design
• 3.2 Dimensioning of Culverts
• 3.2.1 Span Determination of Slab Culvert [S]
• 3.2.2 Deck Width Determination of Slab Culvert [RW,TSW]
• 3.2.3 Edge Beam Dimensions
• 3.2.4 Minimum Deck Thickness
• 3.2.5 Fill Height of the Deck [H]
• 3.2.6 Post and Railing Dimensions
• 3.3 Live Load Interior and Edge Strip Width Computation (EI, EE)
• 3.3.1 Interior Strip Width
• 3.3.2 Edge Strip Width

Objectives and Key Themes

The main objective of this thesis is to develop a computer program for the structural design of concrete slab culvert decks. This involves creating a program that efficiently and accurately calculates the necessary dimensions and reinforcement for such structures, following established design methodologies.

• Development of a computer program for efficient structural design.
• Application of the AASHTO LRFD method for design calculations.
• Analysis of existing design practices for concrete slab culverts.
• Exploration of different loading scenarios and limit states.
• Consideration of material strengths and fatigue properties.

Chapter Summaries

1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the motivation behind developing a computer program for designing concrete slab culverts, highlighting the need for efficient and accurate design tools. It clearly defines the problem statement, outlining the challenges in current design practices. The specific objectives of the thesis are detailed, along with the scope and limitations of the study. The methodology for both the design process and the program development is laid out, emphasizing the use of the AASHTO LRFD method and FORTRAN programming. Finally, a brief overview of the substructure of slab culverts is provided, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters.

2 Literature Review: This chapter provides a thorough review of existing literature pertaining to concrete slab culverts. It examines the usage of these structures in Ethiopia and delves into their design and construction aspects. Different types of culverts are discussed, along with common design problems encountered. The chapter also reviews various design considerations, including design methodologies, design philosophies, loading scenarios, and limit states (ultimate, serviceability, and fatigue). Existing Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) design practices for concrete slab culverts and their substructures are carefully examined, forming a basis for the proposed program's development. This review establishes a strong foundation for the design methodologies employed in the thesis.

3 Analysis and Design: This chapter presents a detailed analysis and design procedure for concrete slab culverts. It starts by defining the design process and focuses on dimensioning various aspects of the culvert, including span determination, deck width, edge beam dimensions, minimum deck thickness, fill height, and post and railing dimensions. Specific calculations are detailed for determining live load interior and edge strip widths. This comprehensive analysis lays the groundwork for the computer program's functionality, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the design process.

Keywords

Concrete slab culvert, structural design, computer program, AASHTO LRFD method, FORTRAN, design methodology, load analysis, limit states, Ethiopia, Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA), reinforced concrete, material strength, fatigue strength, substructure design.

Frequently Asked Questions: Concrete Slab Culvert Design Program

What is the main objective of this thesis?

The primary goal is to develop a computer program for the structural design of concrete slab culvert decks. This program will efficiently and accurately calculate the necessary dimensions and reinforcement, adhering to established design methodologies.

What design methodology is used in this program?

The AASHTO LRFD (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Load and Resistance Factor Design) method is employed for all design calculations within the program.

What are the key themes explored in this thesis?

Key themes include the development of an efficient structural design computer program, application of the AASHTO LRFD method, analysis of existing concrete slab culvert design practices, exploration of various loading scenarios and limit states (ultimate, serviceability, and fatigue), and consideration of material strengths and fatigue properties.

What is covered in the Introduction chapter?

The introduction details the motivation, problem statement, objectives, scope, and limitations of the study. It outlines the methodology for design and program development (using AASHTO LRFD and FORTRAN), and provides a brief overview of slab culvert substructures.

What does the Literature Review chapter cover?

This chapter thoroughly reviews existing literature on concrete slab culverts, focusing on their usage in Ethiopia, design aspects, construction, different types, common design problems, design considerations (methodologies, philosophies, loadings, and limit states), and existing Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) design practices.

What is included in the Analysis and Design chapter?

This chapter presents a detailed analysis and design procedure, covering dimensioning aspects (span, deck width, edge beams, thickness, fill height, posts, and railings), and live load calculations for interior and edge strips. This forms the basis for the program's functionality.

What programming language is used for the program?

The program is written in FORTRAN.

What are the key considerations for the design of concrete slab culverts according to this thesis?

Key design considerations include design methodologies, design philosophies, various loading scenarios (live loads, etc.), ultimate limit states, serviceability limit states, fatigue limit states, material strengths (concrete and steel reinforcement), and the substructure design.

What is the role of the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) in this thesis?

The ERA's existing design practices for concrete slab culverts and their substructures are examined and serve as a benchmark for the development of the proposed program.

What are the keywords associated with this thesis?

Concrete slab culvert, structural design, computer program, AASHTO LRFD method, FORTRAN, design methodology, load analysis, limit states, Ethiopia, Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA), reinforced concrete, material strength, fatigue strength, substructure design.