SLAB CULVERT

Dr. Hassan Irtaza, Professor

Department of Civil Engineering, A.M.U.
Bridge
A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles
without closing the way underneath such as a body of
water, valley, or road, for the purpose of providing passage
over the obstacle.
 There are many different designs that each serve a
particular purpose and apply to different situations.
 Designs of bridges vary depending on the function of
the bridge, the nature of the terrain where the bridge is
constructed and anchored, the material used to make it,
and the funds available to build it.
All road bridges in India are designed with Indian Road
Congress specifications [IRC: 5-1998, IRC: 6-2000 and
IRC: 21-2000].
Culvert: A culvert is a small bridge having a span less than
6 m.
Types of culvert:
 Slab culvert
 Box Culvert
Slab Culvert

A slab culvert is supported on two opposite edges. The

other two opposite edges are free.
Box Culvert

3-D view of the Box culvert

Analysis of Slab Culvert
 The analysis of a slab culvert carries concentrated loads
due to vehicles is highly statically indeterminate problem.
 It is not possible to determine the accurate solution for
the boundary conditions encountered in the slab culvert
by the generally available tools of analysis.
 An accurate analysis is possible using a three
dimensional finite element method using a plate bending
element.
 However, a FEA requires a deep understanding of the
method, modeling technique as well as versatile,
efficient, and user friendly computer software.
 It is possible to carry out a simplified analysis by
modifying the available results of elastic analysis of
slabs.
 It is referred to as effective width method of analysis for
solid slabs resting on two opposite edges.
 If a solid slab supported on two opposite edges, carries
concentrated loads, the maximum bending moment
caused by the concentrated loads is assumed to be
resisted by an effective width of slab (measuring parallel
to the supporting edges) as follows in accordance with
clause 24.3.2 of IS: 456-2000.
Slab Carrying Concentrated Loads
1. For a single concentrated load. the effective width shall be
calculated in accordance with the following equation provided
that it shall not exceed the actual width of the slab:
 x 
beff  Kx 1    a0
 leff 
 
where, beff = effective width of slab
K = a constant having values depending upon the ratio of the
width of the slab (l’) to the effective width of the slab.
x = distance of the centroid of the concentrated load from
nearer support
leff = effective width
a0 = width of the contact area of the concentrated load measured
parallel to the supporting edge.
In case of a load near the unsupported edge of a slab, the
effective is least of b1 and b2
where, b1 = effective span
b2 = b1 /2 + distance of the load measured
parallel to the supporting edge.
Note:
(a) For two or more concentrated loads placed in a line in
the direction of the span, the bending moment per
metre width of slab shall be calculated separately for
each load according to its appropriate effective width
of slab calculated as in (1) above and added together
for design calculations.
(b) For two or more loads not in a line in the direction of the
span, if the effective width of a slab for one load does not
overlap the effective width of slab for another loads
calculated as in (1) above, then the slab for each load can
be designed separately. If the effective width of slab for
one load overlaps the effective width of slab for an
adjacent load, the overlapping portion of slab should be
designed for the combined effect of the two loads.
 IRC Loading
Live load due to vehicles may be classified in three categories:
(1) IRC Class AA loading – Tracked vehicle or wheeled vehicle.
(2) IRC Class A loading
(3) IRC Class B loading
 A bridge may be designed for one or more of the above
loadings depending upon its location and importance.
 A vehicle may occupy any position which will produce
maximum forces subject to the restrictions of minimum
clearance between two passing or crossing vehicles and
minimum clearance from the kerb or foot path.
 Trailers attached to a vehicle are treated as undetachable.
 The space on the bridge left uncovered by the standard
vehicle can not be occupied by any other live load.
IRC Class AA Loading
Ground Contact Area
The vehicle load is transferred to the bridge through axle
and wheels. The contact area of a wheel depends upon its
load carrying capacity. The various wheels have been
standardized by the Indian Road Congress. The width of a
wheel, that is its tyre with the ground are standard values as
shown in the figures above for various wheels. It is assumed
that the wheeled load is dispersed at an angle of 45 degree
through the wearing coat or solid slab.
Impact Factor
The vehicle loads are dynamic loads. Allowance is made for
the dynamic actions through impact factors expressed as
percentage of the live load or vehicle load. For Class AA
loading, the increase in forces due to impact is 25%. For
Class-A loading, the impact factor is equal to
4.5
I , L is span in meters
6 L
 0.088
 0.50