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Federal Highway Administration Research and Technology
Coordinating, Developing, and Delivering Highway Transportation Innovations

Report
This report is an archived publication and may contain dated technical, contact, and link information
Publication Number: FHWA-RD-97-140
Date: January 2000

Durability Analysis of Aluminized Type 2 Corrugated Metal Pipe

Publication: Durability Analysis of Aluminized Type 2 Corrugated Metal Pipe (pdf - 1.16 mb) FHWA-RD-97-140, January 2000

Abstract: The Literature Review and Field Studies portion of this investigation were completed by August 1995. Both revealed myriad factors affecting culvert durability. The literature review considered more than 140 research papers on or relating to the topic of culvert durability. Of these papers, roughly 60 were considered further and are included in an annotated bibliography. Many references are made in the report to past research efforts and conclusions from these papers. Summaries of these conclusions include laboratory and field research on various culvert materials and durability methods. These summaries are included to help in both the selection of pipe material and in the use of durability prediction methods. Those papers presenting field data similar to that used in the present study (including pit depth, age, and original thickness) were consolidated into a database of information on more than 240 galvanized culverts.

The focus of field studies conducted during this investigation centered on the performance of Aluminized Type 2 culverts. Of the 32 culverts inspected during this investigation, 21 culverts were part of a previous Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study. These culverts were located in Alabama and Oregon. Eight culverts at five sites in Maine were added with the expansion of these field studies. In situ field measurements of pH and resistivity were taken at each culvert. The abrasive situation at each culvert was characterized, including slope, flow velocity, and abrasive material. Each culvert was photo-documented and many were videotaped for future reference. Coupon samples were taken at each location for pit-depth analysis. Soil samples were removed for laboratory resistivity measurements.

Conclusions from past research, the database, and present field studies have been used to evaluate current durability prediction methods. Advantages and disadvantages of various culvert materials are discussed, with correlations drawn from the literature review and field studies.

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