Effectiveness and Maintenance of 2-Hinged Precast Arch Culvert (Modularch)

Abstract

The Modularch construction method consists in constructing an arch culvert with a large cross section by using modular precast members. Unlike rigid culverts, culverts built with this construction method employ hinges at the boundaries of the precast members, resulting in a structure that is easily aff ected by the surrounding ground conditions. Therefore, the Technical Manual was revised to incorporate fi ndings based on closer scrutiny of appropriate use conditions, verifi cation of stability during earthquakes, large shaking table tests for the purpose of ultimate state verifi cation, and cyclic alternating positive-negative loading tests, among other things. In addition, for the purpose of contributing to practical maintenance, the main points of maintenance considering the structural characteristics of this construction method were also revised.