Andrew Boeckmann

Live Load Effect in Reinforced Concrete Box Culverts Under Soil Fill

AbstractThe effects of live load in box culverts may be nearly negligible compared with the effects of dead loads when significant fill is placed above the crown of the culvert. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of live load (truck loads) on reinforced concrete box culverts classified as bridges [spans greater than 6 m (20 ft)] under soil fills of different thicknesses. The study considered the field testing of 10 existing reinforced concrete box culverts with fill depths ranging from 0.76 m (2.5 ft) to 4.1 m (13.5 ft). Instrumentation of the culverts consisted of 12 reusable strain transducers and 12 linear variable displacement transducers. The instrumentation was designed to be applied, used, and removed in one day of testing. Loaded trucks were driven over the culvert to provide live load. The results of the testing show that the live-load effect does diminish with increasing fill depth. The 2012 AASHTO LRFD bridge design specifications are overly conservative in predicting stra...

Influence of Geotechnical Investigation and Subsurface Conditions on Claims, Change Orders, and Overruns

Subsurface conditions are frequently considered to represent significant elements of technical and financial risk for highway construction projects. Unfortunately, information quantifying these risks is rare. This report documents the extent and type of claims, change orders, and cost overruns from subsurface conditions for state departments of transportation (DOTs). Information used in this study was gathered through a literature review and a survey of state DOTs. Follow-up interviews with agencies that have experience with reducing claims, change orders, and cost overruns from subsurface conditions provided additional information. The Synthesis addresses: the scope of subsurface investigation required by transportation agencies; causes of claims, change orders, and cost overruns attributed to subsurface conditions; ranges of costs and prevalence of claims, change orders, and cost overruns attributed to subsurface conditions; and successful practices to reduce claims, change orders, and cost overruns.