ABSTRACT
In the past ten years, a series of experiments have been undertaken using the advanced testing facilities at Queen’s University that have provided insights into the behaviour of new, deteriorated, and rehabilitated culvert structures. However, until now, each one of these tests has been presented in isolation, meaning that overarching insights about culvert behaviour have not been possible. This paper aims to provide an overview of the novel testing that has been undertaken by introducing the facilities for both shallow and deep burial testing available and how the use of distributed fibre optic sensors has fundamentally changed how culvert behaviour is measured and analysed. The various experimental programs that have been undertaken will be highlighted, ranging from small diameter corrugated steel pipe culverts to a test on a 3 m diameter reinforced polyethylene pipe culvert. Tests performed to examine the response of common culvert joints of different materials and sizes are also outlined. In addition, studies involving various rehabilitation techniques such as sprayed-on liners and paved inverts will be introduced. With the range of experimental evidence introduced, insights into how the behaviour of culverts is affected by loading configuration, cover depth, culvert and soil condition, and rehabilitation will be presented. Finally, the paper will conclude with thoughts on where future research is required and what improvements to current design standards should be considered based on the experimental evidence.
