LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF

IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES

NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATlON OF

IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES

oad rating, and other structural evaluations of

L in-service corrugated steel structures, is a two-step
d. Mid-ordinate of each radius arc segment
(for multi radius structure shapes)

2. Unsymmetrical Structures, structures

process. As with any major structure, both a complete
field evaluation of the structure’s condition, as well as
an analytical evaluation of that structure’s load carrying deflected more than 5% from design shape,
capabilities are required. The analytical evaluation is or those that show localized distortions
based on the structure’s actual in-service shape and require that the actual maximum radius be
condition, as well as actual field and design loading determined in those distorted areas as shown
needs. in Appendix B.2. Use two times the actual
maximum radius rather than the span in
• The FHWA CULVERT lNSPECTION MANUAL (Ref. 1) structural design checks. Typically this
provides the field inspection requirements, as well as provides a conservative evaluation of the
other guidance and safety concerns. structure.

• The AASHTO STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR 3. Stability Considerations

HIGHWAY BRIDGES (Ref. 2) provides the basis for
analytical evaluations. The following general outline a. Continued movement (shape change) of
supports the engineer in combining the two resources the structure is evidence that the structure
for a proper, in-service evaluation or load rating. requires monitoring and further evaluation
of the backfill or foundation conditions.
I. SURVEY OF FIELD CONDITIONS
(Ref. Report FHWA-IP-86-2; July, 1986) b. Stability must be investigated where:

A. In-Service Dimensions: 1) Actual dimensions show a significant

1. All structures require that actual, in-service

change from design or as built
dimensions (i.e., typically more than
dimensions be recorded throughout their 5%).
entire length. Care must be taken to
measure the true rise of box culvert and arch 2) Pavement has settled or broken up
structures to avoid inaccuracies due to over or immediately adjacent to the
uneven inverts, bowed or bulged invert plates, structure.
burial depth to footings, etc.
A surveyor's level, string lines across the 3) There is evidence of backfill material
structure or other equal means are typically infiltrating into the structure.
necessary for accurate measurements.
These measurements include: c. Monitoring structures for movement
requires repeating the measurements
a. Span (above) on a regular basis, over a
reasonable period of time, using
b. Rise permanently marked measurement points
and survey methods accurate to 0.01 ft.

4. Structures with riveted, bolted or welded

c. Symmetry (uniform curvature).
A symmetrical structure has its maximum
rise point located above center span. longitudinal seams must be visually
evaluated for proper plate nesting at the laps.

Design Data Sheets

NATIONAL CORRUGATED STEEL PIPE ASSOCIATION are for guidance only.
June 1995 14070 Proton Road • Ste. 100, LB 9 • Dallas, TX • 75244 They require an experienced
(972) 850-1907 • Fax (972) 490-4219 P.E. for proper application.
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

a. Cusped or open seams may suggest a 5) Where significant metal loss is limited
reduced allowable seam strength. to the central portion of the invert,
metal loss considerations just above
b. Bolt torque is not critical to seam strength the affected area may be significant to
as long as bolts are tight and the plates the structural evaluation if the invert is
are properly meshed. repaired.

c. Missing bolts, rivets or cracked plates 6) Where substantial invert perforation

need to be replaced or repaired. has occurred a determination of the

B. Material Evaluation
degree of structural degradation due to
the possible erosion of bedding and

1. Actual fabricated material in place must be

backfill materials must be made.
Significant loss of bedding and backfill
recorded at each measurement location. The will reduce structural strength and
plans and specifications typically provide this stability quickly. Invert paving or other
including: repair may be warranted.
This paragraph applies to perforations
a. Material thickness in 0.000 inches. at any location.

b. Corrugation or rib pitch and depth. 7) Steel box culverts are bending moment
design structures.
c. For box culverts and other structures with
ribs, rib size or type and spacing in the a) Invert plates are not structural,
haunch and crown area (as applicable). but bedding and backfill loss
Ribs may be provided on the outside, considerations apply.
inside or both sides of a box culvert.
The external rib spacing can typically be b) Metal loss of the haunch and crown
determined by noting the location of the plates typically does not result in an
attachment bolts from the interior. equal reduction in bending strength

2. Durability Factors
if external ribs are not similarly
affected.

a. Metal loss evaluation is normally focused b. Structural Damage, such as dents and
on the structure’s invert. Visual checks are tears can be mitigated by bolting or
needed to confirm unusual loss elsewhere. welding a new curved structural member
over the damaged section to replace the
1) Where the galvanizing is intact and lost wall area. Appropriate measures must
pitting has not occurred, steel be taken to prevent future loss of bedding
structures can typically be assumed to or backfill.

C. Footing Evaluation of Arches and Box

maintain full design properties.

2) If galvanizing or other coating is gone, Culverts on footings or footing pads

1. Undermined footings, due to scour or other

or abrasion loss of the base metal is
evident, but the invert is not perforated,
core the structure for a metal thickness attack, must be repaired to provide adequate
evaluation. support for the structure.

3) The occurrence of first perforation from 2. Repaired footings (and other footings that
soil side corrosion typically indicates a show signs of significant scour) must be
13% metal loss in steel structures. protected from further erosion using means
such as:
4) For conditions beyond first perforation,
a metal loss determination is made by a. Rip Rap
coring the structure.
b. Invert pavement

2
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

D. Actual and Design Load Evaluation 4. Box culvert moments are based on the actual

1. Height of Cover
span and increased for deflection such that:

a. Crown deflection (reduction in rise) less

a. For a complete structural evaluation than 1% of span—no increase.
determine:
b. Crown deflection (reduction in rise) of 1 to
1) Maximum height of cover. 3% of span—increase dead and live load
moments by CH (Ref. 4).
2) Minimum height of cover in areas
subject to traffic. Where: CH = 1.15 - (H-1.4)
14

than 3% of span—special analysis is

3) Repeat the above for each portion of c. Crown deflection (reduction in rise) greater
the structure when dictated by:
required.

B. Design Properties
a) Structure wall thickness or profile
changes.

b) Structure condition changes. 1. Reduce section properties on the basis of

metal loss from the materials evaluation.
4) For load rating, the above height of
cover considerations only apply to a. Reduce properties of non-box culvert
areas subject to traffic. structures on an equivalent (percent) to

2. Record actual and design loads over the

metal loss basis. Where significant metal
loss is limited to the bottom quadrant
structure. (invert), thrust in this area may be more
accurately calculated using ring formulae
(Ref. 5).
II. STRUCTURAL EVALUATION
(Ref. AASHTO Standard Specification for Highway b. Box Culverts
Bridges, Division I, Section 12)
Structural evaluation should use A or B, depending on in-service conditions 1) Invert plates are not structural and do

A. Dimensions for Design

not bear on calculations. However, they

1. For typical structures, use the actual field

must be able to protect against scour.

measured span for calculations. 2) When metal loss is limited to the plate

2. For unsymmetrical structures or those

portion of the shell only, reduce
moment capacity by interpolating
deflected over 5%: between values from the appropiate
tables in Appendix D, using the actual
a. Use two times the top radius (2Rt) in lieu thickness of the plate.
of span for calculations.
3) When metal loss is uniform over plate
b. Base critical buckling stress calculations and ribs, reduce moment capacity on
on the theoretical design span, reducing the basis of the percent of metal loss.

2. Seam Strength depends upon proper nesting

the resulting allowable buckling stress by
the appropriate multiplier to account for
deflection, as shown in Figure B.1.1 in and smooth plate alignment as well as sheet
Appendix B.1 or plate gage. AASHTO requires a seam

3. For all long span structures (horizontal

strength Factor of Safety of 3.0 while other
design methods, such as that offered by the
ellipse, low and high profile arches, inverted American Iron and Steel Institute, require a
pear shapes and pear arches), as well as factor of 2.0. This difference can allow for a
other horizontal ellipses, use two times actual reasonable variance of seam characteristics
top radius (2Rt) in all cases. without a practical loss of safety and

3
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

serviceability. III. LOAD RATING

(Applicable only to sections carrying traffic. Follow
a. Bolt torque is not critical to strength as all structure evaluation guidance and base
long as bolts are tight and the plates are calculations on H20, 32 KIP axle)

A. Basic AASHTO Equations:

properly nested.

b. Missing bolts should be replaced.

They can be accounted for in structural Max. Strength = 1.3 [βD + RF (L+I)] - Operating Load
calculations by a ratio of the number of
bolts present to the number assumed in Max. Strength = 1.3 [βD + 5 RF (L+I)] - Inventory Load

1. Where:
tabulated strength values. 3

c. If there is metal loss in the seam area,

reduce seam strength by interpolating a. Maximum Strength is the maximum design
between the seam strength for adjacent strength
gage thicknesses vs. actual thickness.

C. Design Calculations
b. RF = Rating Factor

1. Follow AASHTO Bridge Specification

c. D = Dead Load

Methods as referenced. Flexibility Factor d. L + I = Live Load + Impact

e. 1.3 = Load Factor γ

evaluations, which bear only on installation
stiffness, are not applicable since the

f. β = Load Factor.
structure is already in place.

2. Evaluate each section of the structure along Note: β = 1.0 for conventional bridges;
its length. β > 1.0 for flexible pipes.

a. Sections are determined by: 2. For corrugated steel structures

1) Thickness (gage) changes in pipe walls a. Maximum strength is:

or plates.
1) Max. allowable thrust (Tcap) for ring
2) Changes in shape or material compression structures.
condition.
2) Maximum allowable moment (Mcap) for
b. Check each section at points of: box culverts.

1) Maximum cover b. Dead load is the earth cover load:

2) Minimum cover in areas subject to 1) TE; earth load thrust for ring
traffic. Minimum cover requirements do compression structures.
not apply in sections without traffic
loads. 2) ME; earth load bending moment for box

3. Where less than minimum cover conditions

culverts.

exist in traffic areas with special backfill c. Total earth load, load factor (β x γ)
materials, load relief slabs, or special design, required is:
a special analysis is required.

Therefore, β = 1.5
1) 1.95 for ring compression structures.

β = 1.15
2) l.50 for box culverts. Therefore,

4
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

B. Rating Factors (RF), Ring Compression 2. Inventory Load Rating Factor (RFi) can be
Structures
1. Operating Load Rating Factor (RFo) is the
determined from the operating load rating
Factor (RFo) or from minimum cover
lower of the two values based on wall requirements. It is the lowest value of:
strength or minimum cover requirements.
a. RFi = 3 RFo-w
a. RFo based on wall strength. 5

b. RFi = H2
2
RFo-w= Tcap-1.95TE h
(See Appendix E)
1.3T(L+I)
1) H is the lowest actual cover over the
1) Tcap equals thrust capacity of the wall. structure in the traffic area based on
It is the lesser of: field measurement.

a) Wall Yield Strength = FyA 2) h is the AASHTO minimum cover level

for the structure (Ref. 2, Sections
b) Wall Buckling Strength = Fcrit A 12.4.1.5, 12.5.3.3, 12.6.1.5, or 12.7.2.1)

and, for pipes with riveted, welded or C. Rating Factor (RF) for Steel Box Culverts
bolted seams, a third factor:
COMMENTARY: Metal box culverts distribute
c) Seam Strength = 0.67 x (seam moment between their haunch and crown on the
strength) basis of their relative stiffness (moment capacity).
This is accommodated in design by a range of
2) TE equals pipe wall thrust due to earth proportioning factors, P, (AASHTO Section 12.8,
cover and is the higher value of: Table 12.8.4 D) provided in the design specification.

a) δH (S/2)
To properly rate a metal box culvert, the value
of P selected from the allowable range must

b) δH Rt
assign moment to the haunch and crown such
that the same percentage of the available
moment capacity of each is utilized. Using that
3) T(L + I) equals pipe wall thrust due to specific value of P, the structure may be rated by
live load plus impact (See Appendix C) load rating either the haunch or the crown.
and is the greater of: Where limits on the proportioning factor (P)
do not allow for the equal utilization of available
a) (PL + I )S/2 haunch and crown moment capacity, load rating
must be based on that portion (haunch or crown)
b) (PL + I )Rt that experiences the greatest utilization of its
moment capacity. This is done by selecting a pro-
b. RFo based on minimum cover requirements portioning factor (P) at one extreme end of the
allowable range such that as much moment as
2
RFo-c= H 2 (See Appendix E) possible is assigned to the under utilized
C(h) portion (haunch or crown).

1) H is the lowest actual cover over the 1. Operating Load Rating Factor (RFo)
structure in a traffic area based on field M cap - 1.5 M ECH
measurement. a. RFo =
1.3 (M L+ I)CH
2) h is the AASHTO minimum cover level
for the structure (Ref. 2, Sections b. Rating the crown
12.4.1.5, 12.5.3.3, 12.6.1.5 or 12.7.2.1)
1) Mcap is the moment capacity of the
3) C = 2.36 H/S + 0.528 1.0 crown (Mp) adjusted for condition
(See Appendix E) factors as shown in the appropiate
table in appendix D.

5
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

2) ME is the earth load moment assigned 3) ML + I is the live load plus impact
to the crown based on the actual moment assigned to the haunch based
minimum cover in the traffic area as on the actual minimum cover in the
field measured, where: traffic area (field measurement):

ME = (Cdl Mdl/1.5)P ML + I = (Rh CLL MLL / 2)(1-P)

(Ref.2, Section 12.8.4.3)
Where: P is the proportioning
Where: P is the proportioning factor selected as discussed in the
factor selected as discussed in the commentary.
commentary.
4) CH is an adjustment factor for
3) M L+I = (CLL MLL/2)P in-service shape:
(Ref. 2, Section 12.8.4.3)
a) CH = 1.0 if the crown (reduction in
Where: P is the proportioning factor rise) is deflected less than 1% of
selected as discussed in the span from design shape.
commentary.
b) CH = 1.15 - (H-1.4) Ž 1.0
4) CH is an adjustment factor for the 14
in-service shape: if crown deflections (reduction in
rise) of 1-3% of span from design
a) CH = 1.0 if the crown (reduction in shape (Ref. 4).
rise) is deflected less than 1% of
span from design shape. c) For crown deflections (reduction in
rise) exceeding 3% of span, a
b) CH = 1.15 - H-1.4 > 1.0 special analysis is required.
14
if crown deflections (reduction in 2. Inventory Load Rating Factor (RFi)
rise) of 1-3 % of span from design
shape (Ref. 4). RFi = 3 RFo
5
c) For crown deflections (reduction in D. Loading Rating (Based on H/HS Truck)

1. Operating Loads
rise) exceeding 3% of span, a
special analysis is required.

c. Rating the Haunch a. Axle Load = RFo (32) (in kips)

1) Mcap is the moment capacity of the b. H/HS Truck = RFo (GVW)

haunch (MP) adjusted for condition
factors (See Appendix D) 1) H Truck = RFo (20) (in tons)

2) ME is the earth load (dead load) 2) HS Truck = RFo (36) (in tons)

2. Inventory Loads
moment assigned to the haunch based
on the actual minimum cover in the
traffic zone from field measurement:
a. Axle Load = RFi (32) (in kips)
ME = (Cdl Mdl / 1.5)(1-P)
(Ref. 2, Section 12.8.4.3) b. H/HS Truck = RFi (GVW)

Where: P is the proportioning 1) H Truck = RFi (20) (in tons)

factor selected as discussed in the
commentary. 2) HS Truck = RFi (36) (in tons)

6
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

IV. APPENDICES
A. NOMENCLATURE B. BUCKLING AND RADIUS
1. Reduction Factor for Buckling Strength (f)
A = Pipe wall cross section area (in2 /ft.)

Due to Deflection in Round Pipes

C = Minimum cover factor of safety adjustment
Cdl = Box culvert dead load adjustment coefficient
(AASHTO Section 12.0)
CH = Box culvert moment adjustment coefficient due to
shape
CLL = Box culvert live load adjustment coefficient
(AASHTO Section 12.0)
Fy = Material yield strength (psi)
Fcrit = Critical buckling strength (psi-See AASHTO
Section 12)
H = Height of cover (ft.)
h = AASHTO live load minimum cover
requirement over structure (ft.)
I = Impact portion of live load (See Appendix C)
Mcap = Moment Strenght, Mp (ft - K/ft.)
Mdl = AASHTO factored box culvert moment due to dead
(earth) load (ft-k/ft.)
ME = Box culvert moment due to earth load (ft-k/ft.)
M L+I = Box culvert moment due to live load plus
impact (ft-k/ft.) FIG. B.1.1
MLL = AASHTO factored box culvert moment due to

2. Determining Actual Radius

live load plus impact

(from field measurement)

P = AASHTO moment proportioning factor for box
culverts (AASHTO Section 12.0)
PD = Pressure at the crown of the pipe due to dead
(earth) load (lbs./ft.2)
P L+I = Pressure at the crown of the pipe due to live load
2
plus impact (lbs./ft. )
RF = Rating Factor
RFo = Operating load rating factor
RFI = Inventor load rating factor
RFo-w = Operating load rating factor based on wall strength
RFo-c = Operating load rating factor based on
minimum cover
Rt = Top radius of pipe (ft.)
S = Span of pipe (ft.)
Straight edge mid ordinate to check curvature:
T = Ring compression pipe wall thrust (lbs./ft.)
2
TE = Thrust due to dead (earth) loads (lbs./ft.) R = M + C
2 8M
Tcap = Pipe wall thrust capacity (lbs./ft.)
C = Length of straight edge
T(L+I) = Thrust due to live load plus impact (lbs./ft.)
δ
FIG. B.2.1
= Soil Density (pcf) M = Mid Ordinate

7
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

APPENDICES (CONTINUED)

C. LIVE LOAD WHEEL PRESSURE FOR DESIGN

1. Although not specified directly, information is given in the AASHTO “Standard Specifications for the Design of
Highway Bridges” that can be used to calculate live load pressures.

2. Section 3.30 of the AASHTO specifications assumes a rectangular tire contact pattern with an area of A in
square inches equal to 1 percent of the wheel load, P, in pounds. P is 1/2 of the axle load and should include
any impact. The contact area is assumed to have a width (w) equal to 2.5 times its length (L) in the direction
of traffic. Section 3.8.2.3 provides impact loads (I) for culverts with a cover (H) less than 3 feet according to
the following schedule:

H < 1'-0" I = 30%

1'-1" < H < 2'-0" I = 20%
2'-1" < H < 2'-11" I = 10%

3. Section 6.4 of AASHTO provides for the dissipation of live load pressure with depth by assuming that the
load is distributed over the base of a truncated prism with side slopes of 1 vertical to 0.875 horizontal.

Table C.3.1 Live Load Pressures for Design (AASHTO)

Height of H20 Loading, H25 Loading,

Cover, ft. psf psf

1 2270 2580
2 850 1000
3 420 510
4 285 350
5 210 250
6 160 190
7 120 150
8 100 120
9 —— 100

Note: Load ratings that exceed H20 by these methods are somewhat
conservative in that the footprint dimensions (AASHTO Section 3.30)
are not increased for the additional loading.

D. STEEL BOX CULVERT MOMENT STRENGTH

1. 6" x 2" corrugated steel plate shell, 5 x 3 x 1/2 external steel angle rib reinforcements

Moment Strength (Mp; ft-k/ft)

Steel Shell Thickness (in.)
Rib
Spacing 0.111 0.140 0.170 0.188 0.218 0.249 0.280

30" 12.4 13.7 14.9 15.6 16.7 17.7 18.7

24" 14.2 15.7 17.0 17.8 19.0 20.2 21.3
18" 17.2 18.8 20.4 21.4 22.7 24.0 25.3

8
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

APPENDICES (CONTINUED)

2. 6" x 2" Corrugated Steel Plate Shell, Corrugated Plate Stiffener Ribs (6" x 3" Corrugation)

Moment Strength (Mp; ft-k/ft)

Steel Shell Thickness (in.)
Rib Thicknesses Rib Spacing 0.111 0.140 0.170 0.188 0.218

0.11" 24" Exterior 6.4 7.3 8.0

12" Exterior 9.4 10.7 11.9
24" Exterior & Interior 12.0 12.9 13.8
0.140" 24" Exterior 7.4 8.4 9.2 9.9
12" Exterior 11.1 12.5 13.7 14.5
24" Exterior & Interior 14.6 15.6 16.6 17.2
0.170" 24" Exterior 8.3 9.5 10.4 11.0 11.8
12" Exterior 12.0 14.4 15.2 16.2 17.5
24" Exterior & Interior 17.5 18.3 19.0 19.5 20.3
0.188" 24" Exterior 10.1 11.1 11.7 12.6
12" Exterior 14.7 16.2 17.2 18.6
24" Exterior & Interior 20.0 20.8 21.3 22.0
0.218" 24" Exterior 12.1 12.8 14.2
12" Exterior 17.7 18.8 20.2
24" Exterior & Interior 23.6 24.0 24.8
0.249 24" Exterior 13.9 15.1
12" Exterior 20.0 21.9
24" Exterior & Interior 26.8 27.6

3. 15" x 5-1/2" Corrugated Steel Pipe Shell (No Rib Reinforcements) Material with corrugation crests or
valleys that have been crimped or otherwise embossed to facilitate curving, do not apply.

Moment Strength (Mp; ft-k/ft)

Steel Shell Thickness (in.)
0.140 0.170 0.188 0.218 0.249 0.280 0.318 0.377

Mp (Ft-k/ft) 10.8 13.2 14.8 17.3 19.8 22.3 25.3 30.4

9
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

APPENDICES (CONTINUED)

E. RF LIMIT FOR MINIMUM OR NEAR MINIMUM COVER RING COMPRESSIONS STRUCTURES.

1. Plastic Moment Strength Minimum Cover Requirements (Ref. 6)

The value of the coefficient K3 is defined as: K3 = AL d Fp

2
Mp = K3 ( S )
H c

In which:
Mp = plastic moment capacity (K ft/ft) (see table page ••)
S = span (ft)
H = Cover depth over crown (ft)
AL = axle load for design vehicle (Kips). AL is the load supported on a single axle or on tandem axles
if the spacing between the axles is less than one-third the span of the culvert.
d = corrugation depth = .2083 ft. (2.5")
Fp = factor of safety against the development of a plastic hinge, dimensionless. See figures below.
c = coefficient with units of length, whose value depends on the degree of compaction of the backfill
c = 69 ft for RC - 90% Std. AASHTO
c = 115 ft for RC - 95% Std. AASHTO

10
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

APPENDICES (CONTINUED)

2. RF Limit Development

2.1 AASHTO minimum cover limits are span/8 for H20 live loads.

2.2 The required Factors of Safety Fp, for minimum covers of span/8 are:

Fp = 1.488 (for Inventory Loads – Fig. E.1.2)

Fp = 1.225 (for Operating Loads – Fig. E.1.1)

Fp operating/Fp inventory = 0.823

2.3 Basic equations in E.1, for a given structure and backfill condition, require minimum cover levels
that increase linearly with increasing axle loads such that

Mp=K3 ( S ) = AL d Fp ( S )
2 2

H c H

2.4 To maintain the Factor of Safety when axle loads are increased:
AL d Fp ( S )2 = RF (AL) d Fp ( S )2
c h c H

2
RF = H Inventory loads, based on cover
h2
2.5 To reduce the Factor of Safety for occasional (operating) loads, Figure E 2.5.1 has been developed
from Fp values in E.1.

y = mx+b  C = 2.36 H + .528 < 1.0

S

RF = H Operating loads based on cover

2

Ch2

11
 LOAD RATING AND STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF
IN-SERVICE, CORRUGATED STEEL STRUCTURES
NCSPA DESIGN DATA SHEET NO. 19

REFERENCES

1. FHWA Culvert Inspection Manual; Report FHWA-IP-86-2; July 1986.

2. AASHTO Standard Specification For Highway Bridges, 1992.

3. AASHTO; Manual For Maintenance Inspection Of Bridges; Washington, D.C., 1983.

4. Boulanger, Seed, Baird and Schluter; Measurements And Analysis of Deformed Flexible Box Culverts;
Transportation Research Board Paper No. 880272; January, 1989.

5. Roark, R.J.; Formulas For Stress And Strain; McGraw-Hill.

6. Duncan, J.M. and Drawsky, R.H.; Design Procedures for Flexible Metal Culvert Structures;
University of California, Berkeley, CA, Department of Civil Engineering, Report No. UCB/GT/83-02, May, 1983.

7. Installation Inspection Procedures For Long Span Corrugated Metal Structures, D.C. Cowherd and D.H. Degler,
Report FHWA/OH-86/012.

8. Evaluation Procedures For Long Span Corrugated Metal Structures, Report by Bowser-Warner, Inc.
420 Davis Ave., Dayton OH 45401; March 10, 1986

This Data Sheet is for general use only and should not be used without first
securing competent engineering advice as to its suitability for any specific
application. The publication of this material is not intended as a
representation or warranty on the part of the National Corrugated Steel
Pipe Association that such data and information are suitable for any
general or particular use or of freedom from infringement of any patent(s).
Neither the NCSPA nor any of its members warrants or assumes liability as
to its suitability for any given application. Anyone using this data sheet
assumes all liability arising from such use.

Design Data Sheets

NATIONAL CORRUGATED STEEL PIPE ASSOCIATION are for guidance only.
June 1995 14070 Proton Road • Ste. 100, LB 9 • Dallas, TX • 75244 They require an experienced
(972) 850-1907 • Fax (972) 490-4219 P.E. for proper application.