Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Structural plate corrugated steel plate (SPCSP) culverts have been used successfully in a wide range ofx000D
applications throughout Canada and around the world. Large span SPCSP culverts are commonly constructedx000D
by the cut and cover method and have a significant benefit of being used as a short span bridge. These flexiblex000D
structures resist the loadings they are subjected to through the interaction between the corrugated steel platesx000D
and the surrounding soil fill. Seismic loading has a considerable effect on the deformations and internal forcesx000D
of large span culverts. However, no comprehensive study of the seismic performance of these structures hasx000D
been found in the literature. Available design codes such as the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Codex000D
(CHBDC) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), havex000D
limited information on the seismic design of large span SPCSP culverts. Armtec has identified a significantx000D
opportunity in using large span SPCSP culverts as bridging structures. Employing this cost-effective solutionx000D
would open new markets to the company and allow them to provide broader offerings to their clients.x000D
However, many areas in Western Canada and in Quebec are subjected to creditable seismicity and thex000D
company's research has revealed that the simplified seismic provisions of the current design codes do notx000D
provide sufficient guidelines on the design in such areas. Thus, the seismic performance of large span SPCSPx000D
culverts needs to be investigated and clear guidelines on their analysis and design should be developed. Byx000D
resolving the design constraints associated with this technology, Armtec will have the necessary materials forx000D
their engineers to justify offering large span SPCSP culverts as an alternative solution in many bridgingx000D
applications. The proposed research is anticipated to advance the state-of-the-art in the seismic analysis andx000D
design of large span SPCSP culverts. Resolving the design constraints associated with these structures willx000D
allow Armtec to open new markets in seismically active regions and offer cost effective solutions to theirx000D
customers.