Reduction of Stresses on Buried Rigid Highway Structures Using the Imperfect Ditch Method and Expanded Polystyrene (Geofoam)

摘要

The objective of this study is to examine the use of expanded polystrene (Geofoam) and the imperfect ditch method for reducing the vertical stresses on rigid buried highway structures, such as pipes and culverts. In collaboration with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, potential sites will be identified for possible installation of the geofoam, or other lightweight materials, over culverts where the imperfect ditch method is specified. If a site or sites are selected it will be instrumented and stresses monitored during and after construction. Finite elements analyses will be performed to determine the optimum shape of the geofoam filled trench.