Effects of Corrugated Steel Pipe Parameters on the Stress and Deformation of a Highway Subgrade Culvert

The mechanical properties of corrugated steel pipe culverts (CSPCs) for highways depend on the elastic modulus of the foundation soil, the backfill height, and the culvert parameters. Evaluating the stress and deformation characteristics is crucial for the design of CSPCs. A three-dimensional finite element model and field test were used to investigate the effect of various parameters on the earth pressure and deformation of the CSPC during construction. The finite element method results were compared with the test results, and the stress and deformation characteristics of the CSPC were analyzed in detail. As the wavelength increases, the CSPC experiences more deformation, and the earth pressure at the top of the pipe decreases. When the wavelength and thickness are fixed, the displacement of the CSPC decreases, and the earth pressure at the top of the pipe increases with an increase in the wave height of the CSPC. When the wave height and wavelength are fixed, the deformation of the pipe culvert decreases, and the earth pressure at the top of increases with an increase in the pipe culvert’s thickness. These results provide new insights into the construction, design and maintenance of CSPCs.