ANALYSIS OF OPTIONS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD CULVERTS

Abstract

 This paper examines road culverts, which ensure water drainage beneath roadways, protect road embankments from surface erosion and flood-induced deformation, and provide migration routes for small wildlife. Defects and damage to road culverts, as well as methods for their repair or reconstruction, are analyzed. The aim of the study is to identify the causes of defects in existing reinforced concrete culverts and to select optimal methods for their reconstruction. The study found that reinforced concrete culverts are characterized by heavy weight, complex transportation and installation, and sensitivity to soil deformation and loads. Due to displacements at the joints of the culvert elements, soil falls into the pipes; as the cross-sectional area decreases, water permeability decreases, and embankment deformations and maintenance costs increase. Additionally, the physical and mechanical properties of reinforced concrete deteriorate over time, and maintenance requires regular inspections and, in many cases, repairs. Corrugated steel and polypropylene culverts are considered alternatives; they are lighter, easier to install, better adapt to soil movements, and are often more cost-effective.  The study’s conclusions state that the maintenance of reinforced concrete culverts is expensive and complex; therefore, a rational reconstruction solution is to install a smaller-diameter plastic culvert within the old one. This method reduces the scope of work and costs, as there is no need to dismantle the old structure, while ensuring durability and reliability.