The deteriorating highway infrastructure has become a major challenge for the 21st century. While more importance usually is given to highway embankments, pavements, and bridges, the maintenance of culverts has commonly been neglected. As many culverts reach the end of their design life, the states Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are in need of a model to track the condition of existing culverts and forecast their maintenance needs. Therefore, the main goals of this research are (1) to develop a framework for culvert inventory and inspection, (2) provide protocols and condition rating systems for culvert inventory and inspection, and (3) validate the developed framework by conducting field pilot studies. Performance scores for the culverts are calculated using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP). These scores are used to assess the magnitude of the deterioration, and assist in short- and long-term planning for rehabilitation and renewal. This study focuses on concrete, corrugated metal, and plastic culverts spanning less than or equal to 10 feet (3 meters). The developed model and procedure presented in this paper contribute to an effective culvert asset management strategy.
Abstract