This investigation was initiated because there appeared to be a possibility of an economic or engineering advantage in the use of aluminum as a culvert material. The project was sponsored by the bureau of public roads, and the investigation was performed by the materials and research department of the california division of highways starting in 1961. On the basis of this accelerated investigation, it is estimated that under favorable conditions, aluminum may have a service life up to an estimated 25 years. The anticipated favorable conditions for the use of aluminum are described with regard to the use of protective coatings, limits for the hydrogen-ion and the resistivity of the soil and water, and the influence of abrasion on the durability of the metal. Because this was an accelerated investigation, the durability of aluminum as a culvert material should be continuously verified so as to confirm or modify the results with actual field experience.
Abstract