• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.377-389
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• 2023

In this study, an improved modular arch system with the lower arch space composed of a precast arch block and an outrigger was proposed as an underground culvert, and its applicability and structural behaviors were confirmed. This modular arch culvert structure with vertical walls was designed using precast blocks and by adjusting the placement spacing of concrete blocks to the upper part form an arch shape and the lower part form a vertical wall shape, based on previously researched modular arch systems. Owing to the vertical wall of the proposed modular arch system, it is possible to secure a load-carrying capacity and an arch space that can sufficiently resist the earth pressure generated from the backfill soil and loading on the arch system. To verify the structural characteristics, and applicability of the proposed modular precast arch culvert structure, a full-scale modular culvert specimen was fabricated, and a loading test was conducted. By examining its construction process and loading test results, the applicability and constructability of the proposed structure were analyzed along with its structural characteristics. In addition, its the structural predictability and safety for the applicability were evaluated by comparing the construction process and loading test results with the FE analysis results.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.55-63
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• 2022

A modular underground arch structure using steel and concrete has been proposed as a structure that has a simple construction process and can effectively resist cross-sectional forces generated during construction and use. Structural behavior of modular underground arch was evaluated about span length less than 15m through 3D structural analysis and test. In general, 2D and 3D structural analysis methods may be applied for structural analysis such as underground arch and tunnels. However, if a 2D or 3D structural analysis method is applied to evaluate the structural safety of a modular underground arch structure, it is difficult to model for structural analysis and it may take an excessively long time to interpret. Therefore, it may not be reasonable as a structural analysis method for considering the structural safety and earth pressure in the design process of a modular underground arch structure. In addition, when a modular underground arch structure is configured for span lengths to which the predetermined cross-section is applicable, it may be reasonable to evaluate only the safety of the structure and cross-section according to the cross-section and load conditions. Therefore, in this study, a structural analysis model using frame elements was proposed for efficient structural safety evaluation. In addition, structural analysis results of the 2D structural analysis model and the simplified analysis model using frame elements were compared, and the structural safety of the modular underground arch structure for a span length of 20m was evaluated with a simplified analysis method.