Improving durability of precast culverts in infrastructure

The premature deterioration of precast box culverts in infrastructure projects presents a significant challenge for the country.

In Western Australia alone, its extensive 90,000 km road network has numerous precast concrete culvert crossings – a considerable portion of which fail to meet their intended design life. However, the exact reason for this premature deterioration remains unknown.

This project, spearheaded by Curtin University and BG&E, aims to determine the causes of premature deterioration in these precast units. It encompasses a thorough review of durability requirements, inspection of existing box culverts to gather field data on deterioration, performance evaluations against Australian Standards, and analytical and experimental studies to understand deterioration causes and potential improvements. Once causes are identified, improved design strategies and manufacturing methods will be developed to meet future industry needs.

PROJECT PARTNER

• BG&E Pty Limited