A Study on the Earth Pressure of Top Culvert of High Embankment

Based on the extensive research and analysis of actual condition of top culvert of high embankment, a calculation theory for the earth pressure of top culvert was presented. The theory could optimize the structure design for culverts, and reduce the waste of resource. First, based on the simplified assumption of the stress of soil on the top culvert and the analysis of single unit of the load on the top culvert, the calculation formula of earth pressure on different position of top culvert was presented by theoretical derivation. Then, to verified the results by using scaled test model and ABAQUS finite element software. Through the comparison with the traditional calculation theory and finite element simulation, we could prove that the calculation theory is more tallies with the actual situation of the earth pressure on the top culvert.