Analysis of Horizontal Earth Pressure Acting on Box Culverts through Centrifuge Model Test

Abstract

Underground space is being utilized due to the saturation of surface ground. The box culvert, as a representative infrastructure that has moved underground, is installed to protect such fixtures as electricity and gas. Because buried box culverts are necessarily affected by soil, it is important to study the earth pressure according to soil type. Herein, the horizontal earth pressure of the buried box culvert was analyzed. Accordingly, a precisely simulated centrifuge model test was performed. Additionally, the coefficient of earth pressure was analyzed. The results had significant variability because, in the existing theory, the horizontal earth pressure acting on the side of the box culvert was only calculated using the coefficient of earth pressure and the friction angle of the soil. Therefore, a correction factor was deemed necessary for calculating the horizontal earth pressure acting on the side of the box culvert.