IS IT TUNNEL OR BOX CULVERT?

[yjung]

Hi all,

I have a tunnel-like structure that 300 ft long and 56 ft wide. This will be built under the existing highway. It will have two lane capacity for HOV with 16 ft vertical clearance.

My question is that is this tunnel or not?
what is the design code if this is tunnel?
I am having a hard time to figure out that this structure will require all the tunnel requirement or not?

Your kind attention to this matter will most appreciated.

YC

 

[manual90]

The main distinction beween a culvert and a tunnel is that a culvert is a drainage structure under an embankment, while a tunnel is an underground passage. What you have is a tunnel. I have been told that there is no design code for tunnels. Good luck.

 

[bridgebuster]

Years ago, the Ontario Ministry of Transport published an excellent design manual for tunnels. I'm sure it's still available.

 

[yjung]

Hi Bridgebuster,

Thanks for the tip. However, I can not find anything from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Could you tell me more in detail about the pulication?

 

[markross]

Try the CPCA for the tunnel guidlines

http://www.cpca.ca

 

[bridgebuster]

The OMT publications are available from Ronen House,

http://www.ronenhouse.com.

However, their web site doesn't seem to be working right now.

In the meantime, this Caltrans site might be of help:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/techpu...s/bridge-design-specifications/B-B-specs.html