StruBIM Box Culverts

StruBIM Box Culverts provides an integrated workflow for defining, analysing, reinforcing and documenting reinforced-concrete box-culvert structures. The software can model both precast culverts with defined joints between individual units and in-situ reinforced-concrete culverts constructed as continuous structures.

The box-culvert geometry can be rectangular, trapezoidal or freely defined as a polygon in plan and elevation. Engineers can configure straight, skewed and general layouts, as well as single-cell or multi-cell sections with intermediate walls. Dedicated assistants simplify project creation by automatically generating common geometries, earth loads, traffic loads, strip loads and slab loads from a limited set of project parameters.

The structural model uses three-dimensional thick-shell finite elements that account for shear deformation. The software generates the finite-element mesh according to the structure’s dimensions, slab and wall thicknesses, spans and applied loads. The foundation slab is represented as resting on elastic soil using nodal springs and a user-defined subgrade reaction modulus.

Loading conditions can include self-weight, earth pressures, road-surface surcharge, strip loads, vehicle loads, loads applied directly to slabs and hydraulic pressure caused by water flowing through the culvert. Vehicle models can be positioned at different locations across the structure, while custom truck loads may also be defined.

The program analyses and checks the top slab, bottom slab, lateral walls, intermediate walls, wing walls and wing-wall footings. Reinforcement can be generated, reviewed and edited for individual structural elements. Checks include bending, shear, deflection, angular distortion, reinforcement requirements, foundation uplift, allowable soil pressure and wing-wall stability.

Completed projects can generate calculation reports covering geometry, soils, loads, analysis methods, results, combinations, reinforcement, code checks and quantities. Construction drawings can be exported in DWG, DXF and PDF formats, while the three-dimensional model can be shared through BIMserver.center in glTF format.