Examining the Influence of Thermal Stress on the Seismic Resilience of Prefabricated Box Culverts

Abstract

In the realm of large-scale underground transportation engineering, prefabricated box culverts have emerged as a predominant structural element. However, their performance is potentially compromised under the duress of high temperatures, prevalent during natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes and fires. Prior investigations predominantly focus on the performance analysis of these structures at ambient temperatures, leaving their behavior under elevated temperatures relatively unexplored. This gap in research is addressed in this study, wherein the thermal stress-strain relationship of prefabricated box culverts under high-temperature conditions is meticulously examined. A dynamical constitutive model for these structures at elevated temperatures is also proposed, paving the way for a comprehensive analysis of their seismic resilience. The insights gleaned from this study not only furnish theoretical guidance for the design and construction of prefabricated box culverts but also establish a foundational framework for subsequent inquiries in this domain.