Understanding Causes of Concrete Culvert Pipe Joint Separation

Status: Complete
Report Date: 03/02/2026

Summary:

Culverts are essential infrastructure for water management that channel water under roads and embankments. Connected concrete pipes may separate and diminish culvert effectiveness by allowing soil and water infiltration. This work examined the most common predictors and likely factors that lead to joint separation in culverts. Investigators concluded that location is the best predictor, and the expansion and contraction of freezing soil are the primary factors causing joint separation. Installing ties on all culvert pipe joints and ensuring backfill material is properly compacted during construction may protect infrastructure and reduce maintenance costs.

Final Deliverables:

Understanding Causes of Concrete Culvert Pipe Joint Separation (Report #2026-13)
Strategies to Prevent Joint Separations in Culverts (Research Summary)

Related Materials:

Strategies to Prevent Joint Separations in Culverts (Blog Post)

Related Research:

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator: Brock Hedegaard

Co-Principal Investigator: Carlos Carranza-Torres, Ben Dymond

Technical Liaison: Nicholas Olson

Project Coordinator: Briah Carlson