In spring 2023, during the high-water period, the repaired reinforced concrete culvert on the Chelyabinsk Bypass road performed its function of conveying the stream beneath the embankment without any issues. The reinforced concrete culvert is located at the intersection with the Dolgoderevenskoye – Argayash – Kuznetskoye – Kyshtym road.
Technical solutions
The repair involved a set of technical solutions that restored and strengthened the culvert structure, and prevented water erosion of the embankment slopes and the channel between the headwall slopes. Specifically:
- the culvert structure was rehabilitated using PipeArm technology - restoration of the culvert using permanent formwork made of V-Lock polymer anchor sheet TU 2246-003-56910145-2014 and an injected high-strength mix manufactured by «TechPolymer»;
- the headwall was restored using gabion structures;
- the channel and embankment slopes at the culvert headwall were reinforced with concrete-filled mats (STO 56910145-031-2020) – a seamless, fillable textile material used for waterproofing and erosion protection.
Reinforcement of the channel and embankment slopes
At the first stage, the slopes and horizontal surface were graded, with anchor trenches excavated. Road Geogrid RD-60 (STO 30478650-001-2012), reinforced with steel wire and designed to strengthen structures, was laid at the base of the anchor trenches. The embankment slope was graded using a crushed stone and sand mixture.
After the mats were laid in rows, they were filled with an injection mixture, forming a reliable barrier against water erosion of the embankment slopes. The material is resistant to UV radiation, acids, alkalis, fuels and lubricants, organic solvents, and microorganisms. The concrete-filled mats used are heat- and frost-resistant, allowing them to be used in different climatic zones.
Result
By repairing the culvert at the end of 2022 using modern technical solutions, the builders prepared the area for the spring floods.
