Culvert Rating

For the most part of today I have been busy trying to set up a check for a rating I worked on over the summer for a two concrete box cell culvert in Fitchburg MA. 

For analysis of the bridge I used BRASS Culvert which is a great tool to assist with the rating. Instead of using STAAD to create influence lines, locating axle locations for maximum stresses, creating interaction diagrams and calculating axial and bending capacities, BRASS Culvert allows engineers to input the culverts properties and receive an easy and quick analysis.

Anyone can make a mistake and even after double and triple checking inputs errors can still occur, so it is always a good idea to have someone check your analysis by using a different method. 

It's always fun to find random debris that makes you scratch your head

Not to sure how other consultants calculate the fill over arches and culverts but with my small amount of surveying experience I suggested we use an automatic level for quick accurate fill depths.

Being the youngest engineer in my office has its perks sometimes but usually it means doing the work others do not want to do, e.i. digging holes for pavement depths.