Design methods, construction and maintenance practices of buried metal structures in Australia

Buried corrugated metal structures (BCMS) are a much less expensive option compared to other forms of buried structures such as rigid structures. The BCMS draws its strength from the interaction between the structure wall and the surrounding soil. The structure may be simple, but the soil-structure relationship is complex. The design of BCMS has always been an evolving process. Having a thin metal wall that comes in contact with water or saturated soil also means that it has corrosion potential which can significantly reduce a structure’s design life. To ensure that the desired design life is achieved, it is important that the latest design methods are incorporated into Australian practice. This is to be accompanied by the appropriate construction practices to ensure that the level of compaction required is achieved. This paper is an extract from Austroads project TS1603 ‘Guidelines for Design, Construction, Monitoring and Rehabilitation of Buried Corrugated Metal Structures’. The paper will discuss: (i) design guidelines, (ii) construction practice (iii) structural management and inspection, and (iv) maintenance and repair procedures for BCMS.