Optimization of Z-shaped assembled mortise and tenon joint box culvert connection form

Abstract In order to effectively improve the longitudinal connection stability of prefabricated box culverts for highways, this paper proposes a new type of Z-shaped assembled mortise-tenon splicing box culvert for highway reinforced concrete structures. Using the finite element simulation software to simulate, the maximum deformation and stress concentration position of the side wall obviously appear at the end and armpit of the joint, that is, the connection part of the two culvert joints. Under the same filling condition, the most different mechanical properties between the integral box culvert and the assembled box culvert are located at the joint of the prefabricated culvert. According to the stress and deformation characteristics of culvert body, different joint height and joint length box culvert forms are designed and simulated and compared. It is concluded that the 1.8 m joint height and 0.5 m joint length have the most significant improvement on the mechanical properties of the splice culvert. Finally, a Z-shaped assembled mortise-tenon splicing box culvert with a reasonable structural form and a mortise-tenon structure of 1.25 m length was selected.