Numerical Simulation of Temperature and Strain Development in the Maridal Culvert

This paper gives the results of a numerical simulation of a real structure, Maridal culvert in Oslo, where a comprehensive field test has been carried out. The Maridal culvert is a part of the Ring road around Oslo. The total length of approximately 340 m has been cast in sections of 15 m length. Temperature and stress/strain development for the wall in one section are calculated by means of 3D FE analysis. Within the NOR-IPACS project a comprehensive laboratory test program has been performed to identify input parameters for the numerical calculation. Both thermal and mechanical properties have been tested. Three sections of the culvert have been instrumented with strain gauges and temperature sensors, and temperature and strains in the structure have been recorded from the casting. Calculation results are compared with the measurements. The deviation between calculated and measured temperature is generally within the range of 50C. The deviation between calculated and measured strains is about 50x10-6.