International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development ISSN:2093-761X(Print) 2093-7628(Online)

The present study discuss and highlights the geotechnical aspects of failure case observed in the head wall of Hume pipe culverts constructed at various locations on a bypass as apart work of four laning & strengthening of one of the national highways in India. Systematic forensic investigation of the observed cracks developed in a head wall of Hume pipe culvert suggested construction as well as design deficiencies. From geotechnical perspectives, various aspects of failure, such as, suitability of soil as foundation material, inadequate compaction of the foundation soil, settlement process and amount of settlement etc. were studied. Observed performance and development of crack at the location of stress concentration in the head wall were also verified through numerical analysis using commercially available finite element numerical tool PLAXIS 2D. Upon investigation, factors that lead to failure were (i) inadequate compaction, (ii) speedy construction, (iii) missing components due to negligence. Study suggested the following measures to prevent future damages, such as, use of reinforcement at the location of tensile stresses in the head wall, increase in the base width of the head wall to reduce the pressure and subsequent settlement of the foundation soil as well as strict quality control and quality assurance measures so as to ensure construction activities as per laid guidelines and procedures and detailed design and drawing available to the engineer-in-charge.