Introduction. In order to improve the design methodology, particularly in the calculation of transport construction objects made of metal corrugated structures (MCS) with increased hole size (small bridges and arch-shaped overpasses, drainage pipes under road embankments), which are still relatively new in our country, it is important to have a better understanding of the features of different approaches to calculation and their impact on the results.
Problem Statement. The current regulatory and methodological documents in our country concerning the design of road structures made of corrugated metal [1] include a methodology for analytical calculation of such structures only in the form of round pipes with a diameter of up to 6 meters and it requires improvement, while structures of other shapes and sizes are recommended to be calculated using the finite element method (FEM). It is advisable to improve and supplement the existing normative analytical methodology for calculating structures made of corrugated metal with a better understanding of the characteristics of existing approaches.
Purpose. To analyze some existing approaches to the calculations of arch (and other) road structures with the help of finite element methods, which are accepted in the relevant standards and scientific-technical literature, and to show the peculiarities of their influence on the results obtained, along with providing proposals for the practical use of various approaches and the initial assumptions of the calculations – this is the goal and objectives of this article.
Research methods and results. The characteristics of the influence of different approaches and initial prerequisites on the results of the calculation of road structures with MCS, in particular arches, were analyzed using a computational-theoretical method. Suggestions were provided regarding the choice of approaches, as well as the adoption of the most adequate and simultaneously simple and understandable calculation scheme for a real structure for further improvement and enhancement of the existing regulatory methodology.
Conclusions. The characteristics of the main existing approaches to the calculations of road structures with MCS have been provided, and it has been established how they affect the obtained results. Numerous examples demonstrate how much the calculation results can differ depending on the chosen approaches and initial assumptions, as well as their adequacy to the real structure. Specific relevant proposals regarding the adoption of approaches to calculations and design, which may be useful in improving the existing regulatory methodology, have been provided and justified.
