Construction of TechCulverts® for Kanpur-Kabrai Section on NH-86 from KM 7.430 to KM 130.0 in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Project Details
SIZE
TechCulvert® Size
2×2, 3×2, 4×2 and 6×2
OWNER
National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
CONTRACTOR
PNC Infratech Ltd.
CONSTRUCTION YEAR
2014
DESIGNER + CONSULTANT
Reinforced Earth (Reinforced Earth India Pvt. Ltd.)
Background
This project in the Kanpur-Kabrai section of the NH-86 included installation of precast TechCulvert® at 41 water crossing locations. TechCulvert® was selected over other conventional cast-in-place concrete culvert systems to expedite construction and maintain better quality control, which otherwise becomes an issues with conventional methods.
The TechCulvert® system was adopted based on Reinforced Earth’s extensive background and engineering knowledge of precast structures, which resulted in a commercially viable project that provided both superior quality and reduced construction time.
Challenge
This project proved to be a breakthrough in the precast industry by providing a superior quality product and minimized time for installation. The system had to provide flexibility in terms of ease of construction without disturbing daily traffic. Reinforced Earth in India had to meet a construction period completion target of 7 months.
Solution
Reinforced Earth in India took advantage of the design customization of its shutter moulds to meet the requirements of the specifications. A single casting yard was set up at Moudha for precasting activity. To further economize the effort, a standard width of 1.75m for the TechCulvert® was accepted, which balanced the benefits of construction efficiency against the challenges posed by handling and transportation of precast units. The precast units were cast simultaneously, inclusive of side walls and slab. The raft was cast in-situ after installation of individual units at the site. This system provided the additional advantage whereby individual units are stitched on top and bottom, allowing the TechCulvert® system to behave monolithically.
The average time for site preparation and installation was 3 days from commencing of excavation to final installation.