This invention relates to a novel design of reinforced soil arch which can be used to construct bridges, overpasses, snowsheds, landslide or rock fall protection structures, and the like. More particularly, this invention pertains to an innovative use of mineral soil (clay, silt, sand, gravel, cobbles, boulders, broken rock or mixtures of any or all of the foregoing) to construct a reinforced soil arch that can be used for numerous purposes. A method of constructing a reinforced soil arch comprising constructing an arch utilizing a combination of layers of compacted mineral soil and reinforcement in a manner that supports both the dead load of the structure and a live load imposed on the structure.

A three piece concrete culvert system includes a set of horizontally spaced precast side wall sections having inwardly projecting and opposing steps or surfaces which support opposite ends of a precast arched top wall section. The side wall sections include extension portions which project substantially above the ends of the top wall section for increasing the capacity of the side wall sections to resist thrust from the top wall section. Vertically spaced and generally horizontal layers of soil reinforcement members or grids may be positioned within the soil backfilled adjacent the outer surfaces of the side wall sections, and precast concrete anchor members may be attached to the side wall sections above supporting footers for the side wall sections. Shims are used between the footers and the anchor members for temporarily positioning and aligning the side wall sections before receiving the top wall section.

A method for controlling deformation of a cut end region of an erected arch-type structure for use in underpass construction and the like where the cut end region has at least one extended leg portion. The method comprises building progressively at least one layer of mechanically-stabilized earth adjacent the extended leg portion by alternately layering a plurality of compacted layers of fill with interposed layers of reinforcement. Each layer of reinforcement is secured to the extended leg portion during the progressive building. The securement of the layers of reinforcement to the extended leg portions provide support in controlling deformation of the cut end region during backfilling and regular service.

A stabilizing element in a stabilized material particle structure, particularly an earthen embankment, wherein the material stabilizing elements that are inextensible (material with a higher modulus of elasticity than that of the surrounding particles) in composition nature but made more extensible because of its configuration. This extensibility gives the stabilizing elements the ability to mobilize more of the material shear resistance and adapt to current design standards under extensible type elements. The configuration also enhances the frictional engagement with the adjacent particles. The soil stabilizing elements are attached to facing elements and project into the compacted fill behind the facing. In some structures there may not be a facing element. Additionally, a material coating for metallic stabilizing elements that gives the elements improved corrosion protection, additional service life and/or expands the electrochemical environment in which they can be used.

An arch shape cross section chamber for receiving and dispersing stormwater when buried beneath the surface of the earth is corrugated and has a cross section geometry which is a continuous curve. Preferably, the curve is a truncated semi-ellipse. A chamber also has a combination of a standard corrugations along most of the length, in combination with smaller end corrugation with standard corrugations, to enable joining of chambers in overlap fashion, as a string; corrugations which have elliptically curved corrugation widths when viewed from the side of the chamber; and, sidewall base flanges which have turned up outer edges in combination with fins which connect said edges with the curved chamber sidewall. A domed end cap is adapted to both close the end of the chamber and to be positioned within the chamber length to provide a baffle.