Abstract:
Circular shaft design is preferred in place of rectangular, or square shafts, because round geometry limits large bending stresses typically developed by straight sections; however, rectangular, or square shafts may offer an advantage over round shafts, regarding site access, maximizing space utilization, and minimizing excavation quantities. In place of round shafts, as an alternative to rectangular or square shafts, elliptical shafts may be used for an optimal design, and to realize the advantages that rectangular and square shapes offer. Numerous rib and liner plate elliptical shafts have been designed by DSI and successfully installed for projects throughout the United States. The design and installation of the “ Subject Shaft TBD” will be discussed as a case study, to promote the use of viable alternatives to standard circular, rectangular, or square shafts.