CULVERT DESIGN EXAMPLE

A single cell box culvert has internal dimension of 2m height and 2m width. The thickness of the culvert
top and bottom slab is 300 mm and the end walls thickness of 200 mm. The road carriageway width is 9.5
m. The soil fill above the culvert is 3.3 m. The surface dressing is 30 mm. The unit weight of the soil is 18
2
kN/m and angle of friction is 30. Determine:
a. The loadings
b. The bending moments
c. Shear forces
d. Ultimate design moments
e. Ultimate shear forces

SOLUTION

1. Drawings
30 mm

3.3 m

2.3 m

3.3 m

2. Dimensions

Top slab
ts = 300 mm, l = 2 m, L = 2.3 mm

Bottom slab
ts = 300 mm, l = 2 m, L = 2.3 mm

End walls
tw = 200 mm, h = 2 m, H = 2.2 mm

3. Design Data
2
Strength of concrete; fcu = 30 N/mm
2
Strength of reinforcement; fy = 460 N/mm
2
Strength of shear reinforcement; fyv = 460 N/mm
Ultimate soil bearing pressure is 100 kN/m²
Cover to Reinforcements 50 mm
3
Hydrostatic Pressure 10 kN/m
3
Submerged Pressure 22 kN/m
Surface Dressing Density 24 kN/mm²
3
Granular backfilling after Compaction 20 kN/m
Density of Soil at an Angle of 30 18 kN/mm²

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Prof. J. J. Msambichaka January 2016
Density of reinforced Concrete 25 kN/mm²
Soil Fill 3.30 m
Surface Dressing Thickness 0.03 m
Slab Thickness 300.00 mm
Wall Thickness 200.00 mm
Effective Span of top slab; l = 2 + 0.3 = 2.2 m
Effective Span of bottom slab; l = 2 + 0.3 = 2.2 m
Effective Height End walls; h = 2 + 0.3 = 2.3 m
Carriageway Width 9.50 m

4. Load Loading

4.1 Dead Load

Soil Fill 20 x 3.3 66.00 kN/m²

Surface Dressing 24 x 0.03 0.72 kN/m²
Top Slab 25 x 0.3 7.50 kN/m²
Base Slab 25 x 0.3 7.50 kN/m²
End Wall 25 x 0.2 5.00 kN/m²

4.2 Imposed Loads

4.2.1 Traffic Load

HA – Loading
Carriageway Width = 9.50 m
Loaded Length = 2.2 m
Number of Notional Lane = 3
Lane width = 9.5/3 = 3.17 m
0.67
HA-UDL = 336x(1/2.2) = 198 kN/m/Lane
= 198/3.17 = 62.6 kN/m²
HA-KEL = 120 kN/Lane
= 120/3.17 = 37.9 kN/m
= 37.9/6.6 = 5.7 kN/m² (Dispersed 1:1)
HA Loading = UDL + KEL = 62.6 + 5.7 = 68.3 kN/m²

HA Concentrated Load = 100.0 kN

HB Loading
HB Units = 37.5 for Tanzanian Roads
Wheel Load = 37.5j = 37.5 x 2.5 = 93.75 kN
Axle Load = 93.75 x 4 = 375 kN
Vehicle Load = = 93.75 x 16 = 1500 kN
Wheel Load dispersal at 1:1 = 2D = 3.3 x 2 = 6.6 m
UDL due to wheel load = 2P/2D = (2 x 93.75)/6.6 = 28.4 kN/m²

4.2.2 Earth Pressure

Soil Pressure
Ka = ( 1-sin30/1+sin30) = 1-0.5/1+0.5 = ⅓
P1= ½ x Ka x  x h1 = ⅓ x 20 x (0.03 + 3.3 + 0.3/2) = 23.2 kN/m
2

P2= ½ x Ka x  x h1 = ⅓ x 20 x (0.03 + 3.3 + 0.3 + 2.3) = 39.53 kN/m

2

HA Surcharge
2
HA Sur = 10 kN/m

HB Surcharge
2
45 units: 20 kN/m
2
30 units: 12 kN/m
2
HB Sur = 30 + (37.5-30)/( 45-30) = 16 kN/m

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Prof. J. J. Msambichaka January 2016
5. Moments

5.1 Moments due to Dead Loads A B

Top Slab AB: W = 0.72 + 66 + 7.5 = 74.2 kN/m²
2 2
FEMAB = wl /12 = 74.2 x 2.2 /12 = 29.94 kNm
Bottom Slab CD:
End Wall Load = 2(5 x 2.3)/2.4 = 9.58 kN/m²
W = 74.2 + 9.58 = 83.8 kN/m²
2 2
FEMCD = wl /12 = 83.8 x 2.2 /12 = 33.8 kNm
C D

Moment Distribution

Distribution Factors
Width Depth Moment of
Node Element b h Inertia Length D. Factor
3
(bh /12) L I/L (r) = I/L/ I/L
A,B AB,BA 1 0.3 0.00225 2.2 0.00102 0.78
AC,BD 1 0.2 0.000666667 2.3 0.00029 0.22
C,D CD,DC 1 0.3 0.00225 2.2 0.00102 0.78
CA,DB 1 0.2 0.000666667 2.3 0.00029 0.22

A C D B
AB AC CA CD DB DC BA BD
DF ® 0.78 0.22 0.22 0.78 0.22 0.78 0.78 0.22
-
FEM -29.94 0.00 0.00 33.80 0.00 33.80 29.94 0.00
Distr. 23.32 6.61 -7.46 -26.34 7.46 26.34 -23.32 -6.61
-
CO -11.66 -3.73 3.31 13.17 -3.31 13.17 11.66 3.73
Distr. 11.99 3.40 -3.64 -12.84 3.64 12.84 -11.99 -3.40
CO -6.00 -1.82 1.70 6.42 -1.70 -6.42 6.00 1.82
Distr. 6.09 1.73 -1.79 -6.32 1.79 6.32 -6.09 -1.73
CO -3.05 -0.90 0.86 3.16 -0.86 -3.16 3.05 0.90
Distr. 3.07 0.87 -0.89 -3.14 0.89 3.14 -3.07 -0.87
FINAL -6.16 6.16 -7.91 7.91 7.91 -7.91 6.16 -6.16
Top slab, AB:
Support Moment = -6.16 kNm
2 2
Free Span Moment = wl /8 = 74.2 x 2.2 /8= 44.9
kNm
Final Span moment = 44.9 – 6.16 = 38.74 kN/m²

Bottom slab, CD:

Support Moment = -7.91 kNm
2 2
Free Span Moment = wl /8 = 83.8 x 2.2 /8= 50.7
kN/m
Final Span moment = 50.7 – 7.91 = 42.78 kN/m

Side walls, AC, BD:

Support Moment, top = 6.16 kNm

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Prof. J. J. Msambichaka January 2016
Support Moment, bottom = 7.19 kNm
Span Moment = 6.16 to 7.19 kNm

5.2 Moments due to Live Loads

A B
5.2.1 Moment due to HA Loading

Top Slab AB:

2 2
FEMAB = wl /12 = 68.3 x 2.2 /12 = 27.55 kNm
Bottom Slab CD:
2 2
FEMCD = wl /12 = 68.3 x 2.2 /12 = 27.55 kNm
C D

0.00 A C D B
0.00 AB AC CA CD DB DC BA BD
DF ® 0.78 0.22 0.22 0.78 0.22 0.78 0.78 0.22
-
FEM -27.55 0.00 0.00 27.55 0.00 27.55 27.55 0.00
Distr. 21.47 6.08 -6.08 -21.47 6.08 21.47 -21.47 -6.08
-
CO -10.73 -3.04 3.04 10.73 -3.04 10.73 10.73 3.04
Distr. 10.73 3.04 -3.04 -10.73 3.04 10.73 -10.73 -3.04
CO -5.37 -1.52 1.52 5.37 -1.52 -5.37 5.37 1.52
Distr. 5.37 1.52 -1.52 -5.37 1.52 5.37 -5.37 -1.52
CO -2.68 -0.76 0.76 2.68 -0.76 -2.68 2.68 0.76
Distr. 2.68 0.76 -0.76 -2.68 0.76 2.68 -2.68 -0.76
FINAL -6.08 6.08 -6.08 6.08 6.08 -6.08 6.08 -6.08

Top slab, AB and Bottom slab, CD:

Support Moment = -6.08 kNm
2 2
Free Max Span Moment = wl /8 = 68.3 x 2.2 /8= 41.32 kNm
Final Max Span moment = 44.9 – 6.16 = 35.24 kN/m²

Side walls, AC, BD:

Support Moment, top and bottom = 6.08 kNm
Span Moment = 6.08 kNm

5.2.2 Moment due to HB Loading

Top Slab AB:

2 2
A B
FEMAB = wl /12 = 28.4 x 2.2 /12 = 11.46 kNm
Bottom Slab CD:
2 2
FEMCD = wl /12 = 28.4 x 2.2 /12 = 11.46 kNm

C D

Joint A 0.00 C 0.00 D 0.00 B 0.00

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Prof. J. J. Msambichaka January 2016
 Member AB AC CA CD DB DC BA BD
DF ® 0.78 0.22 0.22 0.78 0.22 0.78 0.78 0.22
-
FEM -11.46 0.00 0.00 11.46 0.00 11.46 11.46 0.00
Distr. 8.93 2.53 -2.53 -8.93 2.53 8.93 -8.93 -2.53
CO -4.46 -1.27 1.27 4.46 -1.27 -4.46 4.46 1.27
Distr. 4.46 1.27 -1.27 -4.46 1.27 4.46 -4.46 -1.27
CO -2.23 -0.63 0.63 2.23 -0.63 -2.23 2.23 0.63
Distr. 2.23 0.63 -0.63 -2.23 0.63 2.23 -2.23 -0.63
CO -1.12 -0.32 0.32 1.12 -0.32 -1.12 1.12 0.32
Distr. 1.12 0.32 -0.32 -1.12 0.32 1.12 -1.12 -0.32
FINAL -2.53 2.53 -2.53 2.53 2.53 -2.53 2.53 -2.53

Top slab, AB and Bottom slab, CD:

Support Moment = -2.53 kNm
2 2
Free Span Moment = wl /8 = 16 x 2.2 /8= 17.19 kN/m
Final Span moment = 17.19 – 2.53 = 14.66 kN/m

Side walls, AC, BD:

Support Moment, top and bottom = 2.53 kNm
Span Moment 2.53 kNm

5.2.3 Moment due to Earth Pressure A B

End wall:
2
Top: Fem = wl²/12 +wl²/30 = 23.5 x 2.3 /12 + 39.53 x
2
2.3 /30 = 13.11 kNm
2
Bottom: Fem = wl²/12 +wl²/20 = 23.5 x 2.3 /12 + 39.53 x
2
2.3 /20 = 14.55 kNm

C D
Moment Distribution

A C D B
AB AC CA CD DB DC BA BD
DF ® 0.78 0.22 0.22 0.78 0.22 0.78 0.78 0.22
FEM 0.00 13.11 14.55 0.00 14.55 0.00 0.00 13.11
Distr. -10.21 -2.89 -3.21 -11.34 -3.21 -11.34 -10.21 -2.89
CO -5.11 -1.61 -1.45 -5.67 -1.45 -5.67 -5.11 -1.61
Distr. 5.23 1.48 1.57 5.54 1.57 5.54 5.23 1.48
CO 2.62 0.79 0.74 2.77 0.74 2.77 2.62 0.79
Distr. -2.65 -0.75 -0.78 -2.74 -0.78 -2.74 -2.65 -0.75
CO -1.32 -0.39 -0.38 -1.37 -0.38 -1.37 -1.32 -0.39
Distr. 1.33 0.38 0.39 1.36 0.39 1.36 1.33 0.38
FINAL -10.11 10.11 11.43 -11.43 11.43 -11.43 -10.11 10.11

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Prof. J. J. Msambichaka January 2016
Top slab, AB:
Support Moment = -10.11 kNm
Max Span moment = -10.11 kN/m²

Bottom slab:
Support Moment = -11.43 kNm
Max Span moment = -11.43 kN/m²

Side walls, AC, BD:

Support Moment, top and bottom = 6.08 kNm
2 2
Max F ree Span Moment = wl /8 + wl /93 = 23.5 x
2 2
2.3 /8 + 39.53 x 2.3 /93 = 20.88 kNm
Final Span moment = 20.88 – (10.11 + 11.43)/2 = 10.11
kN/m

5.2.4 Moment due to HA Surcharge

End wall: A B
2
Fem = wl²/12 = 10 x 2.3 /12 = 4.41 kNm

C D
Moment Distribution

A 4 D B
AB AC CA CD DB DC BA BD
DF ® 0.78 0.22 0.22 0.78 0.22 0.78 0.78 0.22
FEM 0.00 4.41 4.41 0.00 4.41 0.00 0.00 4.41
Distr. -3.43 -0.97 -0.97 -3.43 -0.97 -3.43 -3.43 -0.97
CO -1.72 -0.49 -0.49 -1.72 -0.49 -1.72 -1.72 -0.49
Distr. 1.72 0.49 0.49 1.72 0.49 1.72 1.72 0.49
CO 0.86 0.24 0.24 0.86 0.24 0.86 0.86 0.24
Distr. -0.86 -0.24 -0.24 -0.86 -0.24 -0.86 -0.86 -0.24
CO -0.43 -0.12 -0.12 -0.43 -0.12 -0.43 -0.43 -0.12
Distr. 0.43 0.12 0.12 0.43 0.12 0.43 0.43 0.12
FINAL -3.43 3.43 3.43 -3.43 3.43 -3.43 -3.43 3.43

Top slab, AB and Bottom slab CD:

Support Moment = -3.43 kNm
Max Span moment = -3.43 kN/m²

Side walls, AC, BD:

Support Moment, top and bottom = 3.43 kNm
2 2
Max F ree Span Moment = wl /8 = 10 x 2.3 /8 = 6.61
kNm
Final Span moment = 20.88 – 6.61 = 3.18 kN/m

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Prof. J. J. Msambichaka January 2016
5.2.5 Moment due to HB Surcharge A B
End wall:
2
Fem = wl²/12 = 16 x 2.3 /12 = 4.41 kNm

C D

A 4 D B
AB AC CA CD DB DC BA BD
DF ® 0.78 0.22 0.22 0.78 0.22 0.78 0.78 0.22
FEM 0.00 7.05 7.05 0.00 7.05 0.00 0.00 7.05
Distr. -5.50 -1.56 -1.56 -5.50 -1.56 -5.50 -5.50 -1.56
CO -2.75 -0.78 -0.78 -2.75 -0.78 -2.75 -2.75 -0.78
Distr. 2.75 0.78 0.78 2.75 0.78 2.75 2.75 0.78
CO 1.37 0.39 0.39 1.37 0.39 1.37 1.37 0.39
Distr. -1.37 -0.39 -0.39 -1.37 -0.39 -1.37 -1.37 -0.39
CO -0.69 -0.19 -0.19 -0.69 -0.19 -0.69 -0.69 -0.19
Distr. 0.69 0.19 0.19 0.69 0.19 0.69 0.69 0.19
FINAL -5.50 5.50 5.50 -5.50 5.50 -5.50 -5.50 5.50

Top slab, AB and Bottom slab CD:

Support Moment = -5.5 kNm
Max Span moment = -5.5 kN/m²

Side walls, AC, BD:

Support Moment, top and bottom = -5.5 kNm
2 2
Max F ree Span Moment = wl /8 = 16 x 2.3 /8 = 10.58
kNm
Final Span moment = 10.58 – 5.5 = 5.08 kN/m

5.2.6 Moments due to Water Pressure

End wall:
2 A B
Top: Fem = wl²/30 = 10 x 2.3 /30 = 1.76 kNm
2
Bottom: Fem = wl²/20 = 10 x 2.3 /20 = 2.65 kNm

C D

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Prof. J. J. Msambichaka January 2016
 A C D B
AB AC CA CD DB DC BA BD
DF ® 0.78 0.22 0.22 0.78 0.22 0.78 0.78 0.22
FEM 0.00 1.76 2.65 0.00 2.65 0.00 0.00 1.76
Distr. -1.37 -0.39 -0.58 -2.06 -0.58 -2.06 -1.37 -0.39
CO -0.69 -0.29 -0.19 -1.03 -0.19 -1.03 -0.69 -0.29
Distr. 0.76 0.22 0.27 0.95 0.27 0.95 0.76 0.22
CO 0.38 0.14 0.11 0.48 0.11 0.48 0.38 0.14
Distr. -0.40 -0.11 -0.13 -0.46 -0.13 -0.46 -0.40 -0.11
CO -0.20 -0.06 -0.06 -0.23 -0.06 -0.23 -0.20 -0.06
Distr. 0.21 0.06 0.06 0.22 0.06 0.22 0.21 0.06
FINAL -1.31 1.31 2.12 -2.12 2.12 -2.12 -1.31 1.31

Top slab, AB:

Support Moment = -1.31 kNm
Max Span moment = -1.31 kN/m²

Bottom slab:
Support Moment = -2.12 kNm
Max Span moment = -2.12 kN/m²

Side walls, AC, BD:

Support Moment,
top = -1.31 kNm
bottom = -2.12 kNm
2 2
Free Max Span Moment = wl /93 = 10 x 2.3 /93 =
3.39 kNm
Final Max Span moment = 3.39 – (1.31 + 2.12)/2 = 1.68
kN/m

6. Ultimate Design Moments

6.1 Load factors

ULS SLS f3
DL 1.15 1.00 1.10
HA 1.50 1.20 1.10
HB 1.30 1.10 1.10
EP 1.50 1.00 1.10

6.2 Top Slab, AB, Ult. Moment

Support

DL+HA: [1.15 x (6.16) + 1.5 x (6.08)] x 1.1 = -17.83 kNm

DL+HB: [1.15 x (6.16) + 1.3 x (-2.53)] x 1.1 = -11.41 kNm
DL+HA+HAsur+EP: [1.15 x (6.16) + 1.5 x (6.08) + 1.5 x (-3.43) + 1.5 x (-10.11)] x 1.1 = -40.19 kNm
DL+HB+
[1.15 x (6.16) + 1.3 x (-2.53) + 1.5 x (-5.5) + 1.5 x (-10.11)] x 1.1 = -37.17 kNm
HBsur+EP:

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Prof. J. J. Msambichaka January 2016
 DL+HA+WP: [1.15 x (6.16) + 1.5 x (6.08) + 1.5 x (1.31)] x 1.1 = -15.66 kNm
DL+HB+WP: [1.15 x (6.16) + 1.3 x (-2.53) + 1.5 x (1.31)] x 1.1 = -9.24 kNm

Max Ult. Design, M = -40.19 kNm

Midspan Ult. Moment

DL+HA: [1.15 x (38.74) + 1.5 x (35.24)] x 1.1 = 107.16 kNm

DL+HB: [(1.15 x 38.74) + (1.3 x 14.66)] x 1.1 = 69.97 kNm
DL+HA+HAsur+EP: [(1.15 x 38.74) + (1.5 x 35.24) + (1.5 x (-3.43)) + (1.5 x (-10.11))] x 1.1 = 85.24 kNm
DL+HB+ HBsur+EP: [(1.15 x 38.74) + (1.3 x 14.66) + 1.5 x (-5.5) + 1.5 x (-10.11)] x 1.1 = 44.91 kNm
DL+HA+WP: [1.15 x (38.74) + 1.5 x (35.24) + 1.5 x (1.31)] x 1.1 = 109.92 kNm
DL+HB+WP: [(1.15 x 38.74) + (1.3 x 14.66) + 1.5 x (1.31)] x 1.1 = 72.74 kNm

Max Ult. Moment Design M = 109.92 kNm

6.3 Bottom Slab, CD, Ult. Moment

Supports Ult. Moment

DL+HA: [1.15 x (-7.91) + 1.5 x (-6.08)] x 1.1 = -20.05 kNm

DL+HB: [1.15 x (-7.91) + 1.3 x (-2.53)] x 1.1 = -13.63 kNm
DL+HA+HAsur+EP: [1.15 x (-7.91) + 1.5 x (-6.08) + 1.5 x (-3.43) + 1.5 x (-11.43)] x 1.1 = -44.58 kNm
DL+HB+ HBsur+EP: [1.15 x (-7.91) + 1.3 x (-2.53) + 1.5 x (-5.5) + 1.5 x (-11.43)] x 1.1 = -41.56 kNm
DL+HA+WP: [1.15 x (-7.91) + 1.5 x (-6.08) + (1.5 x 2.12)] x 1.1 = -16.55 kNm
DL+HB+WP: [1.15 x (-7.91) + 1.3 x (-2.53) + (1.5 x 2.12)] x 1.1 = -10.134 kNm

Max Design M = -44.58 kNm

Midspan Ult. Moment

DL+HA: [1.15 x (42.78) + 1.5 x (35.24)] x 1.1 = 112.2 kNm

DL+HB: [(1.15 x 42.78) + (1.3 x 14.66)] x 1.1 = 75.08 kNm
DL+HA+HAsur+EP: [(1.15 x 42.78) + (1.5 x 35.24) + (1.5 x (-3.43)) + (1.5 x (-11.43))] x 1.1 = 90.35 kNm
DL+HB+ HBsur+EP: [(1.15 x 42.78) + (1.3 x 14.66) + 1.5 x (-5.5) + 1.5 x (-11.43)] x 1.1 = 50.02 kNm
DL+HA+WP: [1.15 x (42.78) + 1.5 x (35.24) + 1.5 x (-2.12)] x 1.1 = 115.03 kNm
DL+HB+WP: [(1.15 x 42.78) + (1.3 x 14.66) + 1.5 x (-2.12)] x 1.1 = 77.85 kNm

Design M = 115.03 kNm

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Prof. J. J. Msambichaka January 2016
6.4 End Wall AC, DB

Midspan Ult. Moment

DL+HA: = [1.15 x (-6.08) + 1.5 x (-2.53)] x 1.1 = -14.43 kNm

DL+HB: = [1.15 x (-6.08) + 1.3 x (-2.53)] x 1.1 =-10.52 kNm
DL+HA+HAsur+EP: = [1.15 x (-6.08) + 1.5 x ((-2.53) + 1.5 x 3.18) + 1.5 x 10.11)] x 1.1 = 0.18 kNm
DL+HB+ HBsur+EP: = [1.15 x (-6.08) + 1.3 x (-2.53) + 1.5 x (5.08) + 1.5 x (10.11)] x 1.1 = 6.18 kNm
DL+HA+WP: = [1.15 x (-6.08) + 1.5 x ((-2.53) + 1.5 x (-1.31)] x 1.1 = -16.28 kNm
DL+HB+WP: = [1.15 x (-6.08) + 1.3 x (-2.53) + 1.5 x (-1.31)] x 1.1 = -12.37 kNm

Design M = -16.28 kNm

7. Ultimate Shear Force

7.1 Top Slab AB

DL: WL/2 = 74.2 X 2.2 X 1.15 X 1.1 = 103 kN

HA: WL/2 = 68.3 X 2.2 X 1.5 X 1.1 = 124 kN
HB: WL/2 = 28.4 X 2.2 X 1.3 X 1.1 = 45 kN

Combinations
DL+HA : 103 + 124 = 227 kN
DL+HB : 103 + 45 = 148 kN
Therefore,
Ult. Design Shear Force, V = 227 kN

7.2 Bottom Slab CD

DL WL/2 83.8 X 2.2 X 1.15 X 1.1 = 117 kN

HA WL/2 68.3 X 2.2 X 1.5 X 1.1 = 124 kN
HB WL/2 28.4 X 2.2 X 1.3 X 1.1 = 45 kN
WP Smaller than EP

Combination
DL+HA: 117 + 124 = 241 kN Max
DL+HB: 117 + 45 = 161 kN
Therefore,
Ult. Design Shear Force, V = 241kN

7.3 End Walls AC, BD

EP WL/6+WL/2 = 41.8 X 2.3 X 1.5 X 1.1 = 69 kN

CA, DB EP WL/3+WL/2= 49.6 X 2.3 X 1.5 X 1.1 = 94 kN
AC , BD HA Sur WL/2 10.0 X 2.3 X 1.5 X 1.1 = 19 kN
CA, DB WL/2 10.0 X 2.3 X 1.5 X 1.1 = 19 kN
AC , BD HB Sur WL/2 16.0 X 2.3 X 1.5 X 1.1 = 30 kN
CA, DB WL/2 16.0 X 2.3 X 1.5 X 1.1 = 30 kN

Combination
DL+HA+EP: 0 +19 + 94 = 113 kN
DL+HB+EP : 0 + 30 + 94 = 124 kN
Therefore,
Ult. Design Shear Force, V = 124 kN

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Prof. J. J. Msambichaka January 2016