2026 ACECNJ Fall Conference

The durability assessment of three NJTA’s culverts near Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey was a collaborative effort between durability specialists and structural designers. Designed initially for 75 years, the three culverts are required to last another 75 years, therefore doubling the service life. A condition assessment and residual service-life evaluation of the concrete guided the structural rehabilitation design, resulting in a strategy to extend the service life for the next 75 years. The project demonstrates how the service-life of satisfactory to good condition structures showing cracks, spalls, rust staining, and efflorescence while dealing with a structural apacity reduction can be extended.

Learning Objective:
Following the presentation, participants will understand alternative solutions to extend the service life of concrete box culverts. They will also understand the value of providing valuable scientific data to support the rehabilitation work selection with regards to sustainability and service life considerations.

Audience:
This session is designed for owners, infrastructure managers and engineers involved in the planning of rehabilitation of concrete structures. It addresses the growing need to balance durability, sustainability, and long-term performance in aging infrastructure. The session supports a lifecycle-oriented model, helping organizations move beyond prescriptive practices toward performance-based approaches that optimize service life, maintenance costs, and operational disruptions.