This report contains the findings of research performed to develop a recommended load and resistance factor design (LRFD) specification for thermoplastic pipe used in culverts and drainage systems for highway structures. The report details the research performed and includes a recommended LRFD design specification, a quality assurance specification for manufactured thermoplastic pipe, and the results of supporting analyses.

This report provides recommendations to revise the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications relating to the distribution of live load to buried structures. The report details the development of simplified design equations (SDEs) for structural response based on three-dimensional (3D) analysis of 830 buried culverts. In addition, the report provides guidelines for conducting 2D and 3D modeling for design situations with conditions not covered by the SDEs. The material in this report will be of immediate interest to roadway and bridge designers.

TRB¿s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 619: Modernize and Upgrade CANDE for Analysis and LRFD Design of Buried Structures explores the development, modernization, and upgrading of the CANDE (Culvert ANalysis and DEsign) program to a new program called CANDE-2007. The CANDE-2007 installation files are included on a CD-ROM with this report. The installed program includes integrated help files and 14 tutorial examples.

"TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 801: Proposed Practice for Alternative Bidding of Highway Drainage Systems explores the application of a performance-based process for selection of drainage pipe systems. The selection process is based on satisfying performance criteria for the drainage system while considering the full range of suitable pipe materials." -- Publisher's description.