3D-printed culvert diffusers to improve rural transportation resiliency
Published: 2024
Publication Name: Rural Issues Symposium
Publication URL: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/rural_issues/54/
Abstract:
The increase in stormwater discharge, driven by climate change and land-use changes, has been exacerbated by the aging-related deterioration of existing diffusers, leading to culvert washouts. These washouts have significant consequences, blocking vehicle movement for days or even weeks, which disrupts access to disaster relief and emergency services in rural Maine, leaving these areas particularly vulnerable to storms. 3D-printed diffusers, as part of trenchless culvert rehabilitation technology, offer a potential solution to this problem. These diffusers enhance culvert discharge capacity, thereby helping to prevent washouts during high-discharge events caused by rainstorms. This trenchless technology avoids digging out and replacing old culverts offering cost-savings. Additionally, this technology is deployable without causing traffic disruptions. A prototype of the 3D-printed diffuser was successfully installed in Thorndike, ME, while a full system has been implemented on Route 85 in Rocky Brook, Newfields Rd, Exeter, NH. Further sites in Maine are being identified in collaboration with MaineDOT for additional implementations, aiming to strengthen infrastructure resilience across the state.