FHWA Resource Center
STRUCTURES TEAM
Courses, Seminars, and Workshops offered by Resource Center specialists
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
•Post-Tensioning (PT) & Grouting
BRIDGE MANAGEMENT
• Element Level Bridge Inspection
BRIDGE SECURITY
• Blast Design & Analysis for Bridge Structures
• First Responder Awareness to Terrorist Threats for Bridges and Tunnels
• Risk Management for Terrorist Threats to Bridges and Tunnels
HIGH PERFORMANCE MATERIALS
• Accelerated Bridge Construction/Prefabricated Bridge Element Seminar
• Corrosion Resistant Rebar Seminar
• Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composite Bridge Technology Seminar
• High Performance Concrete (HPC) Bridge Technology
• High Performance Steel Seminar
STRUCTURAL DESIGN:
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Applications in Infrastructure
• Seismic Design Workshop
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTIONPost-Tensioning (PT) & Grouting:
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Course Length: 1-Day
This course is focused on post tensioning tendon corrosion and related grouting problems that arose in the United States in the late 1990's and on the subsequent improvements made in methods, materials, inspection, and training. The course is targeted at Federal, State, and local agency & private-sector personnel employed in inspecting or oversight of PT and/or grouting operations, and other interested design, construction and/or management personnel. This training has typically been requested in advance of a specific project or projects involving significant PT and is especially relevant to personnel not routinely or recently involved with PT design and/or construction. Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to: explain why PT construction is utilized ; identity appropriate reference materials in which to find answers as PT or grouting questions arise; describe components of PT Systems; describe proper procedures for PT duct/tendon installation, good grouting procedures & QC/QA procedures.
To schedule, contact: Douglas Edwards, Sr. Structural Engineer, (404) 562-3673, douglas.edwards@dot.gov
BRIDGE MANAGEMENT:
Element Level Bridge Inspection
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Course Length: 2-days
This course is based on the "AASHTO Guide For Commonly Recognized (CoRe) Structural Elements" and provides training on element level inspection of in-service highway bridges. Training material can be customized for application of agency specific elements and smart flags. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to: Explain the following terms: Element vs. NBI vs. Safety Inspection; Structure Units; Elements (CoRe and non-CoRe); Environments; Condition States; Smart Flags. Participants will also explain the rules and conventions for identifying and quantifying elements: Interpret condition state language; Review as-built plans to identify bridge elements and determine appropriate units and quantities for elements; Interpret condition State language based on visual observations and quantify and record observations; Explain how Pontis supports an agency’s bridge management business process.
Intended audience members are Federal, State, and local highway agency employees and consultants involved in inspecting bridges or in charge of a bridge inspection unit. A background in bridge engineering and/or bridge inspection is recommended.
To schedule contact: Larry O’Donnell, Sr. Structural Engineer, (708) 283-3502, larry.odonnel@dot.gov
BRIDGE SECURITY:
Blast Design & Analysis for Bridge
Structures
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Course Length: 12 hours (1 ½-Days)
The workshop is focused on the fundamentals of explosion effects—determining blast loads—on bridge structures, computing structural response to blast loads, and the design and retrofit of structures to resist blast effects. The emphasis will be on terrorist threats including the vehicle-borne improvised explosive devises (VBIED) and hand-emplaced improvised explosive devices (HEIED). Available software and publications will be discussed and demonstrated. How to use and obtain the software will also be covered in the workshop. Participant s will gain an understanding of how to compute blast loads on a structure and structural response to blast loading, as well as practical methods for designing and retrofitting structures to resist blast effects.
To schedule, contact: Waider Wong, Structural Engineer, (410) 962-9252, waider.wong@dot.gov
First Responder Awareness to
Terrorist Threats for Bridges and Tunnels
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Course Length: 4 Hours
The workshop is designed to give “First Responders”, such as law enforcement personnel, inspectors, and other emergency responders, an overall awareness of terrorist threats and structural vulnerabilities. More specifically, they will learn to identify strengths and weaknesses of bridge and tunnel components and the damage to be expected for terrorist threats. Threats covered include the vehicle-borne improvised explosive devises (VBIED), hand-emplaced improvised explosive devices (HEIED), non-explosive cutting devices (NECD), fire and vehicle impact.
To schedule, contact: Shay Burrows, Structural Engineer,(410) 962-6791, shay.burrows@dot.gov; or, Derrell Manceaux, Sr. Structural Engineer, (720) 963-3205, derrell.manceaux@dot.gov
Risk Management for Terrorist Threats to Bridges and Tunnels
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Course Length: 12 hours (1 ½ Days)
The workshop is designed to give Engineers and Managers the understanding to develop a cost-effective risk management plan for a structure using a component level analysis. More specifically, they will learn to identify strengths and weaknesses of bridge and tunnel components, the damage to be expected for terrorist threats, and how to analyze the risk of each component to a specific threat. Threats covered include the vehicle-borne improvised explosive devises (VBIED), hand-emplaced improvised explosive devices (HEIED), non-explosive cutting devices (NECD), fire and vehicle impact.
To schedule, contact: Shay Burrows, Structural Engineer,(410) 962-6791, shay.burrows@dot.gov; or, Derrell Manceaux, Sr. Structural Engineer, (720) 963-3205, derrell.manceaux@dot.gov
HIGH PERFORMANCE MATERIALS:
Accelerated Bridge Construction/Prefabricated Bridge Element Seminar
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This workshop is designed for the representatives of the owner agencies who are the decisionmakers for the bridge type; the contractors; and the implementers, including designers and project managers. The workshop is tailored to States’ specific needs and practice. The agenda includes presentations on decisionmaking framework, a tool for the objective consideration of prefabrication to achieve accelerated bridge construction; completed projects in various States using either concrete, steel or an innovative material or system; Contractor’s and Consultants viewpoint to accelerated bridge construction; and the latest on industry research.
To schedule, contact: Raj Ailaney, Sr. Structural Engineer, (410) 962-2542, raj.ailaney@dot.gov; or, Lou Triandafilou, Sr. Structural Engineer, (410) 962-3648, lou.triandafilou@dot.gov
Corrosion Resistant Rebar Seminar
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Course Length: ½-Day
This seminar includes information on various types of corrosion-resistant reinforcing bars that can be specified on bridge projects. Industry representatives provide the latest materials and fabrication information on the following types of rebar: epoxy-coated, solid stainless steel, stainless steel-clad, microcomposite steel, and galvanized. An FHWA/Florida DOT research study update on alternative corrosion-resistant rebar is included. Cost comparisons for the various types of rebar, as well as deployment considerations for new technologies will also be covered. The seminar is intended for Federal, State, and local agency DOT personnel who are responsible for either bridge design, construction, materials, maintenance, shop inspection of rebar fabrication, specifications or research; as well as personnel from the contracting, rebar fabrication and consultant engineering industries, and academia.
To schedule, contact: Lou Triandafilou, Sr. Structural Engineer, (410) 962-3648, lou.triandafilou@dot.gov
Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composite Bridge Technology Seminar
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Course Length: 1-Day
This seminar covers Innovative Bridge Research & Construction Program with emphasis on FRP projects; composite materials and design Issues, composite bridge deck design and pier column wrap design issues. This 1-day seminar provides information on FRP materials and rebar issues; FRP mechanics and general design issues; State DOT experiences with FRP bridge deck and superstructure projects, with wrapping/strengthening projects, and other construction issues; and other innovative infrastructure applications. The seminar is intended for State, Federal and local agency DOT personnel who have responsibility for either bridge design, construction, materials, specifications or research; as well as personnel from the contracting and consultant engineering industries, materials suppliers and Academia. The length and content of the seminar can be modified to fit the needs of the FHWA Division Office and State DOT.
To schedule, contact: Lou Triandafilou, Sr. Structural Engineer, (410) 962-3648, lou.triandafilou@dot.gov
High Performance Concrete (HPC)
Bridge Technology
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Course Length: 1-Day
This 1-day seminar provides HPC definitions, benefits, costs and case studies; HPC materials components including fly ash and silica fume mineral admixtures, and ground granulated blast furnace slag; HPC mix design and construction practices; prescription to performance specifications and quality control/quality assurance provisions; and HPC implementation and experiences by specific State DOT's. The seminar is intended for State, Federal and local agency DOT personnel who have responsibility for either bridge design, construction, materials, specifications or research; as well as personnel from the contracting and consulting industries, materials and concrete ready-mix suppliers, the precasting/prestressing industry and academia. The length and content of the seminar can be modified to fit the needs of the FHWA Division Office and State DOT. These seminars have been updated to include the next generations of HPC, including self-consolidating concrete, lightweight HPC and ultra-HPC.
To schedule, contact: Lou Triandafilou, Sr. Structural Engineer, (410) 962-3648, lou.triandafilou@dot.gov
High Performance Steel Seminar
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Course Length: ½-day to 1-day
This seminar defines high performance steel (HPS) material properties and advantages, including its use in long-span ridges; details HPS fracture toughness and fatigue properties; covers fabrication and weldability; designing for constructability and cost-effective steel bridge design recommendations; as well as a thorough cost comparison study of HPS I-girder and box-girder bridges; and specific State DOT case studies. State, Federal, and local agency DOT personnel, who have responsibility for either bridge design, construction, materials, maintenance, shop inspection of steel fabrication, specifications or research; as well as personnel from the contracting, steel mill and fabrication, and consultant engineering industries, and academia will benefit.
To schedule, contact: Lou Triandafilou, Sr. Structural Engineer, (410) 962-3648, lou.triandafilou@dot.gov
STRUCTURAL DESIGN:
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Applications in Infrastructure
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Course Length: 2-Day to 3-Day
This is an introductory course to finite element analysis (FEA)
with emphasis in infrastructure applications. Course will present basic engineering concepts of FEA and mathematical formulation; constitutive modeling of steel, reinforced concrete and composite structures; techniques for linear static analysis, non-linear analysis, dynamic analysis and buckling analysis procedures. Demonstration of current state of the art FEA software will also be provided with overview of steps in finite element models preparations (geometry definition, mesh generation, load and boundary conditions and processing of results). The third day (optional) of the class will be focused on special FEA applications in structural evaluation of cargo tanks/pressure vessels, impact analysis and crash simulations of roadside hardware.
To schedule, contact: Waider Wong, Structural Engineer, (410) 962-9252, waider.wong@dot.gov
Seismic Design Workshop
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Course Length: 1-2 Days
Application of the AASHTO Specifications for seismic design. This course teaches how to apply the AASHTO approach to dynamic analysis and how AASHTO simulates “plastic” design concepts. Also, applicable detailing requirements are discussed.
Purpose and Background:
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recently approved two major changes to the seismic design of highway bridges. The first updates seismic provisions in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, and the second adopts a new
Guide Specification for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design.
The updated seismic provisions in the 2007 edition of the LRFD specifications relate to:
(1) changing the return period of the design earthquake from 500 years to 1000 years; and
(2) keeping the specifications up-to-date and in-line with recent developments in the seismic design of bridges.
The change in return period for characterizing the seismic hazard required changing the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) maps. These new maps not only give peak ground acceleration (PGA) but also two additional values of the spectral acceleration [at 0.2 seconds (Ss) and 1.0 second (S1)] allowing an improved spectral shape to be used for defining the seismic response coefficient. Consequential changes include new zone boundaries, soil factors, minimum design forces, introduction of P-∆ requirements, and a revised Ø factor for flexural resistance. In addition, new site soil classifications have been introduced.
The new Guide Specification for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design is an alternate, stand alone, set of provisions for the seismic design of bridges. The major difference between these provisions and those in the updated LRFD Bridge Design Specifications is the methodology used for determining design forces. Various displacement limit states are investigated. Accordingly, the R-factors in the current Guide Specification for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design are not used for concrete design. Since this methodology focuses on displacement, it is often referred to as “displacement based.” By con¬trast, the LRFD specifications are “force based.” Displacement based procedures are widely believed to lead to more efficient designs preventing collapse in high seismic zones. The anticipated effect of this new design methodology is improved performance of bridges during small and large earthquakes.
Seminar Benefits:
Apply the AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design
Learn more about the basis for the new design earthquake hazard of a 7.5 percent probability of exceedance in 75 years (i.e., 1000 year return period)
Understand and apply the principals of displacement based seismic design
Identify seismic vulnerabilities in existing bridge as observed in past earthquakes
Understand basic structural dynamics and the earthquake response of bridges
Develop alternative analytical models to determine the seismic response of a bridge using the available seismic design strategies
Learn about the computer programs specifically developed and used for seismic design, Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design
Learning Outcomes:
Apply analysis techniques to design of new bridges.
Apply the “AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design” to the design and analysis of new bridges
Who Should Attend:
Structural design engineers who are responsible for designing highway bridges will benefit from this workshop. Attendees should be engineers with seismic design experience.
To schedule, contact:
Derrell Manceaux, Sr. Structural Engineer, (720) 963-3205, derrell.manceaux@dot.gov Reggie Holt, Sr. Structural Engineer, (410) 962-4796, reggie.holt@dot.gov
NHI Structures Courses
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN ISSUES:
NHI 134062 - Bridge Rehabilitation: Evaluation & Design
FHWA-NHI-132014 Drilled Shafts
FHWA-NHI-132021 Driven Pile Foundations - Design and Construction
FHWA-NHI-130069 Hazardous Bridge Coatings: Design and Management of Maintenance and Removal Operations
FHWA-NHI-130081 LRFD for Highway Bridge Superstructures -- Concrete (2-Day)
FHWA-NHI-130081A LRFD for Highway Bridge Superstructures - Steel (2-Day)
FHWA-NHI-130081B LRFD for Highway Bridge Superstructures - Concrete (2.5-Day)
FHWA-NHI-130081C LRFD for Highway Bridge Superstructures - Steel (2.5-Day)
FHWA-NHI-130081D LRFD for Highway Bridge Superstructures - Steel and Concrete (4.5-Day)
FHWA-NHI-130082 LRFD for Highway Bridge Substructures and Earth Retaining Structures (1-Day)
FHWA-NHI-130082A LRFD for Highway Bridge Substructures and Earth Retaining Structures (3-Day)
FHWA-NHI-130082B LRFD for Highway Bridge Substructures and Earth Retaining Structures (4-Day)
FHWA-NHI-130082C LRFD for Highway Bridge Substructures and Earth Retaining Structures (5-Day)
FHWA-NHI-134056 Pontis Bridge Management
BRIDGE INSPECTION ISSUES
FHWA-NHI-130079 Bridge Coatings Inspection
FHWA-NHI-130088 Bridge Construction Inspection
FHWA-NHI-130087 Bridge Inspection and Maintenance of Ancillary Highway Structures
FHWA-NHI-130054 Engineering Concepts for Bridge Inspectors
FHWA-NHI-130078 Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges
FHWA-NHI-130055 Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges
FHWA-NHI-130091 Underwater Bridge Inspection
FHWA-NHI-130060 Vessel Collision Design of Highway Bridges
To learn more about scheduling an NHI course, please visit the NHI website
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