Bridge Advanced Reconnaissance Course - (BARC)

Introduction
The moving of heavy loads from point A to point B is likely to encounter man-made or natural water crossings. It is likely that in remote areas, the structures in place for these crossings have not been assessed. Bridge reconnaissance is needed and can be executed by completing the following steps:
 
1. Prioritize bridges for detailed assessments
2. Collect data on bridges in order of priority:  
 

• Local Authorities
• Onsite reconnaissance, documenting dimensions and condition

3. Assess

• Condition
• Load Capacity
• Need for repairs or upgrade

4. Final Recommendations
 
The Basic Bridge Recon Class introduces the students to the basic bridge concepts necessary to tackle the first two items above, focusing on bridge reconnaissance enabling the student to be able to collect structure data adequately.
 
The last two items are the focus of the proposed Advanced Bridge Recon Class. In the advanced class, the students will perform field and classroom exercises that will enhance their ability not only to perform field reconnaissance, but to evaluate, perform military load ratings, and make recommendations based on assessed bridge conditions.
 
 
Advanced Bridge Reconnaissance Class
 
A follow-up course to the basic class, this three-day Advanced Bridge Recon Class focuses on bridge reconnaissance and Military Load Classification.  After a brief review, the student will apply the concepts taught in the basic class to perform reconnaissance exercises in nearby structures. Structural mechanics concepts (loading, capacity, distribution factors, and effective number of stringers), first introduced in the basic class, will be further explored.
 
By attending the advanced class, the student will master the two primary Military Load Classification methods (expedient and analytical) and understand their accuracy and desirability. After performing field reconnaissance exercises and carrying out the required computations for a few bridge types (steel, R/C, P/S concrete, and truss bridges), the student will also master the skills necessary to assess damaged bridges, assign the proper condition (GOOD, FAIR, POOR, and CRITICAL), and recommend the most appropriate solution (close, repair/upgrade, post, replace, etc.) Key components of this class are field work and hands-on exercises, which are intended to generate discussion among working teams and the entire classroom once the students’ findings are compared with others’ and/or the instructors’ class solutions.
 
Key Differences
 
Whereas the basic class focuses on the introduction of basic bridge concepts, the advanced class focuses on mastering bridge reconnaissance and military load classification. The first class is not a requirement to take the advanced course; however, students who have attended the basic class will have the opportunity to test their understanding on the first day of the Advanced Bridge Recon Class during a field reconnaissance exercise. The advanced class also offers the opportunity of discussion through group exercises and the comparison of the students’s findings and results with the instructor’s.