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Wael Guirguis

Students will learn the fundamentals of bridges Engineering. We will start by illustrating the different types of bridges and how to select the proper system for your bridge based on the understanding the pros and cons for each system. Then we will go in depth in clarifying the dead and live loads acting on any bridge and we will focus on the live loads calculations and the different cases of loading which are the most important part in the design. In order to make you understand better the concept and theories, we will have solved examples on each part of the course to show you step by step each part of the design process.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Bridge main elements
  • The different bridges classifications
  • Asd vs lfd design method
  • Lrfd - design method
  • Bridge diaphragms
  • Loads types
  • Loads definitions and combinations
  • Truck, tandem & lane load
  • Influence lines
  • Lever rule

Syllabus

Introduction
Course Content & Outlines
Bridge Definition
Bridge Elements
Read more
Bridges Classification
Bridge Classification By Span Length
Bridge Classification By Interspan Relation
Quiz 01
Quiz 01 Solution
Bridge Structural Forms
Different Bridges Structural Forms
Slab Bridges
Girder Bridges
Commonly Used Bridges Standard Sections
Voided Slabs (Precast Prestressed )
I-Girders (Precast Prestressed I-girders)
Box Girders (Precast Prestressed)
Shear Key For Box Girders Bridges
Box Girders (Cast-in-place Prestressed)
Design Philosophies for Highway Bridges
ASD Vs LFD Design Method
Load Resistance Factored Load (LRFD)
(LRFD) Design Equation
Diaphragms in Bridges
Bridge Diaphragms vs Building Diaphragms
Diaphram Requirements For Different Types of Bridges
Bridge Loads Definitions and Combinations
Strength Limit States
Service Limit States
Fatigue and Extreme Event Limit States
Different Loads Types
Load Combinations and Load Factors
Load Factors for Permanent Loads
Dead Loads on Bridges
Different Types of Dead Loads & Its Values
Example 01 - Dead Loads Calculation
Live Loads on Bridges
Design Lane Definition
Truck, Tandem & Lane Loads
Truck Load
HL - 93 System
Truck, Tandem & Lane Load - Load Combinations
Position of Live Load on Bridge
Influence Lines
Simple Span Bridge Equations
Multiple Presence Factor
Dynamic Load Allowance
Tire Contact Area
Lever Rule
Example 2 - Detailed Calculations of Live Loads
Example 2 - Part 01
Example 2 - Part 02
Example 2 - Part 03
Example 2 - Part 04
Example 2 - Part 05
Conclusion

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Concrete Bridges Design - Fundamentals with these activities:
Review Structural Analysis Principles
Reinforce your understanding of structural analysis principles, as these are fundamental to understanding how loads are distributed in bridge structures.
Browse courses on Structural Analysis
Show steps
  • Review your notes on structural analysis.
  • Work through practice problems on beam deflection.
  • Study influence lines for simple beams.
Study 'Concrete Bridge Designer's Manual'
Deepen your understanding of concrete bridge design by studying a comprehensive design manual.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the manual.
  • Review the chapters related to concrete bridge design.
  • Focus on the sections covering load distribution and reinforcement detailing.
Read 'Bridge Engineering: Design, Rehabilitation, and Maintenance of Modern Highway Bridges'
Gain a broader understanding of bridge engineering principles and practices by studying a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters related to load analysis and design.
  • Take notes on key concepts and design methodologies.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Calculate Live Loads Using AASHTO Specifications
Sharpen your skills in applying AASHTO specifications for calculating live loads on bridges, a critical aspect of bridge design.
Show steps
  • Obtain the latest AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
  • Work through example problems from the specification.
  • Verify your calculations with a bridge design software.
Create a Presentation on Bridge Load Combinations
Solidify your understanding of bridge load combinations by creating a presentation explaining the different load cases and their application.
Show steps
  • Research different load combinations for bridge design.
  • Prepare slides explaining each load case with examples.
  • Present the material to a peer or colleague.
Develop a Load Combination Spreadsheet
Create a spreadsheet tool to automate the process of generating load combinations according to LRFD specifications.
Show steps
  • Study LRFD load combination requirements.
  • Design the spreadsheet layout and formulas.
  • Test the spreadsheet with various load scenarios.
Design a Simple Span Concrete Bridge
Apply the knowledge gained in the course to design a simple span concrete bridge, reinforcing your understanding of the entire design process.
Show steps
  • Select a suitable bridge site and span length.
  • Determine the design loads based on AASHTO specifications.
  • Perform structural analysis and design of the bridge components.
  • Prepare design drawings and calculations.

Career center

Learners who complete Concrete Bridges Design - Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Bridge Engineer
A Bridge Engineer designs, inspects, and maintains bridge structures. This career involves analyzing structural loads, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring the safety and durability of bridges. This course helps those interested in becoming a Bridge Engineer by explaining fundamental concepts of bridge engineering. The course describes different bridge types, their pros and cons, and demonstrates how to select the proper system for a bridge. By clarifying the dead and live loads that impact bridges, and by focusing on live loads calculations and different cases of loading, this course provides a solid understanding of bridge design principles. The inclusion of solved examples on each part of the course enhances understanding of the design process.
Bridge Design Engineer
As a Bridge Design Engineer, your primary responsibility would revolve around creating and developing designs for new bridges or modifications to existing ones. This includes calculating structural loads, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This course may be critical to someone interested in becoming a Bridge Design Engineer. It introduces the fundamental principles of bridge engineering, covering various bridge types, their pros and cons, and the process of selecting the right system for a specific project. The course also delves into load calculations, including dead and live loads, and provides practical examples to enhance understanding of the design process.
Bridge Inspector
A Bridge Inspector examines and evaluates the condition of bridge structures to ensure their safety and structural integrity. This role involves conducting visual inspections, identifying defects, and recommending repairs or maintenance. This course helps those interested in becoming a Bridge Inspector as it provides foundational knowledge of bridge engineering principles. The course explains different bridge types, load calculations, and design considerations. This knowledge base is essential for recognizing potential issues during inspections and understanding the structural behavior of bridges. Familiarity with the concepts covered in the course enhances the effectiveness and accuracy of bridge inspections.
Structural Engineer
The role of a Structural Engineer involves designing and analyzing the structural integrity of various structures, including bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure. This career requires a deep understanding of load calculations, material properties, and structural design principles. This course may be useful as it provides a foundational understanding of bridge engineering. It explains different bridge types and details how to select the most suitable system. Additionally, the instruction on calculating dead and live loads, along with various loading scenarios, is relevant to the broader field of structural engineering. The course's solved examples further aid in grasping the practical aspects of structural design.
Structural Engineering Consultant
A Structural Engineering Consultant provides expert advice and services related to the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. This career often requires advanced knowledge and experience in structural analysis and design. This course may be useful for a Structural Engineering Consultant, as it provides a focused understanding of bridge engineering principles. This course explains different bridge types, load calculations, and design considerations, which can enhance a consultant's ability to provide informed recommendations on bridge-related projects. The course's practical examples are also valuable for reinforcing theoretical concepts.
Civil Engineer
A Civil Engineer plans, designs, and oversees the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects, including bridges, roads, and buildings. This role requires a broad understanding of engineering principles and project management skills. This course may be useful to those interested in becoming a Civil Engineer as it provides specialized knowledge in bridge design. The course describes different types of bridges and explains how to select the right system based on each type's advantages and disadvantages. The course's focus on dead and live loads and its coverage of load calculations, along with practical examples, will benefit any aspiring civil engineer working on bridge projects.
Highway Engineer
A Highway Engineer designs, plans, and oversees the construction and maintenance of highways and roadways. This career requires a strong understanding of traffic flow, pavement design, and safety standards. Given that bridges are integral parts of highway systems, this course helps those interested in becoming a Highway Engineer. It provides specialized knowledge in bridge design, including various bridge types and their selection criteria. The course's focus on dead and live loads and its coverage of load calculations, along with practical examples, are useful for any aspiring highway engineer working on projects involving bridges. The course's content will help one coordinate effectively with bridge engineers.
Municipal Engineer
A Municipal Engineer plans, designs, and manages public works projects within a city or town, including roads, bridges, water systems, and wastewater treatment facilities. This role requires a broad understanding of civil engineering principles and local regulations. Since bridges are a common component of municipal infrastructure, this course may be useful for Municipal Engineers. Learning the fundamentals of bridge design covered in this course, including different bridge types, load calculations, and design considerations, can help municipal engineers effectively oversee bridge projects. A solid grasp of these concepts ensures that bridge construction and maintenance align with community needs and safety standards.
Quality Control Engineer
A Quality Control Engineer ensures that products and processes meet established quality standards. In the context of bridge construction, this role involves inspecting materials, monitoring construction activities, and verifying compliance with design specifications. This course may be useful for a Quality Control Engineer working on bridge projects. Understanding the fundamental principles of bridge design and construction covered in this course provides a valuable framework for assessing the quality of work. Familiarity with bridge types, load calculations, and design considerations enhances the effectiveness of quality control inspections and testing.
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on time, and within budget. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. While this course focuses on the engineering aspects of bridge design, it may still be useful for a Construction Manager involved in bridge projects. The course helps someone in construction management familiarize themselves with bridge types, load calculations, and design principles. The course will also help a construction manager communicate more effectively with engineers and other technical staff.
CAD Technician
A CAD Technician creates technical drawings and models using computer-aided design software. This role involves working closely with engineers and architects to develop detailed representations of structures and systems. This course may be useful for a CAD Technician who supports bridge engineering projects. The course introduces the fundamental principles of bridge design and engineering. This overview of bridge types, structural elements, and load calculations helps CAD Technicians create more accurate and informed drawings. An understanding of the concepts presented in the course enhances the overall quality and efficiency of CAD work on bridge projects.
Research Engineer
A Research Engineer conducts studies and experiments to develop new engineering technologies and solutions. This career often requires advanced degrees (such as a master's or PhD) and a strong background in mathematics and science. The fundamentals of bridge engineering provided in this course may be useful to a Research Engineer who specializes in structural or transportation engineering. Bridge types, design equations, and load calculation methods are all discussed The course provides a solid foundation for conducting research aimed at improving bridge design, construction, and maintenance practices.
Transportation Planner
A Transportation Planner develops strategies and plans for efficient and safe transportation systems, including roadways, public transit, and pedestrian infrastructure. This career involves analyzing traffic patterns, forecasting future transportation needs, and developing solutions to improve mobility. This course may be useful for a Transportation Planner who works on projects involving bridge infrastructure. Understanding bridge design principles, load calculations, and different bridge types can help with incorporating bridges effectively into broader transportation plans. The course's overview of bridge systems and design considerations provides valuable context for transportation planning decisions.
Sustainability Engineer
A Sustainability Engineer focuses on developing and implementing environmentally friendly and sustainable engineering solutions. This career involves assessing the environmental impact of projects and finding ways to minimize their footprint. This course may be useful for a Sustainability Engineer who is working on bridge projects. The course provides a broad overview of bridge design and construction practices, which can help engineers identify opportunities to incorporate sustainable materials and methods. An understanding of the fundamentals of bridge engineering is very useful for promoting sustainable bridge infrastructure.
Geotechnical Engineer
The job of a Geotechnical Engineer involves investigating subsurface conditions and material properties to assess the stability of soil and rock for construction projects. They provide recommendations for foundation design, earthwork, and other geotechnical aspects of construction. While this course is primarily focused on structural bridge design, it may be useful to a Geotechnical Engineer working on bridge projects. Understanding the loads and structural requirements of bridges can help inform geotechnical investigations and design recommendations. Knowledge of bridge types and design considerations provides valuable context for geotechnical engineers.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Concrete Bridges Design - Fundamentals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of bridge engineering, covering design, rehabilitation, and maintenance aspects. It valuable resource for understanding the practical considerations involved in bridge design and construction. It is useful as a reference tool for design standards and best practices. It also provides more depth on topics covered in the course.

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