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7.49. Bridges and Structures (Mandatory)

7.49.1. Justification ↑ Back to top

Bridges and Structures introduces the fundamentals of bridge engineering, from conceptual planning and typology selection to the structural analysis and design of highway bridge superstructures and substructures according to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. Building on structural analysis and reinforced concrete design, students learn the basic site and design studies required for a bridge project, the loads and load combinations that govern bridge design, approximate and refined methods for analyzing slab-and-girder superstructures, and the flexural and shear design of reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, steel composite, and truss superstructure members. The course also covers the design of bridge bearings, abutments, and foundations, and closes with an introduction to road and bridge asset management, providing the design foundation required for professional practice in bridge engineering.

7.49.2. Generales Goals ↑ Back to top

1. Identify the basic studies, design specifications, aesthetic considerations, and typology-selection factors involved in a bridge project.
2. Determine the loads, load models, and load combinations that govern the design of highway bridges according to AASHTO LRFD.
3. Model and analyze bridge superstructures using refined and approximate methods for slab-and-girder systems.
4. Design reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, and steel composite bridge superstructure members for flexure and shear according to AASHTO LRFD.
5. Design truss bridge members subject to combined flexure and axial force, and design bridge bearings, abutments, and foundations.
6. Recognize the fundamentals of road and bridge asset management for the operation and preservation of highway infrastructure.

7.49.3. Contribution to Outcomes ↑ Back to top

ABET-1) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. (Usage)

ABET-2) An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. (Usage)

7.49.4. Content ↑ Back to top

7.49.4.1. Bridge Superstructure Design (36 hours) [Skills ABET-1,ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Barker and Puckett, 2013; AASHTO, 2020; Chen and Duan, 2014)

Topics

1. Bridge types, components, and structural systems
2. Load models and load combinations for bridge design
3. Concrete slab bridges and T-beam bridge design
4. Steel girder bridges and composite bridge deck design
5. Prestressed concrete girder bridges
6. Box girder and curved bridge analysis
7. Truss bridge design considerations for members under combined flexure and axial force

Learning Outcomes

1. Classify bridge types and select appropriate systems for given site conditions [Familiarity]
2. Apply AASHTO load models and determine critical load combinations [Usage]
3. Design reinforced concrete slab bridges and T-beam superstructures [Assessment]
4. Proportion steel girders and design composite deck systems [Assessment]
5. Analyze and design prestressed concrete girder bridges [Assessment]
6. Model box girder bridges and analyze curved alignment effects [Usage]
7. Design truss bridge members subject to combined flexo-tension and flexo-compression [Usage]

7.49.4.2. Bridge Substructure, Evaluation, and Special Systems (4 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Barker and Puckett, 2013; AASHTO, 2020)

Topics

1. Substructure design including abutments and piers
2. Cable-stayed and suspension bridge concepts
3. Bearings, expansion joints, and bridge deck details
4. Bridge load rating and evaluation procedures
5. Seismic design of bridges and isolation systems

Learning Outcomes

1. Design bridge abutments and piers for vertical and lateral loads [Usage]
2. Explain the structural behavior of cable-supported bridge systems [Familiarity]
3. Select and design bridge bearings and expansion joint systems [Assessment]
4. Perform load rating analysis for existing bridges [Usage]
5. Implement seismic design criteria for bridge structures [Assessment]

7.49.4.3. Road and Bridge Asset Management (2 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Hudson et al., 1997)

Topics

1. Inventory, inspection, and condition assessment of roads and bridges
2. Condition indices, deterioration models, and prioritization criteria for maintenance and rehabilitation programs
3. Life-cycle cost analysis and budgeting for road and bridge network preservation

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the fundamentals of an infrastructure asset management system for roads and bridges [Familiarity]
2. Apply condition indices and prioritization criteria to plan maintenance and rehabilitation actions for a road or bridge network [Usage]
3. Analyze life-cycle cost to budget preservation programs for road and bridge infrastructure [Assessment]

7.49.5. Bibliography ↑ Back to top

Barker, R. M. and Puckett, J. A. (2013). Design of Highway Bridges: An LRFD Approach. Wiley, 3rd edition.

AASHTO (2020). Aashto lrfd bridge design specifications. Technical report, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Chen, W.-F. and Duan, L., editors (2014). Bridge Engineering Handbook. CRC Press, 2nd edition.

Hudson, W. R., Haas, R., and Uddin, W. (1997). Infrastructure Management: Integrating Design, Construction, Maintenance, Rehabilitation, and Renovation. McGraw-Hill.