Print this page FHWA Bridge Inspector's Manual Section 2.3 and 2.4—Bridge Materials (Metals and Masonry)
Mark P. Rossow, PhD, PE Retired
Course Outline
This five-hour online course discusses steel (fabrication, common shapes, properties, types of causes of deterioration, fatigue life, protective systems, and inspection procedures); cast iron, wrought iron, and aluminum (properties and types of causes of deterioration); and stone masonry (properties, mortar, construction methods, types of causes of deterioration, protective systems, and inspection procedures).
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Be familiar with common methods of steel member fabrication;
- Know common steel shapes used in bridge construction;
- Know types and causes of steel deterioration;
- Be cognizant of other causes of deterioration: temperature changes, chemical attack, moisture absorption, differential foundation movement;
- Know factors that influence fatigue life;
- Be familiar with protective systems for steel;
- Be familiar with inspection procedures for steel;
- Know physical and mechanical properties of steel;
- Be familiar with properties and types of other metals used for bridges: cast iron, wrought iron, and aluminum;
- Understand physical and mechanical properties of stone masonry;
- Understand stone masonry construction methods;
- Be familiar with the differences among rubble masonry, square-stone masonry, and ashlar masonry;
- Understand types and causes of stone masonry and mortar deterioration;
- Be familiar with protective systems for stone masonry; and
- Be familiar with inspection procedures for stone masonry.
Intended Audience
This course is intended primarily for civil, construction, and structural engineers, and would be of particular interest to consulting engineers or to engineers serving in government organizations concerned with the safety of bridges.
Benefit to Attendees
An attendee of this course will be familiar with the characteristics of steel and masonry materials as used in bridges and will be able to apply this knowledge while participating in bridge inspection programs.
Course Introduction
Steel is a widely used construction material for bridges due to its strength, relative ductility, and reliability. It is found in a variety of members on a large number of bridges. Therefore, the bridge inspector should be familiar with the various properties and types of steel. On the other hand, stone masonry is seldom used in new bridge construction today except as facing ornamentation However, many old stone bridges are still in use and require inspections. Granite, limestone, and sandstone are the most common types of stone that were used and are still seen today in bridges.
Course Content
This course is based on BIRM’s Section 2.3-4 (Bridge Materials-Steel and Stone Masonry)of the Federal Highway Administration Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual, Publication No. FHWA NHI 03-001, October, 2002, Revised December, 2006.
FHWA Bridge Inspector's Manual Section 2.3 and 2.4—Bridge Materials (Metals and Masonry)
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Course Summary
The characteristics of steel and masonry materials as they are used in bridge construction are described in a form useful for persons participating in bridge inspections.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/bripro.htm
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
