FHWA Bridge Inspector's Manual Sections 8.3-5—Steel Superstructures - a PDH Online Course for Engineers, Architects and Surveyors

FHWA Bridge Inspector's Manual Sections 8.3-5—Steel Superstructures

Course Outline

This three-hour online course discusses design characteristics, common defects, inspection procedures and locations, and evaluation of steel two-girder systems; pin and hanger assemblies; and steel box girders.

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 design characteristics for two-girder systems, pin and hanger assemblies, and steel box girders;
Know the significance of cracks of various types and locations;
Be able to identify primary and secondary members;
Understand the function of stiffeners;
Be acquainted with common defects;
Recognize the actions of forces in a pin—design vs. actual;
Be familiar with pin retrofits;
Know fatigue prone details; and
Be cognizant of fracture critical members.

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 two-girder systems, pin and hanger assemblies, and steel box girders and will be able to apply this knowledge in bridge inspections.

Course Introduction

It is important for bridge inspectors to be familiar with steel two-girder bridges and box-girder bridges because these types of bridges are widely used in both simple and continuous spans and on curved bridges. Pin and hanger connections are common details with steel two-girder bridges and present important problems that should be known by bridge inspectors.

Course Content

This course is based on BIRM’s Section 8.3-5 (Common Steel Superstructures) 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 Sections 8.3-5—Steel Superstructures

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Course Summary

The characteristics of the characteristics of steel two-girder systems, pin and hanger assemblies, and steel box girders are described in a manner useful for conducting inspection of concrete bridges.

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.