FHWA Bridge Inspector’s Manual—Primer on Bridge Components and Elements

Mark P. Rossow, PhD, PE Retired

Course Outline

This two-hour online course discusses major bridge components; basic member shapes (timber, concrete, iron, and steel); and connections (pin, riveted, bolted, and welded); and types, purpose, functioning, and materials of decks, superstructures, bearings, and substructures.

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 major bridge components;
• Know basic member shapes;
• Know connections;
• Know decks;
• Be familiar with superstructures;
• Be familiar with bearings;
• Be cognizant of the factors affecting substructure; and
• Be aware of the types, functions, and materials of major bridge components.

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 bridge components and element and will be able to apply this knowledge in bridge inspections.

Course Introduction

The bridge inspector should be familiar with the terminology and elementary theory of bridge mechanics and materials. This topic presents the terminology needed by inspectors to properly identify and describe the individual elements that comprise a bridge. First the major components of a bridge are introduced. Then the basic member shapes and connections of the bridge are presented. Finally, the purpose and function of the major bridge components are described in detail.

Course Content

This course is based on the Basics Concepts Primer section, pp. P.1.1-P.1.56, 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—Primer on Bridge Components and Elements

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Course Summary

The characteristics of bridge components and element 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.

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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.

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