Summary: | The objective of this course is to train participants on the behavior of steel and concrete girder bridges during construction and teach them to identify vulnerabilities and engineering methods to investigate the structure's strength and stability at each critical stage. This is done within the practical context of engineering, development, verification, and/or review of erection plans.
Starting with basic structural stability principles, course participants are introduced to stability analysis methods and how they should be applied to properly engineer a bridge erection plan. The role of both permanent and temporary bracing in achieving structural stability is covered, and methods for bracing design presented. Behavior and design considerations for construction phases are provided through presentation of case studies, demonstrations, design examples, and guided walk-throughs. The impacts of construction practices, means, and methods are explored and demonstrated.
During bridge erection, the member support conditions, loads, stresses, strength, and stability are affected by the erection practices such as lifting, installation of bracing, bearing conditions, temporary supports, and placing sequence. Deck placing equipment, overhang brackets and staging can also have significant effects on girder stability. Thus, this course presents information on construction practices as it relates to these considerations.
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Learning Outcomes: | Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
• Explain the fundamentals of stability theory and how they affect bridge strength and performance during construction
• Describe the differences between local, girder, and system (global) stability limit states
• Recognize the potential for stability-related failures that have occurred in past bridges and how to effectively avoid similar results
• Select loads, load combinations, and factors that are appropriate for the construction plan verification
• Explain common techniques for evaluating the stability of bridge member and components
• Choose an appropriate advanced stability analysis for a critical construction stage where stability is in question
• Describe the role of bracing and shoring and how to use for providing stability
• Assess procedures and details for a construction plan that will be safe and economical
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