Overview

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We delve into the substructure, the crucial support system holding the bridge deck. You'll learn to design piers, the pillars taking the bridge's weight, and abutments providing support at the ends. Analyzing forces acting on these structures and designing them for strength and stability, even during earthquakes, is a key focus. Different pier designs and bearing systems that transfer the bridge's weight to the ground will be explored. Moving underground, you'll tackle foundation engineering - the bridge's cornerstone. We explore different foundation types, from shallow ones for good soil conditions to deep pile foundations for weak soils or heavy bridges. Understanding how soil properties influence the foundation design is crucial. The course equips you to design pile foundations, including selecting the right type, analyzing their load capacity, and ensuring their stability under varying conditions. Well foundations, suitable for deep water or weak soil, will also be covered. But building a bridge isn't just about initial construction. This course emphasizes the importance of monitoring and maintaining bridges throughout their lifespan. You'll learn how engineers use various methods to keep an eye on bridges during construction to identify and address potential issues early on. This includes installing sensors to track the bridge's behavior after construction, allowing for data-driven maintenance decisions. The course covers periodic inspections using visual and specialized techniques to detect problems. You'll learn about routine maintenance tasks like replacing bearings and expansion joints, crucial for ensuring the bridge's long-term functionality. Even bridge widening to accommodate changing traffic needs will be explored. Finally, the course culminates with a fascinating look at bridge construction through real-world case studies. You'll explore how different bridge types are brought to life, from pre-stressed concrete to awe-inspiring cable-stayed bridges. Examining specific construction methods used for each type, such as segmental construction and the impressive balanced cantilever method for achieving large spans, will give you insights into the engineering ingenuity behind these marvels of modern infrastructure. By completing this course, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the unseen but critical world that supports bridges. This knowledge is valuable for a career in bridge engineering, construction, or any field where understanding foundations and construction methods is important.

Syllabus

Sub-structure

This module dives deep into the foundation of bridges! We'll explore various substructure systems, from the cantilever piers that support the bridge deck to abutments. You'll learn the intricacies of designing cantilever piers, understanding their load-bearing capacity and ensuring their stability. We'll delve into different pier types like portal piers, and explore various bearing systems that transfer the bridge's weight to the ground. The module covers pedestals and seismic restrainers, crucial components for keeping the bridge stable during earthquakes. By the end, you'll gain ability to design piers and other substructure systems.

Foundation

This module tackles the critical underground support system for bridges. We'll explore various foundation types, from open foundations to pile foundations for deeper support needs. You'll delve into geotechnical considerations, understanding how soil properties influence foundation design. We'll cover the design process for pile foundations, including pile types, capacity analysis, and ensuring their stability under different load scenarios. Well foundations, suitable for deep water or weak soil, will also be explored. By the end, you'll gain the knowledge to design safe and secure foundations, the cornerstone of any enduring bridge structure.

Inspection, Monitoring and Maintenance of Bridges

In this module we'll explore how bridges are monitored during construction to identify potential issues early on. You'll learn about installing sensors to track the bridge's behavior after construction, allowing for data-driven maintenance decisions. The module covers periodic inspections using visual and specialized techniques to detect problems. We'll delve into routine maintenance tasks like replacing bearings and expansion joints, crucial for bridge longevity. Even bridge widening to accommodate changing traffic needs will be explored. By understanding these practices, you'll be able to practice measures for bridge monitoring that keep our bridges reliable and safe.

Case Studies and Bridge Erection Methods

In this module, we'll explore some bridge projects, from concept to completion. You'll learn about different bridge types in action, including pre-stressed and post-tensioned I-girder bridges, majestic steel truss bridges, and modern marvels like balanced cantilever and cable-stayed bridges. We'll delve into the specific construction methods used for each type, like segmental construction for pre-stressed I-girder bridges and the impressive balanced cantilever method for achieving large spans. You'll even explore the intricacies of cable-stayed bridge construction. Through real-world case studies, you'll gain a holistic understanding of how these bridges are brought to life, showcasing the engineering ingenuity.