Inspection and Evaluation of Bridge Piers & Bents
Credits: 2 PDH
PDH Course Description:
The Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual (BIRM) is a comprehensive manual on programs, procedures, and techniques for inspecting and evaluating a variety of in-service highway bridges. BIRM serves as the basis of a comprehensive National Highway Institute training program in bridge-safety inspection. The present course is based on BIRM’s Section 10.2, Pier and Bents. The course defines various pier and bent types—solid shaft piers, column piers, column piers with web walls, cantilever or hammerhead piers, column bents, and pile bents. Typical materials used, pier and bent elements, foundation types, and pier protection methods are described. Inspection procedures for identifying vertical, lateral, and rotational movement of piers and bents are presented, as well as for identifying material defects and scour. Inspection procedures for dolphins and fenders are included.Topics:
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:- Design characteristics of piers and bents
- Inspection procedures and locations for piers and bents
To take this course:
1.) Enroll in Course:(must be logged into your user account)
2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course
Download the Study Guide
3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.
Take the final exam
4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.
Print the Certificate of Completion
Intended Audience: 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.
Publication Source: US DOT (Federal Highway Administration)
Print the Certificate of Completion
Intended Audience: 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.
Publication Source: US DOT (Federal Highway Administration)
Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)