Topic outline

  • Steel Bridges- Redundancy in Design

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Redundancy is “the quality of a bridge that enables it to perform its design function in a damaged state” and it is considered a desirable characteristic of good design. The consideration of redundancy affects the design, fabrication and in-service inspection of steel bridge members, especially when they are classified as a "fracture critical member" (a steel tension member whose failure would potentially cause collapse).

    This course provides engineers with an explanation of redundancy and how it affects the design, fabrication, inspection, and management of steel girder bridges.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Redundancy
    • Redundancy Classifications
    • Load-Path. Structural, Internal Redundancy
    • Non-redundant Steel Tension Members
    • Fracture Control
    • Materials and Fabrication
    • Fracture Control for Non-redundant Steel Bridge Members
    • Identification of FCMs for Design
    • In-Service Inspection
    • System Redundant Member
    • Quantifying Redundancy
    • Redundancy in Design
    • Redundancy in Evaluation
    • Analysis Requirements
    • Enhancing Redundancy
    • Design of New Bridges
    • Rating and Retrofit of Existing Bridges

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
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    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.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: for structural, bridge, transportation, civil, and construction engineers.
    Publication Source: US FHWA

    Donald Parnell, PE
    • Topic 2