Topic outline

  • Steel Bridge Design - Bracing Systems

    Credits: 8 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Bracing systems serve a number of important roles in both straight and horizontally curved bridges. The braces provide stability to the primary girders as well as improving the lateral or torsional stiffness and strength of the bridge system both during construction and in service. Depending on the geometry of the bridge, braces may be designated as either primary or secondary members. This course provides an overview of the design requirements of the braces so that engineers can properly size the members to provide adequate strength and stiffness.

    In some situations during construction, the removal of one or more of these bracing members could potentially result in a partial or total collapse of the structure due to instabilities that can develop as a result of the larger unbraced lengths that result from the removal of these members. In cases such as these, the design engineer must recognize the importance of the bracing and design the members accordingly despite their designation as secondary members.

    Topics:

    • Torsional Behavior of Open and Closed Girders
    • Lateral Torsional Buckling
    • Categories of Bracing
    • Bracing of I-Girders
    • General Requirements
    • Cross-Frame Spacing and Proportions
    • Top and Bottom Flange Lateral Systems
    • Cross-Frame Forces in Horizontally Curved Girders

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (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 transportation, structural, civil, construction, and hydraulic engineers.
    Publication Source: US FHWA

    Donald Parnell, PE

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