Topic outline

  • Steel Bridge Design - Shop Drawings

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course on shop drawings in the FHWA Steel Bridges Handbook covers the importance of detailed and accurate shop drawings for steel bridge construction. Shop drawings are used to communicate the design intent to the fabricator, erector, and contractor, and include a range of drawings such as general arrangement drawings, camber diagrams, cross-frame and diaphragm details, and field bolt lists. The course explains the purpose and content of each type of drawing, as well as the specific details and requirements that need to be included for proper construction and assembly of the bridge. Also discussed are the unique challenges that arise with skewed bearing lines and staged construction, and provides guidance on how to address these challenges in the shop drawings. Finally, the course stresses the importance of collaboration between the detailer, fabricator, erector, and engineer to ensure a successful project outcome.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Shop Drawings
    • General Requirements for Shop Drawings
    • Fabricator's Detailing Procedures and Responsibilities
    • Review and Approval of Shop Drawings
    • Bridge Fabrication Plan
    • Fabrication Drawings for Steel Bridges
    • Calculation Plans or Work Sheets “WS”
    • Typical Details (“TD”)
    • General Notes (“GN”,”G”,”N”)
    • Camber and Web Splicing Drawings (“WC”,”C”,”BG”)
    • Flange Plate Curving & Splicing Diagram (“FS”,”FC”,”BG”)
    • Shop Assembly Diagrams (“SA” or “BD”)
    • Standard Detail Drawings (“X”, “M”)
    • Cross-frame and Diaphragm Details
    • Skewed Bearing Lines
    • Field Bolt List (“E” or Numbered sheet)

    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

    • Topic 1