Topic outline

  • FHWA Bridge Inspections: Substructures - Abutments and Wingwalls

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course is based on Section 10.1 (Inspection and Evaluation of Bridge Substructures, Abutments and Wingwalls) of the FHWA Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual. 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 10.1, Abutments and Wingwalls. The course defines various abutment types-full height, open, integral, and some less common types. Typical materials used, abutment elements, and foundation types are described. Inspection procedures for identifying vertical, lateral, and rotational movement are presented, as well as for identifying material defects and scour. Geometrical and construction-based classifications of wingwalls are given, and inspection procedures for wingwalls are listed that are similar to the procedures for abutments.

    Topics:

    This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
    • Design characteristics of abutments
    • Inspection procedures and locations for abutments
    • Design characteristics of wingwalls
    • Inspection procedures and locations for wingwalls

    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)


    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)
    • Topic 1