Topic outline

  • Inspection and Evaluation of Timber Bridge Components

    Credits: 4 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 2.1, Bridge Materials – Timber, and discusses 1) basic shapes used in timber bridge construction, 2) physical and mechanical properties of timber, 3) timber grading, 4) types and causes of timber deterioration, 5) protective systems, and 6) inspection procedures.

    Topics:

    • Round, rectangular, and built-up cross sections of timber members
    • Timber classification, timber grading, growth features, and moisture content
    • Orthotropic behavior, fatigue characteristics, impact resistance, and creep characteristics
    • Visual and mechanical stress grading
    • Natural defects
    • Deterioration caused by fungi, insects, marine borers, and chemical attack
    • Other types and sources of deterioration
    • Protective coating failure
    • Types and characteristics of wood protectants
    • Visual and physical examination

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:


    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 maintenance of bridges.
    Publication Source: US DOT (Federal Highway Administration)


    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)

    • Topic 1