April 30, 2019 2:00 pm
Free manual and training opportunity!
A “Bridge Geometry Manual” has been developed as a resource for bridge engineers and CAD technicians. In nine chapters, the manual presents the basics of roadway geometry and many of the calculations required to define the geometry and associated dimensions of bridges. A simple log-in to the PCI website is all that is needed to download these free resources. This manual and course are not linked to any software tool. Four instructor-led training (ILT) courses are being developed to facilitate the use of the Bridge Geometry Manual. The target audience for the Bridge Geometry Manual and ILT courses is bridge engineers with two or less years of experience and CAD technicians who have not had previous training in roadway and bridge geometry. There is no cost to enroll in and complete any of these courses or to download the new manual.
Part 1 - Fundamentals of Roadway Geometry (T505)
April 16, 2019 at 2:00 PM Eastern
Fundamental to establishing bridge geometry and the resulting geometry and dimensions of bridges is the ability to work with roadway geometry provided by highway designers. Terminology used in roadway geometry is discussed. The three primary aspects of roadway geometry (horizontal alignment, vertical profile, and cross section super elevations) are presented in this course. Stationing along horizontal alignments is also defined. Mathematical formulae and graphical representations are presented to define these three primary aspects, along with worked example problems.
Part 2 - Working with Horizontal Alignments (T510)
April 30, 2019 at 2:00 PM Eastern time
Locating points along or offset from a horizontal alignment is necessary to defining bridge geometry. This course presents a vector-based approach to locating the North and East coordinates of point defined by a horizontal alignment. The vector-based approach was taken as it closely follows the way CAD software is used. Vector solutions are presented for 1) Locating points on tangent runs and circular curves, 2) Locating points offset from tangent runs and circular curves, and 3) Project points onto a tangent run or circular curve.
Part 3 - Geometry of Straight Bridges (T515)
May 14, 2019 at 2:00 PM Eastern time
The third course begins by introducing terminology common to bridges elements. The material presented in the first two courses is then used to define the geometry of straight bridges. Concepts of skew crossings and the impact on bridge geometry are presented. Haunches that are cast over girders along with the bridge deck are defined. Factors effecting haunch thickness are defined using mathematical equations, which are demonstrated through examples. Substructure geometry in the form of top of bearing seat elevations is presented. Example problems are used to reinforce the information presented.
Part 4 - Curved Bridge Geometry (T520)
May 28, 2019 at 2:00 PM Eastern time
This course advances the approach to bridge geometry developed for straight bridges to curved bridges. The geometry of curved bridges using both straight, chorded girders and curved girders is presented. The geometry of two curved bridge types (precast segmental box girders and curved u-girders) is introduced and an approach to computing their geometry is outlined.
Background on Training
This document was created by a team of subject matter experts (SMEs) directed by John Corven, P.E. of Corven Engineering Inc., the Lead SME. The team was engaged in each stage of development. At the final draft, the PCI Committee on Bridges was balloted. Lastly, the PCI Technical Activities Council was balloted. All comments resulting from these reviews were reconciled to the satisfaction of the reviewers. Mr. Corven has now developed four companion courses based on the approved document and PCI is excited to share this information.