Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program

Railroad Bridge Inspection

Railroad Bridge Inspection

When – Where

May 19-21, 2025

PDHs AVAILABLE

15 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) can be granted for this course.

(8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
ORNL Hardin Valley Campus 2nd floor meeting room
2360 Cherahala Blvd.
Knoxville, TN  37932
Tel: 865-946-1500 for directions

Map

WHAT THIS IS ABOUT

This 2-and-a-half-day class covers the construction and behavior of Timber, Steel and Concrete Bridges. Topics of instruction will include component function and behavior, common problems and failure modes, techniques and practices for bridge inspection. All aspects of bridge superstructure and substructure are covered. Plus, the participant will learn to identify routine maintenance requirements and how to perform common repairs. No engineering experience is necessary.

After this course you will be able to:

  • Classify the different parts of a bridge using the appropriate terminology
  • Discuss the different types of bridges and the features of each type
  • Explain the effects of waterways on bridges, including scour
  • Describe the behavior of different materials used in bridges, including timber, steel, and concrete
  • List the different failure modes of bridge members, and the consequences of failure
  • Establish an inspection procedure for a bridge
  • List basic maintenance and repair procedures.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Persons having bridge inspection and maintenance responsibilities at shortline, regional, and Class I railroads; railroad contractors and consultants; and state and local government officials associated with railroad operation, finance, and regulation will find this workshop beneficial.

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Jennifer Retherford, P.E.
Dr. Jennifer Retherford, P.E., joined the University of Tennessee faculty in 2012 and has served as a teaching faculty, supporting structural engineering courses as well as the Senior Design Project course. Jenny’s role as the senior design professor at UT allows a unique opportunity to interact with all undergraduate students and the surrounding professional community, a privilege which makes the course a practical experience for soon-to-be graduates. She serves as a Mentor and Demo Provider for the ASCE ExCEEd Teaching Workshop every summer, sharing her passion with new faculty. She contributes to research related to engineering education specifically focused on project based learning and pedagogy for new professors. She maintains her Tennessee Professional Engineers license and appreciates all opportunities to engage in our civil engineering professional community.

David B. Clarke, Ph.D., P.E.

Dr. Clarke, formerly Director of the University of Tennessee’s Center for Transportation, brings nearly 40 years of experience encompassing a variety of railroad design, inspection, research and education activities. He has taught railway related courses including this one, to college students and professionals since 1990. Dr. Clarke is well versed in the Federal Track Safety Standards covered in this course, and is frequently engaged as an expert to assess track conditions. As a licensed civil engineer, Dr. Clarke prepares specifications and designs for railroad track construction and maintenance. He is active in railroad related committees of AREMA, ASCE and TRB. Dr. Clarke is well versed in the Federal Track Safety Standards covered in this course, and is frequently engaged as an expert to assess track conditions. As a licensed civil engineer, Dr. Clarke prepares specifications and designs for railroad track construction and maintenance. He is a licensed civil engineer in South Carolina and Tennessee and is active in AREMA, ASCE and TRB.

AGENDA

Day 1
(Workshop begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m.)

PART A: TIMBER BRIDGES INTRODUCTION

  • Terminology
  • Materials
  • Components
  • Loadings

WOOD MECHANICS

  • Properties of wood
  • Behavior of wood
  • Wood deterioration
  • Species and grades
  • Wood connectors

LOAD RATING

BRIDGE INSPECTION METHODS

  • Visual
  • Non-destructive testing

BRIDGE INSPECTION

  • Organization
  • Records
  • Frequency
  • Deck/Timber
  • Substructure
  • Details

Day 2
(Workshop begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m.)

PART A: TIMBER BRIDGES (CONT.)

MAINTENANCE & REHABILITATION

  • Deck, Open/Ballast
  • Walkways/Railings
  • Stringers
  • Caps
  • Piles and Posts
  • Substructure

PART B: STEEL BRIDGESINTRODUCTION

  • Terminology
  • Materials
  • Components
  • Loadings

PROPERTIES OF STEEL
LOADS AND RATING
FATIGUE AND CORROSION
FASTENERS
BRIDGE COMPONENTS AND TYPES

  • Decks
  • Rolled Beam Bridges
  • Deck Plate Girders
  • Floor Systems
  • Through Plate Girders
  • Trusses

Day 3
(Workshop begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m.)

PART B: STEEL BRIDGES (CONT.)

BRIDGE INSPECTION

  • Frequency
  • Substructure
  • Details
  • Piers & Abutments

MAINTENANCE & REHABILITATION

PART C: CONCRETE BRIDGES

INTRODUCTION

  • Terminology
  • Materials
  • Components

CONCRETE DETERIORATION
BRIDGE COMPONENTS AND TYPES

  • Reinforced Concrete Bridges
  • Prestressed Concrete Bridges
  • Abutments and Piers
  • Masonry Arches

REGISTRATION

The registration fee for this workshop is $925 for all participants. This fee includes printed course materials, beverages, and snacks. Enrollment for this workshop is limited to 40 participants. Please register early to ensure your participation. Full payment of registration fees must be received at least two weeks prior to the workshop to guarantee your seat in the class.

Attendees are responsible for all meals and lodging.

Please register here.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Due to schedule and travel commitments from our instructors, staff members, and training facilities, the registration fee is not refundable if a registrant withdraws less than 48 hours before the workshop. If you cannot attend, you may send a substitute participant to the workshop at no additional cost (please notify us in advance if possible). This workshop may be canceled due to low enrollment. If this situation occurs, TTAP will provide notification of cancellation due to low enrollment at least 48 hours before the scheduled start of the workshop, and all pre-paid registration fees will be refunded in full or applied to another scheduled workshop. If the workshop must be cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather or other circumstances beyond our control, TTAP will provide notification to all registered participants at the earliest possible time.