Railroad Bridge Inspection

When - Where

May 19-21, 2025

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

Register and pay with TTAP's ProClass registration system here.

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

REGISTRATION

The course registration of $925 includes course materials and refreshments. Registration fees must be received at least two weeks prior to workshop to guarantee your place in the class. Attendees are responsible for meals and lodging. Registrants will be provided information on available lodging in the course vicinity.

Please register here.