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Railroad Bridge Inspection

When - Where

June 27-29, 2022

(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 ONLINE here.

OR:

Register by mail. Click here to download the brochure.

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.

INSTRUCTORS

Richard M. Bennett, Ph.D., P.E.

Richard M. Bennett is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where his specialty area is structural engineering. He has won numerous teaching awards. He has been teaching timber, steel, and concrete railroad bridge inspection for over 25 years. Dr. Bennett is a member of American Society of Civil Engineers. He is a licensed professional engineer in Tennessee.

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

Dr. Clarke, Research Professor and former 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. As a licensed civil engineer, Dr. Clarke prepares specifications and designs for railroad track construction and maintenance. He has taught railway related courses including this one, to college students and professionals since 1990. He is active in Railroad related design activities and knows the Industry standards for Design. He has taught internationally. He is active in railroad related committees of 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 BRIDGES

INTRODUCTION
  • 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 course registration of $875 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.

Register ONLINE here.

OR:

Register by mail. Click here to download the brochure.