In the globalized world of civil engineering, proficiency in diverse international design codes is paramount for bridge engineers seeking to work on cutting-edge projects and ensure structural integrity across varied regulatory landscapes. Advanced Bridge Design Using Eurocodes and AASHTO Standards provides a critical comparative and in-depth understanding of the two most widely adopted bridge design specifications worldwide, enabling engineers to confidently navigate the complexities of both European and North American design philosophies. This comprehensive training course is designed to equip bridge professionals with the theoretical knowledge and practical application skills to perform advanced design calculations, understand the nuances of load combinations, material specifications, and detailing requirements under both Eurocodes (specifically EN 1990, EN 1991, EN 1992, EN 1993, EN 1994, EN 1997, EN 1998) and the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. Without a thorough grasp of Advanced Bridge Design Using Eurocodes and AASHTO Standards, engineers risk limiting their professional opportunities, encountering design inefficiencies, and potentially compromising safety in international projects, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Bridge Design Engineers
• Structural Engineers working on bridge projects
• Civil Engineers involved in infrastructure design
• Consultants and Contractors engaged in international bridge projects
• Technical Reviewers and Approving Authorities
• Academics and Researchers in bridge engineering
• Postgraduate Students in civil/structural engineering
• Professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of international design codes
• Software developers for bridge design applications
• Project Managers overseeing bridge design teams

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental philosophies and principles of Eurocodes and AASHTO LRFD.
• Learn to apply load models and combinations according to both standards.
• Acquire skills in designing concrete bridge elements (beams, slabs, piers) using EN 1992 and AASHTO.
• Comprehend techniques for designing steel bridge components (girders, connections) using EN 1993 and AASHTO.
• Explore strategies for seismic design of bridges under EN 1998 and AASHTO.
• Understand the importance of geotechnical design for foundations using EN 1997 and AASHTO.
• Gain insights into composite bridge design according to EN 1994 and AASHTO.
• Develop a practical understanding of serviceability and ultimate limit state checks.
• Master detailing requirements and construction considerations for both codes.
• Acquire skills in comparing and contrasting design approaches between the two standards.
• Learn to utilize relevant design software in accordance with both codes.
• Comprehend techniques for bridge bearing and expansion joint design.
• Explore strategies for fatigue design under Eurocodes and AASHTO.
• Understand the importance of design documentation and reporting for both standards.
• Develop the ability to critically evaluate design methodologies from different codes.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Bridge Design Codes: Eurocodes vs. AASHTO LRFD

• Overview of the Eurocode system (EN 1990 to EN 1999) and its application to bridges.
• Introduction to AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications: philosophy and structure.
• Key differences and similarities in design philosophy (e.g., partial factors, load factors).
• The concept of Limit State Design (LSD) in both codes.
• Global application and acceptance of each standard.

Module 2: Basis of Design and Actions on Structures (EN 1990 & EN 1991 / AASHTO Section 3)

• Eurocode EN 1990: Basis of structural design and reliability management.
• Eurocode EN 1991 (Parts 1-1, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 2): Actions on structures (dead, live, wind, thermal, seismic, accidental).
• AASHTO LRFD Section 3: Loads and Load Factors (dead, live, wind, seismic, thermal, vehicular).
• Load combinations for Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Serviceability Limit State (SLS) in both codes.
• Dynamic load allowance and impact factors.

Module 3: Concrete Bridge Design: General Principles (EN 1992-1-1 / AASHTO Section 5)

• Material properties of concrete and reinforcing steel in both codes.
• Design for flexure and shear in reinforced concrete sections.
• Torsion design and detailing.
• Crack control and deflection limits (SLS checks).
• Detailing requirements for reinforcement.

Module 4: Concrete Bridge Design: Specific Bridge Elements (EN 1992-2 / AASHTO Section 5)

• Design of concrete bridge decks (slab, T-beam, box girder).
• Design of bridge piers and abutments.
• Prestressing principles and design of prestressed concrete members.
• Segmental concrete bridge design considerations.
• Shear keys and connections in precast concrete elements.

Module 5: Steel Bridge Design: General Principles (EN 1993-1-1 / AASHTO Section 6)

• Material properties of structural steel in both codes.
• Design for tension, compression, and flexure in steel members.
• Shear and torsion design of steel plate girders.
• Local buckling and global stability considerations.
• Fatigue design principles for steel bridges.

Module 6: Steel Bridge Design: Specific Bridge Elements (EN 1993-2 / AASHTO Section 6)

• Design of steel plate girders and box girders.
• Design of steel truss members and connections.
• Bolted and welded connection design.
• Erection analysis and temporary works considerations.
• Detailing for fabrication and constructability.

Module 7: Composite Bridge Design (EN 1994-2 / AASHTO Section 6)

• Principles of composite action between steel and concrete.
• Design of shear connectors.
• Flexural and shear design of composite beams.
• Serviceability limit state checks for composite bridges.
• Construction sequence analysis for composite bridges.

Module 8: Geotechnical Design of Foundations (EN 1997-1 / AASHTO Section 10)

• Geotechnical investigation and soil parameters for design.
• Design of shallow foundations (spread footings).
• Design of deep foundations (piles, drilled shafts).
• Lateral loading on foundations and group effects.
• Retaining structures for bridge approaches.

Module 9: Seismic Design of Bridges (EN 1998-2 / AASHTO Section 3 & 4)

• Seismic hazard assessment and ground motion parameters.
• Seismic analysis methods: equivalent static, response spectrum, time history.
• Design for ductility and capacity design principles.
• Seismic isolation and energy dissipation devices.
• Detailing for seismic resistance.

Module 10: Bridge Bearings and Expansion Joints

• Types of bridge bearings (elastomeric, pot, spherical, roller).
• Design considerations for bearing capacity, movements, and rotations.
• Selection and design of expansion joints.
• Installation and maintenance aspects of bearings and joints.
• Detailing requirements for bearing and joint interfaces.

Module 11: Fatigue Design of Bridges

• Introduction to fatigue phenomena in bridge materials (steel, concrete).
• Load models for fatigue assessment in EN 1993-1-9, EN 1992-1-1, and AASHTO.
• Stress range calculation and fatigue resistance curves.
• Fatigue details and their classification.
• Inspection and maintenance considerations for fatigue.

Module 12: Serviceability Limit State (SLS) Checks

• Deflection limits and control for various bridge types.
• Vibration analysis and human comfort criteria.
• Crack width control in concrete bridges.
• Stress limitations for steel and composite members.
• Comparison of SLS criteria between Eurocodes and AASHTO.

Module 13: Bridge Aesthetics and Constructability

• Principles of bridge aesthetics and visual integration.
• Factors influencing constructability and cost-effectiveness.
• Construction methods and their impact on design.
• Temporary works and falsework considerations.
• Value engineering in bridge design.

Module 14: Design Software Application and Verification

• Utilizing commercial bridge design software (e.g., MIDAS Civil, LUSAS, CSI Bridge) for code-compliant design.
• Inputting design parameters and load cases according to Eurocodes/AASHTO.
• Interpreting software output and performing manual checks for verification.
• Troubleshooting common modeling and analysis errors.
• Generating design reports and documentation.

Module 15: Comparative Design Case Studies and Future Trends

• Detailed comparative design examples for a typical bridge element (e.g., concrete girder, steel composite beam) using both codes.
• Discussion of design choices and their implications under each standard.
• Emerging trends in bridge design and code development.
• Performance-based design and resilience concepts.
• The role of BIM/BrIM in multi-code design environments.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.