For long-span crossings, complex geometries, and demanding performance requirements, Advanced Steel Bridge Design, Fabrication, and Erection stands as a pivotal discipline, enabling engineers to create durable, efficient, and aesthetically striking structures that serve as vital transportation arteries. Mastering this field requires an intricate understanding of advanced structural analysis, material behavior, sophisticated connection design, and the critical interplay between design decisions and constructability, from the precision of workshop fabrication to the complexities of on-site erection. This comprehensive training course is designed to equip bridge engineers, fabricators, erectors, and project managers with the in-depth theoretical knowledge, cutting-edge analytical tools, and practical insights required to confidently design, detail, and oversee the construction of complex steel bridges, ensuring their safety, serviceability, and economic viability. Without advanced expertise in Steel Bridge Design, Fabrication, and and Erection, organizations risk inefficient designs, costly construction challenges, and potential structural issues, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Bridge Design Engineers
• Structural Engineers specializing in steel structures
• Fabricators and Manufacturers of steel bridge components
• Construction Managers and Site Engineers for steel bridge projects
• Quality Control/Quality Assurance Professionals in steel construction
• Technical Reviewers and Approving Authorities
• Researchers and Academics in steel structures
• Postgraduate Students in civil/structural engineering
• Welding Engineers and Inspectors
• Project Managers overseeing steel bridge contracts

Objectives

• Understand the advanced principles of steel behavior and design for bridges.
• Learn about various types of steel bridge systems and their applications.
• Acquire skills in performing sophisticated analysis for steel bridge components.
• Comprehend techniques for designing complex bolted and welded connections.
• Explore strategies for optimizing fabrication processes for steel bridges.
• Understand the importance of erection planning and methods for steel structures.
• Gain insights into fatigue and fracture design for steel bridges.
• Develop a practical understanding of composite action in steel-concrete bridges.
• Master quality control and inspection protocols for steel fabrication and erection.
• Acquire skills in utilizing advanced bridge design software for steel structures.
• Learn to apply relevant international design codes and standards.
• Comprehend techniques for rehabilitation and strengthening of existing steel bridges.
• Explore strategies for cost-effective design and constructability.
• Understand the importance of durability and corrosion protection for steel bridges.
• Develop the ability to lead and contribute to complex steel bridge projects.

Course Content

Module 1: Advanced Steel Material Behavior and Specifications

• Steel grades for bridges: properties, applications, and selection criteria.
• Behavior of steel under static, dynamic, and fatigue loading.
• Material specifications and quality assurance for bridge steel.
• Welding metallurgy and its impact on steel properties.
• Corrosion resistance and weather-resistant steels.

Module 2: Steel Bridge Typologies and Structural Systems

• Plate girder bridges: rolled, built-up, haunched.
• Box girder bridges: single cell, multi-cell, orthotropic decks.
• Truss bridges: various configurations, advanced analysis.
• Arch bridges (steel arches) and their design considerations.
• Hybrid and composite steel-concrete bridge systems.

Module 3: Advanced Analysis of Steel Bridge Superstructures

• Grillage analysis and finite element modeling (FEM) for complex geometries.
• Shear lag effects in box girders and wide flanges.
• Distortional buckling and warping torsion.
• Second-order analysis (P-Delta effects) for slender members.
• Dynamic analysis for vibration and seismic effects.

Module 4: Design of Steel Bridge Components (Girders and Trusses)

• Flexural design of plate girders considering compact, non-compact, and slender sections.
• Shear design of webs, including tension field action.
• Stiffener design: longitudinal, transverse, and bearing stiffeners.
• Buckling analysis of compression flanges and webs.
• Design of truss members and panel points.

Module 5: Design of Complex Bolted Connections

• Types of bolted connections: slip-critical, bearing-type.
• High-strength bolts and their installation.
• Design of moment connections and splice plates.
• Fatigue design of bolted connections.
• Inspection and quality control of bolted joints.

Module 6: Design of Complex Welded Connections

• Types of welds: fillet, groove, plug, slot.
• Welding processes and their application in bridges.
• Design of full penetration and partial penetration welded joints.
• Fatigue design of welded connections.
• Non-destructive testing (NDT) for weld quality.

Module 7: Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics in Steel Bridges

• Fundamentals of fatigue crack initiation and propagation.
• Fatigue detail categories and S-N curves.
• Fracture toughness and brittle fracture prevention.
• Load models for fatigue assessment.
• Repair and strengthening of fatigued steel members.

Module 8: Composite Steel-Concrete Bridge Design

• Principles of composite action between steel girders and concrete deck.
• Shear connectors: types, design, and detailing.
• Effective width of concrete slab for composite action.
• Construction sequence effects on composite behavior.
• Design of composite girders for flexure, shear, and fatigue.

Module 9: Steel Bridge Fabrication Processes and Quality Control

• Shop drawing preparation and review.
• Material procurement and traceability.
• Cutting, drilling, and shaping operations.
• Welding procedures and quality control (WPS, PQR, welder qualification).
• Fabrication tolerances and fit-up issues.

Module 10: Steel Bridge Erection Methods and Planning

• Erection sequence planning for various bridge types.
• Heavy lifting equipment and crane selection.
• Temporary support systems, falsework, and shoring.
• Launching, sliding, and rolling methods.
• Safety considerations during erection.

Module 11: Durability and Corrosion Protection of Steel Bridges

• Mechanisms of steel corrosion in bridge environments.
• Protective coating systems: types, application, and inspection.
• Metallizing and galvanizing for corrosion protection.
• Maintenance strategies for coatings.
• Design details to minimize corrosion susceptibility.

Module 12: Inspection, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation of Steel Bridges

• Common deterioration types in steel bridges.
• Inspection protocols for steel components.
• Repair methods for damaged steel elements (e.g., crack repair, section replacement).
• Strengthening techniques for load capacity enhancement.
• Lifecycle management for steel bridges.

Module 13: Advanced Design Codes and Specifications

• In-depth review of AASHTO LRFD steel bridge design provisions.
• Eurocode 3 (EN 1993) for steel bridge design.
• Comparison of design philosophies and requirements.
• Design examples applying code provisions.
• Latest updates and amendments to relevant standards.

Module 14: Value Engineering and Cost-Effectiveness in Steel Bridges

• Optimizing design for fabrication and erection efficiency.
• Material selection for cost and performance.
• Constructability reviews throughout the design process.
• Whole-life costing for steel bridges.
• Case studies of cost-effective steel bridge solutions.

Module 15: Software Application and Case Studies in Steel Bridge Design

• Hands-on exercises with commercial bridge design software (e.g., MIDAS Civil, LUSAS, SAP2000, CSI Bridge).
• Modeling complex steel bridge geometries and connections.
• Performing advanced analysis and design checks.
• Interpretation of software output for design verification.
• In-depth case studies of world-renowned steel bridges, highlighting design and construction challenges.

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.