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    Inspection and Evaluation of Bridge Materials - Metals and Masonry

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    The Federal Highway Administration's Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual (BIRM) is a comprehensive manual on programs, procedures, and techniques for inspecting and evaluating a variety of in-service highway bridges. BIRM serves as the basis of a comprehensive National Highway Institute training program in bridge-safety inspection. The present course is based on BIRM's Sections 2.3-4, Bridge Materials - Steel and Masonry, and discusses 1) steel, 2) cast iron, 3) wrought iron, 4) aluminum, and 5) stone masonry.

    Topics:

    This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
    • Common methods of steel member fabrication
    • Common steel shapes used in bridge construction
    • Types and causes of steel deterioration
    • Factors that influence fatigue life
    • Protective systems for steel
    • Inspection procedures for steel
    • Properties of steel
    • Properties and types of other metals used for bridges: cast iron, wrought iron, and aluminum
    • Other causes of deterioration: temperature changes, chemical attack, moisture absorption, differential foundation movement
    • Properties of stone masonry
    • Stone masonry construction methods
    • Types and causes of stone masonry and mortar deterioration
    • Protective systems for stone masonry
    • Inspection procedures for stone masonry

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:


    (must be logged into your user account)

    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: primarily for civil, construction, and structural engineers, and would be of particular interest to consulting engineers or to engineers serving in government organizations concerned with the safety of bridges.
    Publication Source: US DOT (Federal Highway Administration)


    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)

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