Purpose and Background

In this 2-day seminar Dr. Rosignoli, an international authority on bridge launching, discusses the application of the launching methods to PC box girders, prestressed-composite box girders comprising top and bottom concrete slabs and steel corrugated-plate webs, and conventional grillages of steel girders. Incremental launching of the concrete deck over pre-launched steel girders is also illustrated.

With hundreds of photographs, the seminar explores design, technology and industry trends for three state-of-the-art construction methods: segmental casting/assembly alternated with incremental launching, balanced casting combined with symmetrical launch or rotation, and falsework erection followed by lateral shifting.

Design methods for PC, steel and prestressed-composite bridges are developed and compared with statistical data of launched bridges. Optimization tools for the design of bridge and launch equipment are formulated, assessed with finite-element analysis, and validated with field monitoring. Alternative approaches to deck segmentation and launch prestressing are illustrated and compared. Erection methods, launch techniques, design of launch equipment and pier loading are also discussed. State-of-the-art tools are formulated for bucking analysis of steel corrugated-plate webs.

In the last 40 years, the bridge launching methods have been used all over the world for rapid construction of cost-effective, high-quality medium-length bridges. This seminar will facilitate the diffusion of these state-of-the-art construction methods within the US bridge engineering practice.

Learning Outcomes

Condition for learning outcomes: graduate background of bridge engineering.

Instructional method: the course is a direct transfer of design and technology information to engineering professionals: it does include simple mathematics, but most of the course relates to design, technical, technological, organizational and economic aspects.

Criteria for outcome assessment: the course encourages active participation: the short-term outcome will be assessed through interaction/discussion, and the long-term outcome will ultimately depend on the attendee.

Benefits for Participants

·         Acquire in-depth state-of-the-art information on bridge launching from a recognized industry expert.

·         Acquire professional background on bridge construction methods amply consolidated abroad.

·         Enhance competitiveness of short- and medium-length bridge designs in the US bridge practice.

·         Discover new solutions for design-build value engineering of short- and medium-length bridges.

·         Optimize investments and site organization based on project dimensions.

·         Increase quality and safety of bridge construction.

·         Master a flexible construction method easily adaptable to different situations.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Discussion with class participants will be used to assess students achievement of learning outcomes.

Who Should Attend

·         Bridge Owners

·         General Contractors

·         Bridge Contractors

·         Bridge Designers

·         Erection Engineers

·         Inspectors

·         Safety Planners

·         Designers/Manufacturers of Bridge Construction Equipment

Summary Outline

Time:  8:00am-5:00pm

Day 1

·         Accelerated construction techniques for medium-length bridges

·         Introduction to incremental launching

·         Geometry requirements of bridge launching

·         Deck segmentation and yard organization

·         Casting stages and cage pre-assembly

·         Launch forces and techniques

Day 2

·         Launch bearings and guides

·         Analysis of launch stresses

·         Control and correction of launch stresses

·         Optimization of deck-nose interaction

·         Launch and service prestressing

·         Launching of steel girders

·         Launching of prestressed-composite box girders

Hotel Information

Discounted hotel rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. See discount deadline and rates below.

About Face-to-Face Seminars