The purpose of this course is to concentrate on the fundamentals of load rating highway bridges using the latest AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation.   The AASHTO Manual for Evaluation of Bridges (MBE) published in 2008 provides a choice of load rating methods. MBE Section 6 Part A incorporates provisions specific to the Load and Resistance Factor Rating (LRFR) method developed to provide uniform reliability in bridge load ratings, load postings, and permit decisions. Part B provides safety criteria and procedures for the Allowable Stress and Load Factor methods of evaluation. While most bridge ratings continue to be performed using the Load Factor Rating (LFR) method, several states are currently making their transition to the LRFR methodology following the provisions contained in the 2008 AASHTO MBE. Bridges designed using the LRFD method should be load rated using LRFR for reporting to the National Bridge Inventory.

The purpose of this course is to concentrate on the fundamentals of load rating highway bridges using the latest AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation. The course will begin with an overview of the AASHTO MBE, load rating methods, and introduce the load and resistance factor philosophy for new bridge designs and for load rating of existing bridges. The LFR and LRFR approaches are broken down into their basic components and a detailed explanation is provided on how and why each component was developed. LFR and LRFR live load models, load factors, distribution factors, load combinations, and rating provisions for steel and concrete bridges will be reviewed. Posting and permitting procedures specific to each methodology will be described. Examples with detailed step-by-step explanations will be used to illustrate the LFR and LRFR rating procedures. Fatigue evaluation methods for steel bridges and load rating of bridges by load testing are additional topics included in this course that follow the requirements of Sections 7 and 8 of the AASHTO MBE. Participants will also be instructed on the use of refined methods of analysis in load ratings and permitting, and their potential benefits.

• Understand the requirements for bridge evaluation contained in the AASHTO MBE
• Understand the fundamentals of the LFR and LRFR methodologies
• Understand the fundamentals of structural reliability and calibration of the LRFR Specifications
• Understand the new technologies introduced in the AASHTO MBE comparison of LFR and LRFR ratings
• Learn how to interpret and apply the MBE provisions to bridge load rating
• Learn through easy-to-follow rating examples with detailed explanations
• Get the latest information on load rating research and software
• Learn how to load rate bridges for legal loads and permit loads and superloads using the latest LRFR
• Learn how to evaluate bridges for fatigue cracking
• Learn how to load rate bridges by load testing to achieve enhanced capacity
• Learn how to utilize refined analysis methods to improve load ratings
• Obtain an understanding of how to plan and implement effective load rating and permitting policies and procedures using the latest MBE in your State

Provide bridge engineers the fundamental knowledge necessary to apply the provisions of the 2008 AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation for load rating highway bridges.

Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed through a series of case studies and problem-solving exercises.

• Bridge inspectors, load rating engineers and designers
• Junior engineers/structural engineers
• Senior managers/project managers
• Bridge owners
• Transportation policy makers and decision makers
• Program managers responsible for implementing capital and maintenance programs
• Other bridge engineering professionals
• Engineers in related fields interested in learning about the latest in bridge engineering

Time:  8:30am - 4:30pm

Day 1 

• Introduction to load rating of highway bridges
• Overview of the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation
• Requirements for load rating bridges and NBI reporting
• Inspection and data collection for load rating
• Dead loads, HS20 and AASHTO legal loads
• Load distribution for Load Factor Rating (LFR)
• Load rating equation and load factors for LFR
• Strength and serviceability checks for LFR
• Posting of bridges using LFR
• Overweight permitting using LFR
• Steel bridge LFR rating example
• Concrete bridge LFR rating example

Day 2  

• Introduction to the Load and Resistance Factor Philosophy
• Reliability Index and Calibration of Load Factors
• LRFD Design Live Load and Distribution of Live Loads
• Load Models and Load Factors for LRFR
• Limit states for strength and serviceability
• LRFR rating and permitting procedures
• Resistance modification factors and Redundancy Factors
• Steel bridge LRFR rating example
• Concrete bridge LRFR rating example
• Comparing LFR and LRFR
• Fatigue evaluation for steel bridges
• Load testing and refined analysis methods

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