Bridge Engineering Literature 4

[kostast88]

Hello everyone,

I am a young civil engineer and I am having an interview soon for a bridge engineering role (highways). I have a pretty good background in all the aspects of structural engineering (Structural mechanics, Concrete, Steel, Composites, Dynamics) but nothing specific in bridge engineering.

Could you propose some literature for this subject that is going to help me get a better idea about the role I will be interviewed for? I found a lot of books about the subject, but I'd like to know the communities preferences, especially for beginners.

Many thanks!

 

[Lomarandil]

I think that has more to do with the company and role that you're interviewing for than anything. Have there been any hints in the job posting or your communication thus far with the company?

 

[KootK]

I'd recommend something like this: Link or this Link. Both are reasonably short survey books. That's just what I think you need to get interview ready however.

In my opinion, one of the keys for you will be to understand the whole scope of work that you may be involved in as a bridge engineer. It's quite different from buildings. You won't be just sitting around performing the structural design of the bridge proper. You may be involved in transportation planning, life cycle work, erection, load rating, project management, feasibility studies, inspection, maintenance programming... no doubt I've missed a bunch.

I feel that a comprehensive survey book, an inch deep and a mile wide so to speak, would go a long ways towards showing your potential employer that you understand something of the nature of their work/business. Just my two cents of course. I'm not even a bridge engineer so keep that in mind.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[kostast88]

Hi, Lomarandil

Thanks for your response, yes I know that it has to do a bit with the company, but my question is general apart from the interview, I want to study a bit of bridge engineering because I generally like to study.

 

[bridgebuster]

Look through plans for bridge projects. Sure it's important to understand AASHTO and the nuances of bridge engineering. But you need to know how to get it on paper.

Some DOTs put the bid sets on online. NYSDOT does. Plus you can see the various types of projects, from new bridges, to replacements, rehabilitation, and repair.

Before you spend money on books (although Tobias is worth the money) if you are in the US, look at your state DOT website. They might have a bridge manual. There are plenty of good DOT bridge manuals out there: NY, Kansas, Minnesota, come to mind.

The National Steel Bridge Alliance has plenty of manuals with design examples for bridges. Ditto for PCI

 

[KootK]

Some DOTs put the bid sets on online. NYSDOT does.

OMG, really? Can you provide a link to get me started? I've love reviewing other peoples engineering.

NY, Kansas, Minnesota, come to mind.

I get a ton of stuff from the Florida and Texas DOTs. Not sure whey they're so prolific. Link



I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[KootK]

These are some of my favourites but I don't see you reading them all before your interview: Link. It's time to make some strategic decisions.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

As a former bridge contractor, I'm biased, but it may be worthwhile to spend a small percentage of your study time (say, 10%) learning about the equipment and materials used for bridge construction. Examples could be:

US Corps of Engineers, Pile Driving Equipment

Or, from my website: Bethlehem Steel H-Pile

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[bridgebuster]

KootK

here's the link
Link just click on Construction Contracting Opportunities

All bid packages for the past 12 months are posted. Everything is listed by contract number so you have to look at the advertisements to see the description. They also post the bid tabulations.

I also attached a file that lists the projects that I have copies of, with a VERY brief description; this way you don't have to go thru dozens of advertisements. You'll also see some other notes (in bold). Sometimes I come across some aspect that's interesting or potentially helpful. If there's something on the list that you'd like but isn't available I can try e-mailing it to you.

I also have the Florida and Texas Manuals and a few others. No one state is "the best" but some cover certain topics better than others; some have info the others don't, for example DelDoT has a great manual for bridge repairs; Kansas has a lot of info on rocker bearings and finger joints (which are making a comeback, even in a conservative state like NY); CalTrans has a good section for post-installed anchors. There's so much info out there; they all have something to contribute.

The other link you posted is the NSBA manual I cited. It replaces the old US Steel Manuals.

SlideRuleEra - Excellent advice. I spent about 12 years in the field, it was worth it. FHWA has a lot of useful construction info, especially ABC technology. I also have a lot of USACOE Manuals.

 

[ukbridge]

I think the "Bridge Engineering Handbook" by Chen and Li is probably the best "comprehensive" textbook out there. If you're really passionate about Bridge Engineering I think you'll really enjoy reading through it like I did.

For specific bridge types, the SCI publications are very good (UK Documents). They cover the design of steel-composite highway bridges, which is a very popular form of construction for small-medium span road bridges. I think although this covers just one bridge type, I think you'll learn a lot that can also be applied for other types of bridges in these guides.

I also highly recommend reading "The Happy Pontists" blog, where he makes regular bridge-related posts.

Good luck! Hope you get the job; if you don't Im sure someone with your enthusiasm will have no trouble landing a role elsewhere.

 

[bridgebuster]

Another good source is Google Books, granted they're "ancient" texts but they do come in handy at times, particularly with rehab work. It gives a perspective of what our ancestors were thinking.

 

[Shz713]

have a look on Bridge Engineering Handbook
Link

Shoot for the Moon, even if U miss, U still land among Stars!

 

[yakpol]

Here's a link to Washington State DOT Bridge Design Manual. It has lot's of sample calculations and design plans. Huge, but useful.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Publications/Manuals/m23-50.htm

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

KootK: MaineDOT does the same thing for all their bid documents (plans, specs, geotech reports, site information, etc.), [URL unfurl="true"]http://www.maine.gov/mdot/contractors/[/url]

kostast: Check on your local DOT (or equivalent) website for any bridge design manuals or other documents for engineers. These are often tailored to the local and will have both detailed and general information that would make for decent material to skim prior to a job interview.

Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH)
American Concrete Industries

http://www.americanconcrete.com

 

[PittEng88]

Here is PennDOT's Bridge Design and Construction Standards, along with their Design Manual (DM-4):

http://www.penndot.gov/ProjectAndPrograms/Bridges/Pages/Plans-and-Specifications.aspx#.VoQVbaMo7cs

 

[KootK]

@TME: thanks for the extra plan source.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[kostast88]

Thank you all for your answers, you have been eally helpful!!
Especially the Steel Bridge Design handbook KootK proposed, it allows you to run through everything quite quickly, and I already have been through most of it.

The book "Bridge Engineering" by by Wai-Fah Chen and Lian Duan ukbridge suggested also looks very good as both a reference and a textbook.

Finally SlideRuleEra's recommendation about spending some time for equipment and materials was a good advice as well. My interview is in January so I have the time to do that!

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Good luck!

Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH)
American Concrete Industries

http://www.americanconcrete.com