Course syllabus

Brobyggnadsteknik
Design of Bridges

VBK041, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2012/13
Decided by: Education Board 3
Date of Decision: 2012-04-04

General Information

Elective for: V5-at, V5-ko
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand

Aim

The course gives applicable knowledge of the design of bridges.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to analyse bridge structures with regard to traffic and other relevant actions and understand analysis methods specific for bridge design.
• understand design methods and behaviour of different bridge types.
• have knowledge of different bridge types and their respective construction method.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to apply knowledge from previous courses in design project for bridges.
• be able to independently choose type of bridge, structural layout and construction method early in the design stage.
• be able to present the results from the design both in writing and as drawings.
• be able to independently and critically evaluate the information about technical solutions for bridges.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to independently evaluate different types of bridges and structural solutions reviewed in the literature and given in lectures.
• be able to independently adjust and modify standard solutions to a specific project.

Contents

The course includes lectures, design projects, visiting lectures by professional bridge designers and a study visit.

The course is based on two major projects. The first project is a conventional two span road bridge. The design is made on a relatively detailed level. The second project is a long span bridge where the structural system, construction methods, economy and aesthetics are chosen in the form of preliminary design level.

Examination details

Grading scale: UG
Assessment: Written examination and design projects.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• VBKN05 Concrete Structures, Analysis of Structures, VBKN01 Steel and Timber Structures

Required prior knowledge: beam theory
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course might be cancelled: If the number of applicants is less than 10.

Reading list

• Björn Åkesson: Klassiska brohaverier, bakgrund, förklaring och analys. Åkesson, 2011. Understanding bridge collapses. Björn Åkesson, Taylor and Francis, 2008.
• Sundquist, H. Infrastrukturkonstruktioner. Compendium from KTH (Swedish).
• Petersson, T., Sundquist, H. Spännbetongkonstruktioner. Compendium from KTH (Swedish).
• Parke, G and Hewson N: ICE Manual of Bridge Engineering, 2nd edition. Thomas Telford Ltd, 2008.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Professor Roberto Crocetti, Roberto.Crocetti@kstr.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.kstr.lth.se