Design of Bridges to Eurocodes

Ideal for civil and structural engineers seeking an introduction to the design of road and rail bridges to Eurocodes, this is a three day programme that ensures clarity and confidence in applying your knowledge of the design of steel, concrete and composite bridges to Eurocodes.

Key guidance is given on the Eurocodes relevant to bridge design, the associated National Annexes and other non-contradictory complementary information. The course will enable delegates to understand underlying Eurocode principles and the differences from design to BS 5400.

Day one provides an introduction to the Eurocodes, the background to their development, how they inter-relate and how to navigate between them. A brief introduction to the conceptual design of bridges is given and the Eurocode approach to limit states is explained. Actions and their combination are discussed in detail.

Day two commences with an introduction to bridge analysis methods and associated Eurocode requirements. An introduction to the design of concrete bridge elements is provided, considering material properties and ultimate and serviceability limit states. More advanced aspects of concrete bridge design are then explored. The day concludes with an introduction to the design of steel elements.

Day three commences with an introduction to the design of connections of steel members, after which the design of steel-concrete composite structures is examined. Finally, geotechnical issues for bridge designers are briefly explored considering the interaction between structures and the ground, and requirements specific to the design of integral bridges and buried structures.

Sessions begin at 9:00 and finish at 17:00. Morning and afternoon coffee breaks and lunch are included in the programme.

Day 1

Session 1 - Introduction to bridge design to Eurocodes
Session 2 - Conceptual design
Session 3 - Limit states and the basis of design
Session 4 - Actions on bridges

Day Two

Session 5 - Bridge analysis to Eurocodes
Session 6 - Concrete design - Part 1: Introduction to Eurocode 2, materials and ULS
Session 7 - Concrete design - Part 2: SLS, fatigue and detailing
Session 8 - Steel design - Part 1: Introduction to Eurocode 3, materials and ULS

Day Three

Session 9 - Steel design - Part 2: SLS, connections and fatigue
Session 10 - Steel-concrete composite design: Introduction to Eurocode 4, materials, ULS and SLS
Session 11 - Earth pressure and introduction to foundation design
Session 12 - Integral bridges and buried structures

The principal course developer is an experienced bridge engineer who has been highly active in the development and implementation of Eurocodes in UK. He has advised public and private clients extensively on Eurocodes implementation, covering both the highway and rail sectors. Course tutors are all experienced chartered civil and structural engineers. They are bridge specialists, with particular experience of Eurocode development and application.

By the end of this course delegates should understand:

• The concepts behind the Eurocodes
• How to navigate between the Eurocodes relevant to bridge design and other associated publications
• The links between the Eurocodes and Product and Execution standards
• Actions and form combinations and how to identify them
• The different approaches available for bridge analysis
• How to undertake member designs according to Eurocodes
• The key geotechnical issues and how structures interact with the ground

This training course is ideal for all those seeking an introduction to the design of road and rail bridges to Eurocodes, including but not limited to​:

• Civil engineers 
• Structural engineers

Some familiarity with bridge design to BS5400 will be expected. The breadth of the Eurocodes is extensive and it is not therefore possible to provide detailed coverage of advanced methods of analysis and design within the scope of the course.