This 2-day course, October 16-17, 2019, provides practical training for bridge design engineers and technicians on the application of the new Caltrans Seismic Design Criteria (Ver 2.0) for the design of typical concrete bridges in California. In particular, this course will focus on slab and cast-in place post-tensioned box girder structures. California transportation agencies are required to adopt the AASHTO load-and-resistance factor design (LRFD) specifications plus the California Amendments written by Caltrans for design of all new bridges. For seismic design, Caltrans does not follow the AASHTO specification, but rather relies on the Seismic Design Criteria (SDC) developed internally at Caltrans. Currently, Caltrans is updating SDC Ver 1.7 and Ver 2.0 is expected to be officially released in 2019. Structural components critical to the seismic performance of the bridge are covered, including columns, bentcaps, abutments and hinges. While this course does not cover foundation design, one session will discuss the latest research findings pertaining to the design (or retrofit) of foundations subjected to liquefaction and lateral spread. This course is a hands-on training that combines lectures, class exercises on actual bridge design problems, and discussion. Various bridge design examples utilizing SDC 2.0 are highlighted throughout the training.
Click here for a detailed course outline.
Topics Include
- Seismic design philosophy
- Bent design including pushover analysis
- Superstructure & bent cap connection
- Abutment and hinge design
- Recent design guidance pertaining to liquefaction
- Design problems and examples
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, students will have a general understanding of the design philosophy underlying the Caltrans Seismic Design Criteria (SDC) as well as a basic understanding of how to design standard concrete bridges that satisfy Caltrans Seismic Design Criteria.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for bridge engineers and technicians from California public agencies and the private sector, who wish to understand how the recently released Caltrans Seismic Design Criteria (SDC 2.0) can be used to design standard concrete bridges to achieve a uniform level of bridge safety. Recently advances in calculating forces due to liquefaction and lateral spread will be introduced. Note that in California, the SDC supersedes the seismic design criteria contained in the 8th Edition of the AASHTO LRFD specifications.
For More Information
About our courses and credits, see our FAQ
About cancellations, refunds, and substitutions, see How to Enroll
Note: Cancellation fee is $75. There are no refunds for classes with registration fees of $75 or less. For all other classes, you may cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your registration fee less $75, provided we receive your written request to cancel at least 5 full working days before the class is scheduled to begin.
In lieu of canceling your registration, you have three additional options, you may (1) transfer your registration to another class, (2) receive a tuition credit for the full amount, useable toward a future class, or (3) send a substitute in your place. Please contact us at least 5 full working days before the class is scheduled to begin so we may process your request.
Or email us with your questions at registrar@techtransfer.berkeley.edu
Or call us at 510-643-4393