101-0138-00L  Bridge Design

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersW. Kaufmann
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
101-0138-00 GBridge Design
Remark: Until FS19 in German (Brückenbau).
4 hrs
Tue11:45-13:30HIL E 3 »
Wed11:45-13:30HIL E 3 »
W. Kaufmann

Catalogue data

AbstractThis course presents the fundamentals of bridge design. It covers the entire range from conceptual design to construction, encompassing all relevant building materials. The focus lies on the structural behaviour of today’s most important bridge typologies and their suitability for certain boundary conditions, the dimensioning of the main structural elements as well as construction methods.
ObjectiveAfter successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Define the main bridge design parameters and identify constraints and boundary conditions
- Explain the structural behaviour and peculiarities of today’s most important bridge typologies
- Explain the main elements of bridges and their structural behaviour
- Define the relevant actions on bridges
- Dimension a standard bridge (pre-dimensioning by hand; dimensioning using computer-aided tools)
- Explain the most relevant bridge construction and erection methods
- Select an appropriate typology and conceive a convincing bridge for a site with its specific boundary conditions
- Name the most eminent bridge designers and their relevant works
ContentThe course is built up as follows:
1. Introduction
2. Conceptual design
3. Superstructure / Girder bridges
4. Support and articulation
5. Substructure
6. Arch bridges
7. Frame bridges
8. Special girder bridges
9. Cable-supported bridges

The course is complemented by
- Guest lectures by leading bridge designers active in industry
- Inverted classroom exercises on conceptual bridge design
- Slides on eminent bridge designers and their works
- Exercises (homework)
Lecture notesLecture notes (slides with explanations)
LiteratureMenn C.: Prestressed Concrete Bridges. Basel: Birkhäuser Basel, 1990
(available online at ETH Library)

Hirt, M., Lebet, J.P.: Steel Bridges. EPFL Press, New York, 2013
(available online at ETH Library)
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course is part of the MSc specialisation in structures and requires solid knowledge in structural analysis and design. Students are assumed to be proficient in the material taught in the following courses offered in the BSc in Civil Engineering at ETH Zurich (or have acquired equivalent knowledge elsewhere):
- Theory of structures I+II
- Steel structures I+II (incl. steel-concrete composite structures)
- Structural Concrete I+II (incl. prestressed concrete)

The flipped classroom exercises are preparing the students for Part 1 of the exam (conceptual design). Active participation is highly recommended to all students who have not conceived a bridge.

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits6 credits
ExaminersW. Kaufmann
Typesession examination
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionThe performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examinationwritten 180 minutes
Additional information on mode of examinationPart 1 (Conceptual design): 60 minutes
Part 2: 120 minutes
Written aidsPart 1: 10 A4 pages (handwritten or typed)

Part 2: Open book exam; recommended:
- SIA codes 260-265
- SZS C4 and C5 tables
- Textbooks: bridges, concrete/steel design
- Structural analysis handbooks/formula tables

Both parts: calculator; no communication devices
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

 
Main linkBridge Design
Only public learning materials are listed.

Groups

No information on groups available.

Restrictions

There are no additional restrictions for the registration.

Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Civil Engineering MasterMajor in Structural EngineeringWInformation