RR Bridge Inspection
Rail Workshop | Available
This 2-and-a-half-day class covers the construction and behavior of Timber, Steel and Concrete Bridges. Topics of instruction will include component function and behavior, common problems and failure modes, techniques and practices for bridge inspection. All aspects of bridge superstructure and substructure are covered. Plus, the participant will learn to identify routine maintenance requirements and how to perform common repairs. No engineering experience is necessary.
After this course you will be able to:
- Classify the different parts of a bridge using the appropriate terminology
- Discuss the different types of bridges and the features of each type
- Explain the effects of waterways on bridges, including scour
- Describe the behavior of different materials used in bridges, including timber, steel, and concrete
- List the different failure modes of bridge members, and the consequences of failure
- Establish an inspection procedure for a bridge
- List basic maintenance and repair procedures.
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Jennifer Retherford
Dr. Jennifer Retherford, P.E., joined the University of Tennessee faculty in 2012 and has served as a teaching faculty, supporting structural engineering courses as well as the Senior Design Project course. Jenny’s role as the senior design professor at UT allows a unique opportunity to interact with all undergraduate students and the surrounding professional community, a privilege which makes the course a practical experience for soon-to-be graduates. She serves as a Mentor and Demo Provider for the ASCE ExCEEd Teaching Workshop every summer, sharing her passion with new faculty. She contributes to research related to engineering education specifically focused on project based learning and pedagogy for new professors. She maintains her Tennessee Professional Engineers license and appreciates all opportunities to engage in our civil engineering professional community.
Dave Clarke
Dr. Clarke is the Director the Center for Transportation Research and a research associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Tennessee. His over 30 years of experience encompass a variety of railroad related design, inspection, research and education activities. He has taught railway related courses including this one, to college students and professionals since 1990. Dr. Clarke is well versed in the Federal Track Safety Standards covered in this course, and is frequently engaged as an expert to assess track conditions. As a licensed civil engineer, Dr. Clarke prepares specifications and designs for railroad track construction and maintenance. He is a licensed civil engineer in South Carolina and Tennessee and is active in AREMA, ASCE and TRB.