ObjectivesThe programme aims to provide graduate engineers with advanced capabilities in the areas of analysis and design in specialised aspects of bridge engineering; update the technical skills of practising engineers engaged in the planning, design and construction of bridges and other structures; contribute to the continuing professional development programme of individual engineers.
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements A good honours degree in civil engineering or equivalent or at least five years' experience and a professional qualification
Academic titleMSc/PGDip/PGCert in Bridge Engineering
Course descriptionThe Bridge Engineering programme has been running for over 35 years. Having a modular structure, students are able to specialise through their choice of modules and also to choose their mode of study. Apart from the usual full-time mode, there are also part-time options. This programme may also be studied by distance learning.
A selection of modules covers the subjects of design, analysis and management of bridges. Students can also take modules from the Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering and Water and Environmental Engineering subject areas.
Four modules are required for a student to gain a Postgraduate Certificate, eight modules for a Postgraduate Diploma, while eight modules and an individual bridge engineering project are required for the MSc. Individual modules can also be studied as part of continuing professional development.
The programme provides students with a sound knowledge of bridge engineering. There is a growing belief that a taught MSc provides the best grounding for a career in bridge engineering. Successful completion of this programme will aid students to pursue a career as a bridge engineer with either a consultancy, specialist contractor or a local authority.
MSc/PGDip/PGCert in Bridge Engineering Module overview
There are currently over 25 modules on offer within Civil Engineering, covering the fields of Structural Engineering, Water and Environmental Engineering, Bridge Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Management.
Each module runs for ten weeks and comprises about 30 hours (three hours per week) of class time and 120 hours of self-study and assignments. A number of modules are also available by distance learning. Bridge Engineering modules include:
Bridge Deck Loading and Analysis
Loading: types of load; traffic loads; application of loads; load combinations; partial safety factors; shrinkage and temperature loads; use of influence lines. Analysis: types of bridge deck and their behaviour; distribution of loads; skew deck analysis; use of influence surfaces; computer methods (grillage, finite element, finite strip).
Bridge Management
Inspection, assessment and strengthening; technical approval procedures; maintenance strategies, systems and procedures; whole life costing; assessment of reinforced concrete, prestressed, steel and composite bridges; modelling and strength assessment of arches; load testing of bridges; methods of strengthening; design of bridges for durability of maintenance.
Long Span Bridges
Historical perspective and case studies; analysis, design and construction of long span cable-supported bridges; design of main elements - cables, towers, hangers, deck and foundations; construction processes; aerodynamic considerations.
Steel and Composite Bridge Design
Propped and unpropped construction; serviceability and ultimate limit states; design for bending, shear and combined bending and shear, continuous construction, plastic analysis; reference to current codes of practice; design of steel plate girders for shear and bending interaction, design of transverse stiffeners; fatigue behaviour of steel bridges and connections; appraisal to Part 10 BS 5400; means of improving fatigue performance of steel bridges; design of bolted and welded steel bridge connections; design of longitudinally and transversely stiffened webs and flanges for box girders, design of plate elements, longitudinal stiffeners and cross frames.
Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design
Prestressed concrete: simple design equations; kern limits, losses, cable design, end block design, differential shrinkage; continuous beams. Box girders: design concept, construction methods, cost benefits, global analysis; prestress design, distortion effects, end blocks, diaphragms, reinforcement.
Durability of Bridges and Structures
Overview of durability; durability of concrete, metals, reinforcement in concrete and polymers; testing and monitoring of structures; assessment of structures, repair methods and materials; design and construction of durable structures, failures of durability and their consequences