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INSTRUCTORS:
Jacob Behnke, PE
Kent Sasaki, P.E., S.E.
Zander Danto, P.E.
Abbie Liel
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at Structures Congress 2026.
Load Rating of a Concrete Arch Bridge Without Available Plans (17 minutes)
This presentation examines the methodology used to evaluate and load rate century-old concrete arch bridges when no original construction drawings or design records are available. Using two separate bridge case studies, the speakers demonstrate how engineers gathered essential information through field investigations, material testing, coring, and ground penetrating radar (GPR). The presentation explains how bridge geometry, reinforcement details, and material properties were determined to support structural analysis. Attendees will learn how live and dead loads were established and incorporated into analytical models for rating purposes. The session also discusses the application of conservative assumptions, engineering judgment, and verification of structural behavior. The presentation concludes with practical lessons learned and a repeatable workflow for evaluating aging concrete arch bridges.
Hotel Marysville Fire Damage Assessment (17 minutes)
This presentation describes the emergency structural assessment of the historic Hotel Marysville following a devastating fire that severely damaged the building. The century-old hotel, once an iconic landmark, had been vacant for decades before the fire occurred. Engineers were tasked with evaluating the stability of the structure despite having no interior access and limited information about the building. The presentation demonstrates how drones, remote imaging, visual observations, and engineering judgment were used to assess structural conditions safely. Attendees will learn how the investigation differentiated between deterioration caused by decades of neglect and damage directly attributable to the fire. The assessment ultimately helped city officials make informed decisions regarding public safety, traffic management, and future actions for the property.
Loads Considering Future Conditions (20 minutes)
This presentation introduces proposed ASCE 7-28 provisions that address the impact of future climate conditions on structural design loads. The speakers explain how traditional design practices based solely on historical observations may not provide consistent reliability in a changing climate. The session reviews projected changes in wind, snow, ice, rain, and flood hazards and how these changes could affect structural performance over time. Attendees will learn about the use of climate science, reliability-based engineering principles, and future warming scenarios in developing updated design guidance. The presentation also discusses the economic and societal benefits of investing in resilience through improved design practices. Practical guidance is provided on how future-condition load provisions may be incorporated into engineering workflows.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the field investigation and testing methods used to evaluate concrete arch bridges without original design plans.
- Explain how structural modeling and load rating procedures can be applied to historic concrete arch bridges.
- Identify remote investigation techniques used to assess structural stability following a fire event.
- Discuss the challenges and decision-making processes involved in emergency structural damage assessments.
- Explain the rationale for incorporating future climate conditions into structural loading standards.
- Describe how future-condition design loads are developed using climate projections and reliability-based methodologies.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Structural Engineers
- Forensic Engineers
- Bridge and Transportation Engineers
- Engineering Managers/Principals
- Building Design and Construction Professionals
- Researchers and Engineering Students
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]