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INSTRUCTORS:
Steven Nolan, PE
J.M. Chandra Kishen
Issam Khoury
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at Structures Congress 2026.
Florida Slab-Beam Bridges: Inception and Lessons Learned after 10-Years and 100+ Projects (21 minutes
This presentation explores the development and evolution of Florida's slab-beam bridge system, a precast prestressed concrete solution designed to address short-span bridge replacement needs. The speaker reviews the historical progression of bridge systems used in Florida, including challenges with earlier slab bridge designs and post-tensioned construction. Attendees will learn how durability concerns, accelerated bridge construction initiatives, and maintenance requirements influenced the creation of the Florida Slab Beam (FSB) system. The presentation highlights key design improvements, implementation strategies, and performance observations from more than a decade of use and over 100 projects. It also discusses the role of innovative materials such as UHPC, stainless-steel strands, and fiber-reinforced concrete in enhancing long-term durability. Lessons learned from field performance and bridge inventory needs are presented to support future bridge design decisions.
Retrofitting of Distressed Externally Post-Tensioned Flyover with Running Live Load (14 minutes)
This presentation discusses the investigation and retrofit of a 4.35-kilometer-long flyover that experienced significant corrosion-related deterioration of its external post-tensioning cables while remaining a critical transportation link. The speaker describes how broken and severely corroded post-tensioning strands were discovered during routine inspections approximately ten years after the bridge opened to traffic. A comprehensive structural assessment program was performed, including detailed inspections, nondestructive testing, load testing, and analytical modeling. The presentation explains how engineers determined whether traffic could safely continue operating during rehabilitation. Attendees will learn about the phased strengthening program, replacement of damaged cables, and installation of enhanced corrosion-protection systems. The session also introduces a fiber bundle modeling approach used to study strand deterioration, fatigue behavior, and stiffness degradation.
Load Rating of a Cast in Place 100-Year Old Concrete Bridge (167) (18 minutes)
This presentation examines the load rating and structural evaluation of a nearly 100-year-old cast-in-place concrete bridge in Ohio. The bridge had previously received a restrictive load rating due to concerns about negative moment reinforcement and its ability to carry modern traffic loads. To better understand its structural behavior, the project team performed field measurements, ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys, finite element modeling, and live-load testing. Attendees will learn how actual bridge geometry, reinforcement placement, and material properties were evaluated and compared with original construction plans. The presentation highlights the challenges associated with assessing historic concrete structures using contemporary rating methods. Results demonstrate the importance of combining field testing and analytical modeling when evaluating older bridges. The project provides valuable insights into load rating methodologies and decision-making for bridge preservation
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the development and evolution of Florida's slab-beam bridge system and the challenges that led to its adoption.
- Discuss the benefits, limitations, and future enhancements of slab-beam bridge technology for short-span bridge applications.
- Explain the investigation process used to assess the safety and serviceability of a distressed externally post-tensioned flyover.
- Identify retrofit strategies and corrosion-protection measures used to restore structural capacity under live traffic conditions.
- Describe the methods used to evaluate and load rate an aging cast-in-place concrete bridge.
- Explain how field testing and finite element analysis can improve understanding of structural behavior in historic bridges.
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]