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INSTRUCTORS:
Donnell Vivian Duncan, P.E., S.E.
Habib Tabatabai, Ph.D., P.E., S.E.
Robert Gunter
Kent Sasaki, P.E., S.E.
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the ASCE Structures Congress 2025.
Probabilistic Risk of Temporary Bridges in California High Seismic Zones (14 minutes)
This presentation examines the seismic risk and design standards for temporary bridges in California's high seismic zones. With a typical service life of five years, these structures cannot be designed to the same standards as permanent bridges, which are intended to last 75 years. The research evaluates hazard-consistent design (HCD) methodologies using case studies from Northern and Southern California. Utilizing nonlinear modeling, ground motion scaling, and fragility analysis, the study confirms the adequacy of Caltrans' suggested 100-year return period for design. The findings offer engineers a probabilistic framework to assess the seismic performance of temporary bridges and adjust design criteria to optimize safety and cost. Key conclusions also point toward the feasibility of relaxing reinforcement requirements under certain hazard levels.
Seismic Performance of Aged Suspension Bridges in California (16 minutes)
This presentation explores the impact of corrosion, referred to as "aging", on the seismic performance of steel suspension bridges in California. Using a numerical model inspired by the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the study evaluates how section loss and degradation of mechanical properties affect structural behavior under near-field ground motions. By incorporating various corrosion scenarios, the research reveals that while towers with internal cellular sections remain largely unaffected, suspension decks are significantly more vulnerable due to their exposure and thinner cross-sections. The analysis isolates corrosion effects by standardizing ground motion inputs and shows increased yielding in corroded elements. The study emphasizes the importance of considering site-specific corrosion data and section geometry when assessing aging infrastructure.
From Flames to Resilience: Reconnaissance Insights on the Eaton and Palisades Fires and the Role of Structural Engineers in Fire-Adapted Communities (41 minutes)
This presentation provides a multi-disciplinary investigation into the January 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Los Angeles, with a focus on infrastructure vulnerabilities and structural engineering responses. It contextualizes the wildfires historically and socially, linking fire behavior to past land-use policies, climate change, and fire suppression strategies. Through on-the-ground reconnaissance of over 800 homes, the study reveals key drivers of fire spread, including home spacing, building materials, ember cast, and failure of water infrastructure. It presents in-depth findings on how housing density and pipe materials contribute to volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination in water systems post-fire. The speaker advocates for an integrated risk-reduction approach involving homeowners, local governments, land managers, and fire suppression agencies to foster fire-adapted communities.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how hazard-consistent design principles can be applied to determine appropriate seismic design criteria for temporary bridges in high-risk seismic zones.
- Describe how corrosion-induced aging affects the seismic response and vulnerability of different structural components in suspension bridges.
- Discuss the interdependencies between structural design, urban planning, and infrastructure systems in enhancing community resilience to wildfires.
- Identify key structural and community-level factors that influence fire spread and building survivability in wildland-urban interface zones.
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?
- Construction Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Project Managers
- General Contractors
- Early Career Professionals
- Builders
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 post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]