Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-12-014
Date: June 2012
Printable Version (.pdf, 0.6 mb)

Infrastructure Innovation Webinars

These free Webinars provide a quick introduction to the latest infrastructure innovations and technologies.

Resilient Bridge Design
June 21, 2012, 2:30–4 p.m. (eastern daylight time)

This Webinar is based on a new Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) publication, Framework for Improving Resilience of Bridge Design. The publication draws on lessons from past bridge failures to improve the resilience of bridge designs by using the "fault-tree analysis" methodology to identify potential events that could lead to a bridge failure. Designs that prevent such failures are then discussed. Examples of a fault-tree analysis for both concrete and steel bridges will be featured during the session. The Webinar is hosted by the National Highway Institute (NHI), in conjunction with the FHWA Highways for LIFE program.

To register, visit www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx ?webconfid=24526. For more information, contact Julie Zirlin at FHWA, 202-366-9105 (email: julie.zirlin@dot.gov).

Rigidified Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Tubular Arches and Hybrid Composite Beams
July 19, 2012, 2:30–4 p.m. (eastern daylight time)

The Webinar will discuss two market-ready FRP composite technologies for bridges that could yield significant economic benefits. Rigidified FRP tubular arches (RFTA) are well suited to a variety of sites, including environmentally sensitive areas and locations where it is difficult or damaging to bring in heavy equipment and machinery. Using RFTAs can also result in low life-cycle and maintenance costs.

Hybrid composite beams (HCB) can weigh considerably less than conventional bridge components and can be erected using smaller, lighter pieces of construction equipment. Combining the enhanced properties of concrete, steel, and FRP composites, HCBs also show promise for providing a long service life with corrosion resistance.

Webinar presentations will include testing verification of structural properties, short-and long-term benefits of using the two technologies, implementation challenges, and case histories.

Registration information will be available approximately 2 weeks before the Webinar at www.fhwa.dot.gov/hfl/commtool.cfm. The Webinar is hosted by NHI, in conjunction with the FHWA Highways for LIFE program. For more information, contact Julie Zirlin at FHWA, 202-366-9105 (email: julie.zirlin@dot.gov).