Publication Number: FHWA-RD-03-017
Date: May 2003

In Brief

Innovative Applications of Finite Element Modeling in Highway Structures will be the focus of a national workshop to be held August 20-21, 2003, in New York City. The workshop's goal is to advance the use of finite element analysis throughout the highway community. The finite element method involves simulating the structure's behavior by building a computer model and breaking down the structure into an assembly of finite-sized elements. The workshop's diverse program was designed to enable transportation department officials, practicing engineers, and researchers to exchange their knowledge of and experience with finite element modeling and structural mechanics. Sessions will focus on such topics as the design and analysis of bridges, impact analysis and crash simulation, special investigations of structures, and bridge security. Participants will also have networking opportunities. For more information about the workshop, contact Waider Wong at FHWA, 410-962-9252 (fax: 410-962-4586; email: waider.wong@fhwa.dot.gov). You can also find information on the Web at tid1s0.engr.ccny.cuny.edu/utrc/html/events.html.

Four upcoming FHWA workshops will focus on using lithium compounds to both treat and prevent alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) in concrete structures (see November 2002 Focus). The workshops will provide practitioners with the necessary information and guidance to test, specify, and use lithium compounds in new concrete construction, as well as to repair and extend the service life of structures. The sponsoring agencies, dates, and locations for the workshops are as follows:

Nebraska Department of Roads: May 21, 2003, Lincoln, NE; Contact: Lieska Hawlsey, 402-479-3861

New Hampshire Department of Transportation: May 23, 2003, Concord, NH; Contact: Alan D. Perkins, 603-271-1545 (email: aperkins@dot.state.nh.us)

California Department of Transportation: June 10, 2003, Sacramento, CA; Contact: Bob Sugar, 916-227-7294 (email: Bob_Sugar@dot.ca.gov)

Vermont Agency of Transportation: June 12, 2003, Berlin, VT; Contact: Don Lathrop, 802-828-6911 (email: Don.Lathrop@state.vt.us)

For additional information about the workshops or to schedule a workshop in your State, contact Fred Faridazar at FHWA, 202-493-3076 (email: fred.faridazar@fhwa.dot.gov).

Finite element models, such as the ones shown here, can simulate a structure's behavior.

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