Course Catalogue.

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the types and configurations of SuperHeavy loads and understand their specific requirements for transportation.
• Assess the potential impacts of SuperHeavy loads on transportation infrastructure, including pavement deformation, shear failure, and damage to underground utilities.
• Implement methods for in-situ pavement material characterization to evaluate the infrastructure's capacity to handle SuperHeavy loads.
• Analyze the effects of climate and operational speed on the transport vehicles and trailers carrying SuperHeavy loads.
• Develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with SuperHeavy load movements, including bypassing or shoring structures and addressing potential pavement distress.

Description
With the continuous development and expansion of industrial plants in rural areas, the movement of SuperHeavy loads, particularly in the chemical, oils, electrical and defense business areas, has become a necessity.  The definition of a SuperHeavy load varies from agency to agency, ranging from anything above the legal gross vehicle load to millions of kilograms.  The transport vehicles for SuperHeavy loads require specially configured trailers and tow/push vehicles typically involving hundreds of tires with non-standard loading and spacing. 

While the movement of SuperHeavy loads may be necessary to the local economy, the impact of the loading on the transportation infrastructure may be significant.  Overloading of the pavement may cause significant vertical deformation, causing pavement surface cracking and localized and global shear failure.  Shear failure of the pavement may result in damage to underground utilities and drainage features such as culverts and subdrains.  Limits on bridge loading may result in the need to bypass or shore structures to accommodate the load.  Global shear failure can also be catastrophic in causing shifts in the load, resulting in damage to the equipment. 

This webinar provides background on the types and configurations of SuperHeavy loads and their potential impact on transportation infrastructure.  Methods to assess the impact are described, including in-situ pavement material characterization, the impact of climate and operational speed of the vehicles and trailers, potential for shear failure, damage to underground utilities and pavement distress.

Who Should Attend

This webinar is ideal for civil and structural engineers involved in the planning and design of transportation infrastructure, as well as transportation and logistics professionals responsible for coordinating the movement of SuperHeavy loads. Industrial plant managers in the chemical, oil, electrical, and defense sectors overseeing the transport of large equipment will find the content particularly relevant. Additionally, government and regulatory agency representatives involved in setting and enforcing load limits and infrastructure standards, as well as infrastructure maintenance and safety inspectors focused on assessing and mitigating the impact of heavy loads on roads and bridges, will greatly benefit from attending.