TRAINING.

Overview

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Conduct structured inspections of bridge and culvert components to identify defects and deterioration
• Differentiate material defects from performance deficiencies to support accurate condition assessments
• Apply standardized inspection procedures and condition rating methods aligned with regulatory requirements
• Determine when additional investigation, testing, or specialized studies are required
• Evaluate inspection findings to support maintenance, rehabilitation, or replacement decisions

Description

Ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of bridge and culvert infrastructure requires consistent, well-executed inspection practices. In many cases, variability in inspection methods, incomplete assessments, or delayed identification of deterioration can lead to increased risk, higher lifecycle costs, and compromised network performance.

This course addresses these challenges by strengthening the practical skills required to plan, perform, and interpret bridge and culvert inspections. It provides a structured approach to identifying defects, assessing conditions, and applying standard inspection procedures in alignment with regulatory frameworks. The course also introduces non-destructive testing methods and outlines when further investigation is required.

Through applied examples and inspection scenarios, the course supports the development of sound, defensible inspection practices. Participants will leave with the ability to evaluate structural conditions, prioritize maintenance actions, and contribute to effective asset management decisions.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Civil and municipal engineers
• Structural designers and bridge practitioners
• Engineers in training
• Project managers involved in infrastructure projects
• Public works and transportation personnel
• Consultants supporting inspection and maintenance programs

Special Features & Requirements

This course has been developed for municipal and provincial employees and consultants involved in inspecting bridges or in charge of bridge inspection and maintenance programs. The course is also useful for bridge engineers involved in the rating and evaluation of existing structures. A background in bridge engineering is strongly recommended.

Please note: You can check other time zones here.

Syllabus

• Introduction – Bridge Engineering Overview
• Description & Main Components of Bridges and Culverts
• Bridge Inspection Overview
• The rationale for an Inspection Strategy
• Inspector Duties, Responsibilities, and Basis for Bridge Inspection
• Steel, Concrete & Timber Inspection, Structural Distress and Properties/Strengths/Weaknesses
• Bridge Bearings
• Expansion Joints
• The durability of Concrete Bridge Decks - Inspection & Evaluation of Deterioration for Highway and Railway Bridges
• Foundation Inspection
• Underwater Inspection of Bridges
• Inspector Responsibilities and Inspection Procedure
• Inspection and Maintenance Equipment
• Non-destructive Testing (NDT)
• Structure Maintenance, Repair & Rehabilitation Strategies for Steel And Concrete Bridges
• Bridge Management System (BMS) for Bridges
• OSIM Manual Tables: Categorize Structures & Components
• Material Defects – Definitions
• Steel Bridge Redundancy
• Fracture Control and Fatigue
• Inspection Frequency of Steel Bridges and Concrete Bridges. Annual, Routine and Detailed Inspection
• Various Case studies - Accelerated Bridge Construction Techniques (ABC)
• Bridge Rehabilitation vs Replacement
• Questions and Answers and Feedback to Participants on Achievement of Learning Outcomes
• Concluding Remarks and Final Adjournment

Instructor

Adel R. Zaki is the Chief Engineer of bridges and structures with SNC-Lavalin. In his 40 years in civil engineering practice, Mr. Zaki has been engaged by Canada’s foremost engineering consulting firms, becoming an expert in the design and management for major bridge projects in North America and internationally.

In 1995, the World Bank recognized Mr. Zaki as an international specialist for his professional services in planning, project management and the design of railway and highway infrastructures.

Mr. Zaki has published more than twenty technical papers on bridges and received merit awards from the CSCE, the ACI, and the PCI. He is a member of numerous associations and committees including Professional Engineers Ontario, Order of Engineers of Quebec, Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC, Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association, Transportation Research Board, Technical Committee of the CSA Bridge Code S6, and the International Association of Bridges and Structures.