How do the complex design and construction processes for long span bridges get initiated and executed? The Green Construction Research & Training Center (GCRTC) is hosting a two-day in-person workshop on Long Span Bridge Design and Construction, facilitated by Dr Matthias Schueller, Vice President of Parsons.
Event Details
Dates, locations, times:
- Nov. 12 – EME 2181 – 9:30am-5:30pm
- Nov. 13 – LIB 312 – 9:00am- 4:00pm
Register for the workshop (required). Capacity will be limited to 20-25 participants to provide more dedicated time for in-person interactions.
Abstract
The design and construction of long-span bridges is an interdisciplinary task. It requires specialized knowledge that only few engineers possess. In the past, this know-how was handed over by the pioneers in their discipline and the bridge builders to the next generation rather than taught in schools. In this regard, not much has changed and therefore, this workshop is intended to provide an interactive learning experience for aspiring bridge engineers with the goal to investigate unique design and construction features that can be only found in long-span bridges.
Throughout centuries, long-span bridge engineers have always questioned the status quo and by doing so, they were able to increase bridge spans and improve their designs with innovative solutions. Hereby, they created iconic structures that defined the technical possibilities of their era. Today, not many of us can recall the forward-thinking inventions and meaningful milestone events which raised the bar and eventually led the way to today’s modern long-span bridge design and construction principles.
One goal of the workshop is learning about the history of long-span bridges. Other goals include conconceptual and preliminary design objectives and how to get started in developing a long-span structure. Participants will learn of how to elevaluate options and to prepare preliminary design calculations by hand so they are able to size important members and understand the pros and cons of different concepts. This includes the quest for stiffness and flexibility which are both important in long-span bridge design.
About Dr. Matthias Schueller
Dr. Matthias Schueller is a Manager for the Parsons Structures Division in Western Canada, and Practice Leader for Long Span Bridges. He has over 30 years of experience in the design and construction engineering of complex bridges worldwide. He is the Engineer of Record of the Deh Cho Bridge, one of the longest cable-supported bridges in North America, and the Canal Lachine Bridge, a curved extradosed bridge. Dr. Schueller has received his Ph.D. in cable bridges under guidance of Professor Joerg Schlaich, a structural engineer internationally recognized for his contributions in the development of Strut-and-Tie-Models and his designs of long span bridges, roofs, and other advanced light-weight structures. Dr. Schueller has worked on a wide variety of remarkable bridge projects in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He has been recognized for his contributions by local and international awards. His innovative design solutions have led to significant savings in construction and maintenance costs. He is an IABSE Fellow, a former member of the TRB Committee AKC40 – Construction of Bridges and Structures, invited speaker, and published numerous technical papers on bridges and structural design.
About the Green Construction Research and Training Center
The Green Construction Research & Training Center (GCRTC) is multi-disciplinary research and training hub, which is the results of collaboration between the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Okanagan College (OC). The center enables a multitude of disciplines to work in a symbiotic manner to enrich and broaden all disciplines’ capabilities towards greener construction. Learn more at https://gcrtc.ubc.ca/.