This course presents the fundamentals of bridge design. It covers the entire range from conceptual design to construction, encompassing all relevant building materials. The focus lies on the structural behaviour of today’s most important bridge typologies and their suitability for certain boundary conditions, the dimensioning of the main structural elements as well as construction methods.

Overview on the basics of design and execution of concrete, steel and composite bridges, introduction to the conceptual design process; knowledge of the major construction methods and the function of structural elements.

Consolidation and extension of theoretical knowledge of structural aspects of bridges considering execution, economy and design.

Theoretical basic knowledge and detailing of plate girders, trusses and composite beams and columns. Local load introduction, design structural analysis stability and detailing of buildings. A global approach including aspects of structural safety, architecture, use and durability is given. The course includes practical examples and exercises done by the students to enhance their knowledge.

Basic knowledge of structural steel design including material behaviour, structural analysis and stability problems. Methods and background of structural steel design, including detailing. Influence of detailing on structural modeling. The course includes practical examples and optional exercises to be done by the students to enhance their knowledge of structural steel design.

Theoretical foundation and constructional features of the design and construction of steel structures. Steel connection design, part II. Intro to steel and composite bridges. Plate buckling of unstiffened and stiffened panels. Cold-formed steel. Fatigue resistance and safe life assessment. Detailling, drafting, fabrication and erection, cost estimation.

This course provides in-depth knowledge of steel and composite structures, including design, long-term effects, vibrations, and fire safety. It covers modern floor systems, principles of lightweight structures, and cable and membrane design. Practical examples offer insights into planning, fabrication, and erection.

Design of timber structures.Part One: Fundamentals of material behavior, products and design.

Knowledge of characteristic properties of wood as a anisotropic and porous material and their consideration in structural timber design. History, ecology, structure of timber, drying, material properties, influence of moisture and creep. Fracture mechanics, fatigue, durability, fire design, composite elements.