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101-0138-00L 6 Credits MSC D-BAUG
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Bridge Design

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Walter Kaufmann
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:22:50

Abstract

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.

Objective

After successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: - Define the main bridge design parameters and identify constraints and boundary conditions - Explain the structural behaviour and peculiarities of today’s most important bridge typologies - Explain the main elements of bridges and their structural behaviour - Define the relevant actions on bridges - Dimension a standard bridge (pre-dimensioning by hand; dimensioning using computer-aided tools) - Explain the most relevant bridge construction and erection methods - Select an appropriate typology and conceive a convincing bridge for a site with its specific boundary conditions - Name the most eminent bridge designers and their relevant works

Content

The course is built up as follows: 1. Introduction 2. Conceptual design 3. Superstructure / Girder bridges 4. Support and articulation 5. Substructure 6. Arch bridges 7. Frame bridges 8. Special girder bridges 9. Cable-supported bridges The course is complemented by - Guest lectures by leading bridge designers active in industry - Inverted classroom exercises on conceptual bridge design - Slides on eminent bridge designers and their works - Exercises (homework)

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes (slides with explanations)

Literature

Menn C.: Prestressed Concrete Bridges. Basel: Birkhäuser Basel, 1990 (available online at ETH Library) Hirt, M., Lebet, J.P.: Steel Bridges. EPFL Press, New York, 2013 (available online at ETH Library)

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
Part 1: 10 A4 pages (handwritten or typed)Part 2: Open book exam; recommended:- SIA codes 260ff- SZS C4 and C5 tables- Textbooks: bridges, concrete/steel design- Structural analysis handbooks/formula tablesBoth parts: calculator; no communication devices
Session examination:Part 1 (Conceptual design): 60 minutesPart 2: 120 minutesLearning tasks:The learning task consists of 3 flipped classroom exercises, where the students develop the concept of a bridge collaborating in groups, and the final submission of the chosen concept. Participation is recommended for students, but not mandatory. It can improve the total course unit grade by up to 0.25 grade points. This maximum bonus may be achieved by successfully completing all flipped classroom exercises and submitting a convincing concept. Students can still achieve the maximum grade of 6 in the course unit even if they only sit the final examination.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Bridge Design
  • Tue 11:45-13:30 (HIL E 3)
  • Wed 11:45-13:30 (HIL E 3)
4 h weekly

Offered In