Course in Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC)
Online course of 300 hours in accelerated bridge construction (ABC), with 6 modules covering ABC strategy and feasibility, prefabricated bridge elements, connections and joints, moving complete structures with SPMT, foundations and 4D planning, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Assess the technical and economic feasibility of accelerated construction solutions.
Select prefabricated deck, pier and abutment elements.
Design connections and joints between prefabricated elements using durability criteria.
Plan the move of complete structures using self-propelled modular transporters.
Coordinate foundations and construction phases to minimise traffic disruption.
Analyse structural behaviour during temporary phases.
Prepare an ABC bridge project with its construction schedule.
Who it's for
- Precast bridge engineers who want to specialise in accelerated bridge construction (ABC).
- Road infrastructure site managers who want to specialise in accelerated bridge construction (ABC).
- Planners of works involving traffic closures who want to specialise in accelerated bridge construction (ABC).
- Structural connection designers who want to specialise in accelerated bridge construction (ABC).
- Construction methods engineers who want to specialise in accelerated bridge construction (ABC).
- Heavy lifting and transport technicians who want to specialise in accelerated bridge construction (ABC).
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into bridge construction.
What you'll work with
- AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (US bridge design code)
- AASHTO Guide Specifications for Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC design and construction guidance)
- EN 15050 (precast concrete products: bridge elements)
- EN 13369 (common rules for precast concrete products)
- EN 1992-2 (concrete bridges)
- EN 1090-2 (execution of steel structures)
- IAP-11 (actions on road bridges)
- MIDAS Civil
- CSiBridge
- Tekla Structures
- Primavera P6
- Autodesk Civil 3D
6 modules
1.1Reducing traffic closures as an objective1.2FHWA ABC decision matrix1.3User costs and mobility delays1.4Worker safety in work zones1.5Classifying techniques by disruption time1.6Prefabrication versus cast-in-place construction1.7Scheduling and interface risks1.8Contracting and project delivery models1.9Experience in the United States and Europe1.10Case study: ABC decision for an overpass
2.1Prestressed precast beams2.2Full-depth precast deck panels2.3Precast pier caps and piers2.4Precast abutments and walls2.5Adjacent beam decks2.6Manufacturing tolerances and dimensional control2.7Transporting large elements2.8Crane lifting and manoeuvre planning2.9Quality control at the plant2.10Workshop: lifting plan for deck beams
3.1Ultra-high-performance concrete joints3.2Grouted duct connections3.3Mechanical reinforcement couplers3.4Longitudinal joints between beams3.5Pier-to-cap connection in seismic zones3.6Continuity over intermediate supports3.7Durability and watertightness of joints3.8Full-scale connection testing3.9Inspection of joints in service3.10Practical: detailing a UHPC joint between slabs
4.1Self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT)4.2Lateral sliding of decks4.3Incremental launching of decks4.4PTFE sliding systems4.5Hydraulic jacks and displacement control4.6Structural analysis during the move4.7Temporary pre-assembly areas4.8Temporary supports and foundations4.9Instrumentation during the manoeuvre4.10Case study: deck replacement over a weekend
5.1GRS-IBS reinforced soil abutments5.2Rapid-installation piles and micropiles5.3Precast footings and pile caps5.4Precast approach slabs5.54D BIM scheduling5.6Managing traffic closures and diversions5.7Coordinating affected utilities5.8Contingency plans for delays5.9Life-cycle cost of ABC solutions5.10Workshop: 4D planning of an overnight replacement
6.1Selecting the case and traffic constraints6.2Applying the decision matrix6.3Choosing the construction technique6.4Designing the prefabricated elements6.5Detailing connections and joints6.6Transport and lifting plan6.7Works programme and closure window6.8Cost and risk analysis6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so it can be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MIDAS Civil, CSiBridge, Tekla Structures, Primavera P6 and Autodesk Civil 3D, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for traffic closure planning with real cases, scale testing of prefabricated connections and simulation of SPMT moves. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, AASHTO Guide Specifications for Accelerated Bridge Construction, EN 15050, EN 13369, EN 1992-2, EN 1090-2, IAP-11.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The course totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You will work with MIDAS Civil, CSiBridge, Tekla Structures, Primavera P6 and Autodesk Civil 3D. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and your tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No previous qualification is required. You need an internet connection, a computer capable of running the programme software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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