This course is intended to be broad based to summarize the past history and current development of curved spliced precast concrete U-Beam bridge primarily through reference to several projects.  In addition, terminology for components used in this and later courses will be defined.  An overview of project delivery, selection of design criteria, and specifying a U-Beam bridge will be presented in five submodules as follows:

1. Develop understanding of curved, spliced, U-Beam technology.
2. Understand U-beam cross sections, major components of U-Beam System, and fabrication techniques.
3. Understand the role of the Designer, Specialty Engineer, and Project Specifications in project delivery.
4. Understand the role of design criteria in stating important design assumptions, especially those not clearly defined in current design codes.
5. Understand critical elements and constraints for preliminary layout and sizing of a curved, spliced U-beam bridge.

After completing this course, the student will be able to understand the following:

• History and development of curved spliced precast concrete U-Beam bridge technology
• Major components associated with curved spliced precast concrete U-Beam bridges
• Design and contractual elements related to project delivery
• Applicability of concept and preliminary design engineering