Bridge Workshop: Advances in Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design

The ACEC/NC Structures Subcommittee in coordination with Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute presents: 

Advances in Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design: Practical Solutions for Modern Infrastructure

Join bridge design professionals, DOT personnel, and industry leaders for a full-day technical seminar focused on the latest practices and innovations in prestressed concrete bridge design. Led by Reid Castrodale, PhD, PE, this program will provide practical guidance for engineers involved in the planning, design, fabrication, and construction of prestressed concrete bridge systems.

The seminar will explore key technical considerations that influence performance, durability, constructability, and cost-effectiveness in modern bridge projects. Through detailed presentations and case studies, attendees will gain insights into practical design approaches and emerging solutions that improve bridge performance and extend service life.

Practical design guidance will be provided on topics that directly affect project feasibility, durability, and fabrication efficiency, including:

• Economical fabrication strategies for prestressed concrete girders
• Design considerations for draped and debonded prestressing strands
• Lateral stability considerations during girder handling, transport, and erection
• Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) using prestressed concrete systems
• Design and application of prestressed concrete piles
• Use of link slabs to reduce maintenance and improve bridge durability
• Design strategies for corrosive environments, including UHPC alternatives to traditional prestressing strand systems
• Transportation constraints and their influence on girder length design

The seminar will conclude with an interactive panel discussion featuring prestressed concrete manufacturers and representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). This session will provide a valuable opportunity for open dialogue on current challenges, fabrication practices, design expectations, and collaborative solutions between designers, producers, and owners.