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FHWA Bridge Inspector’s Manual Section 10.1—Abutments and Wingwalls

Mark P. Rossow, PhD, PE Retired


Course Outline

The course defines various abutment types—full height, open, integral, and some less common types.  Typical materials used, abutment elements, and foundation types are described.  Inspection procedures for identifying vertical, lateral, and rotational movement are presented, as well as for identifying material defects and scour.  Geometrical and construction-based classifications of wingwalls are given, and inspection procedures for wingwalls are listed that are similar to the procedures for abutments.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

Intended Audience

This course is intended primarily for civil, construction, and structural engineers, and would be of particular interest to consulting engineers or to engineers serving in government organizations concerned with the safety of bridges.

Benefit to Attendees

An attendee of this course will be familiar with the characteristics of abutments and wingwalls and will be able to apply this knowledge in bridge inspections.

Course Introduction

The substructure is the component of a bridge that includes all elements supporting the superstructure. Its purpose is to transfer the loads from the superstructure to the foundation soil or rock.An abutment is a substructure unit located at the end of a bridge. Its function is to provide end support for the bridge superstructure and to retain the approach roadway embankment. Wingwalls are also located at the ends of abridge. Their function is only to retain the approach roadway embankment and not to provide end support for the bridge. Wingwalls are considered part of the substructure component only if they are integral with the abutment. When there is an expansion joint or construction joint between the abutment and the wingwall, that wingwall is defined as an independent wingwall, i.e. a retaining wall, and not considered in the condition evaluation of the abutment/substructure component.

Course Content

This course is based on Section 10.1 (Abutments and Wingwalls) of the Federal Highway Administration Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual, Publication No. FHWA NHI 03-001, October, 2002, Revised December, 2006.

FHWA Bridge Inspector’s Manual Section 10.1—Abutments and Wingwalls

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Course Summary

The characteristics of abutments and wingwalls as they pertain to bridges are described in a manner useful for conducting inspection of bridges.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/bripro.htm

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.