About the Course
It is the responsibility of each bridge owner to provide an initial load rating for each bridge and to rerate bridges when the operating condition of a bridge warrants a rating change. The Louisiana DOTD is implementing an aggressive Compliance Program to ensure that all bridges in Louisiana are documented with verifiable load ratings. This class will provide an overview of the fundamental requirements of the bridge rating process required by LA DOTD and FHWA. Topics covered will include what is required by LADOTD for rating documentation of each individual bridge, the purpose and benefit of load rating, explanations of the rating methods covered by AASHTO’s MBE including the preferred LRFR rating method, and policies and procedures associated with the methods for both new and existing bridges along with any unique rating loads currently utilized by our State. Examples of load rating procedures for common bridges in Louisiana will be presented. This class is an overview for experienced bridge rating engineers and bridge owners and does not replace the more extensive NHI Bridge Rating Class or other training programs.

This course provides novice and experienced bridge engineers with the fundamental knowledge necessary to apply the most recent AASHTO LRFR Specifications to bridge ratings and how the Louisiana DOTD rating requirements encompass these LRFR specifications. This course introduces participants to applications of LRFR specifications that can be used to enhance bridge safety and to identify and discuss the steps to ensure successful transition to this new state-of-the art methodology.

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