The FHWA currently offers formal technical training on the design of highway bridge substructures using load and resistance factor design (LRFD). The training was developed to assist participants of varying levels of experience with transition of practice from allowable stress design (ASD) to LRFD for bridge substructures, foundations and retaining structures. For structural applications, training was based on the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 3rd Edition, 2004 (AASHTO LRFD specifications). For geotechnical applications, training referenced development work on AASHTO LRFD Section 10, Foundations, including the approved 2006 interim specifications. Considerable changes have occurred to Sections 3, 10 and 11 of the AASHTO LRFD specifications in the last few years, and significant work is required to address gaps and issues remaining in the geotechnical guidance. In order to remain current with technical guidance developed for state DOT039;s and address future changes to the AASHTO LRFD specifications, revisions to the reference materials, comprehensive design examples and training/technology transfer structure are necessary. These necessary revisions will provide up-to-date guidance for State DOT039;s and allow the developed materials to be flexible enough to easily accommodate future changes. Future changes in FHWA technical guidance and in the AASHTO LFRD specifications will have to address calibration of design methodologies for deep and shallow foundation design, earth retaining structures including mechanically stabilized earth (MSE), embankment and slope design, culverts, and soil and rock properties. In addition, such topics as serviceability in geotechnical design, loads and load combinations, and extreme events must be addressed. This pooled fund effort will support several activities to address these topics.

The project objectives are to: 1) Revise and update comprehensive bridge design examples to reflect the most recent changes to Sections 3, 10 and 11 of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Standards; 2) Redevelop instructor led and web-based training for transportation engineers responsible for substructure and foundation design of bridges; 3) Identify research needs for continued advancement, and improved reliability and cost effectiveness of LRFD design methodologies for substructures and foundations.

The scope of this pooled fund is to: 1) re-develop the instructor led training for state DOT039;s to focus on adaptation of state geotechnical and foundation design practice to the AASHTO LRFD specifications; 2) develop and maintain web-based training modules to focus on specific technical aspects of the LRFD transition. This would include methods for calibration of design methods and development of local/regional resistance factors, information and guidance on bi-annual changes to the AASHTO LRFD specifications; 3) update and distribute comprehensive design examples for state DOT use; 4) identify research needs and develop work statements for future funding.

This project will occur in two (2) phases. Phase I will encompass development of training materials and identification of research needs. Maintenance and updating of materials will be a Phase II activity. The estimated duration of Phase I is 18 months from notice to proceed. The requested contribution for this pooled fund solicitation is $50,000 per partner, per fiscal year. The minimim contribution that will be accepted is $20,000 per partner, per fiscal year.