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Instructors:
Josh Crain, P.E., S.E.
David D. Byers, Ph.D., P.E.
Matt Tebo

Course Length:  1 hour

Purpose and Background

For nearly all bridge replacement projects, safe and controlled demolition of the existing structure is of the highest importance. Using explosives to remove a bridge structure, which to those unfamiliar may not sound controlled or safe, is the focus of this presentation. To properly execute a successful explosive demolition, much preplanning and preparation must occur before the big event. This presentation will cover typical scenarios where explosive demolition is a viable alternative to surgical removal and discuss the engineering and community outreach preparation typically involved in an explosive bridge demolition project. Additionally, the presentation will examine several case studies. The goal of the case studies is to learn from past experiences, and as the audience will see, not all the case studies went as planned.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Motives for selecting explosive demolition over other approaches
  • Review of explosive demolition techniques and structure preparations
  • Structural and analytical considerations of existing structure prior/during/after explosive demolition
  • Understand other non-structural impacts of explosive demolition such as vibration monitoring, underground utilities and roadway below the existing structure
  • Learn about a construction / engineering topic not often taught in school
  • Gain knowledge of the explosive demolition process, with knowledge will come an appreciation for the planning and engineering work involved that goes into it. Knowledge of the process can help remove stigmas that explosive demolition is dangerous without detailed understanding
  • Learn about how to structurally engineer a bridge to be explosively demolished safely

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed through a short post-test (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Who Should Attend?

Construction, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering

Outline

  1. Introduction
  2. Explosive Demolition Techniques & Preparations
  3. Analysis/Structural Considerations of Bridge During Demolition
  4. Case Studies
  5. Conclusions

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

This course is worth .1 CEUs/1 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.