Our Expertise

Bridge Expert Consulting brings decades of unparalleled expertise in bridge engineering, design, and consulting to the table. Our team comprises seasoned professionals in bridge construction, offering a comprehensive array of services that encompass feasibility studies, concept development, structural analysis, preliminary design, project specification, and the crafting of final design plans. Our proficiency extends to a variety of bridge types, including single and continuous span bridges, structures over roadways, railroads, creeks, or bike-pedestrian paths, as well as specialized designs like skewed and curved bridges.

Adding to our robust portfolio, we are proud to introduce our service in BrIM (Bridge Information Modeling). This cutting-edge approach further enhances our capability to deliver top-tier bridge solutions. Our bridge capabilities are underpinned by a broad spectrum of related specialties. Our team is not only skilled in core structural engineering disciplines such as post-tension design but also excels in designs for steel-reinforced concrete decks, steel girders, prestressed concrete girders, and concrete slabs. Moreover, our experts are thoroughly conversant with most state design manuals, specifications, and construction standards, ensuring that every project aligns with the highest industry benchmarks.

At Bridge Expert Consulting, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of bridge engineering and design, leveraging our deep knowledge and innovative techniques to deliver exceptional results.

Our ASNT- certified experts utilize the most advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technology to 

 assess an asset's condition without causing any damage to the structure. The goal of NDE is to detect defects or potential problems before they become serious enough to cause structural damage or failure.

Some common NDT methods that our experts  use for bridges and culverts include:

• Ground Penetrating Radar
• Standard Test Method for Pulse Velocity Through Concrete (ASTM C597)
• Standard Test Method for Rebound Number of Hardened Concrete (ASTM C805/C805M)
• Standard Test Method for Pullout Strength of Hardened Concrete (ASTM C900)
• Rebar Locator and Concrete Cover Meter 
• Standard Practice for Estimating Concrete Strength by the Maturity Method (ASTM C1074)
• Half- Cell Potentials

We perform inspections of in-service bridges and culverts according to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). During a bridge inspection, our experts will typically evaluate the following:

• The condition of the bridge deck, including any cracks or deterioration
• The condition of the superstructure, including any corrosion or fatigue
• The condition of the substructure, including any erosion or settlement
• The condition of the foundation, including any signs of movement or settlement
• The condition of the bridge approach and roadway, including any signs of wear or damage

Based on the findings of the inspection, our experts will assign a condition rating to the bridge and recommend any necessary repairs or maintenance. If significant defects or deficiencies are identified, our experts will identify the most cost-effective repair and strengthening solutions to prevent closing the bridge. By utilizing our expertise, bridge owners and operators can ensure that their structures are safe, reliable, and operating at peak performance. 

Our team of experts have a deep understanding of the complex issues involved in rehabilitating aging structures and are equipped with the technical expertise to provide effective solutions to bridge owners and operators. We perform a thorough inspection of the bridge, which includes a visual examination, testing of the bridge's components, and a review of available historical data. The results of this inspection are analyzed to determine the bridge's condition and identify any areas of concern that require immediate attention. Based on the findings of the evaluation, our team of experts will develop detailed drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for the proposed repairs and upgrades, such as: deck repair, joint repair, abutment seats repair, parapet attachment modification, bridge widening, seismic retrofit, and structure strengthening and stabilization. 

Our design must meet all applicable safety and code requirements, as well as consider the unique environmental and geographic conditions surrounding the bridge. Our experts can help to extend the lifespan of the bridge and minimize the need for costly and disruptive replacement projects in the future.

Bridge Experts Consulting uses the benefit of load and resistance factor rating (LRFR) methodology to determine the safe carrying capacity of  concrete slab bridges, concrete culverts, and substructures. 

We assist bridge owners in implementing the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)’s new Guide Manual for Condition Evaluation and Load and Resistance Factor Rating (LRFR) of Highway Bridges to ensure public safety. 

By using LRFR tools, our team of experts provide uniform reliability in load rating and load posting, promote greater confidence in rating and posting values, provide guidance for evaluation of overloads, introduce state-of-the-art technologies that could benefit existing bridges, and facilitate evaluation of the serviceability limit state.

We perform load ratings for various needs :

• HL-93 design load rating for inventory and operation level
• Routine commercial traffic 
• Emergency vehicles (Type EV2 for single rear axle and Type EV3 for tandem rear axle as defined in the FAST Act).
• Specialized Hauling Vehicles (SHVs) as defined in the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE)
• Overload permits : (Routine Annual permits or Special permits) 
• Specific State and local load rating programs.

Our experts use the most advanced load rating computer tools  (AASHTOWare [BrDR, BrD, BrR], Mathcad, LARS, midas Civil, PENNDOT BAR7, STAAD) to  deliver ratings for steel, reinforced concrete, prestressted concrete, and timber structural elements.

 In doing so, we can ensure that our evaluations are consistent and thorough, and that the bridges we design and evaluate are safe and reliable. 

Bridge structural strengthening involves the addition of new materials or reinforcement to an existing bridge to increase its load-carrying capacity or improve its performance. The goal is to increase the bridge's strength and durability, reducing the risk of failure or collapse. Why is bridge structural strengthening necessary? Bridges are designed to carry a certain amount of weight, but over time, the load-carrying capacity can be reduced due to a variety of factors, including aging, corrosion, and damage from natural disasters. In some cases, the original design may not have accounted for changing traffic patterns or increased loads, leading to structural deficiencies. Bridge structural strengthening can address these issues by increasing the bridge's load-carrying capacity and improving its performance. This can extend the life of the bridge and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.  Some common structural strengthening methods for bridges include:  Adding steel or concrete reinforcement. Installing carbon fiber reinforcement. Post-tensioning can increase the bridge's load-carrying capacity and improve its performance. Epoxy injection into cracks or voids in the bridge's structure to improve its strength and durability. Cathodic protection to prevent corrosion.   Bridge structural strengthening can provide several benefits, including:  Increased safety for users. Extended lifespan reduces  the need for costly repairs or replacements. Improved performance reduces  the risk of damage from natural disasters and improving traffic flow. Cost-effectiveness.   With a variety of methods available, bridge owners can choose the most appropriate method to address their specific needs and budget. By investing in bridge structural strengthening, we can ensure that our transportation infrastructure continues to serve our communities safely and efficiently.