Course in Introduction to Large Bridge Structures
Online course of 300 hours in large bridge structures, structured in 6 modules covering bridge types, design actions, long-span typologies, substructure and foundations, and construction processes, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Recognise the elements and types of bridges.
Apply basic actions and load combinations.
Compare long-span bridge types.
Understand the design of piers and foundations.
Describe the main construction processes.
Select a bridge type according to the site.
Prepare a preliminary study for a large bridge.
Who it's for
- Junior bridge engineers.
- Civil works design draughtspeople.
- Technical office staff in engineering or construction firms.
- Assistant site managers.
- Structural maintenance technicians.
- Infrastructure administration technicians.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the road infrastructure sector.
What you'll work with
- EN 1990 (Eurocode: basis of structural design)
- EN 1991-2 (Eurocode 1: traffic loads on bridges)
- IAP-11 (Spanish instruction on actions for road bridges)
- Real Decreto 470/2021 (Spanish Structural Code)
- EN 1992-2 (Eurocode 2: concrete bridges)
- EN 1993-2 (Eurocode 3: steel bridges)
- SAP2000
- MIDAS Civil
- AutoCAD
- SketchUp
6 modules
1.1History of bridges1.2Elements of a bridge1.3Classification by structural type1.4Classification by material1.5Road bridges, railway bridges and footbridges1.6Span ranges by type1.7Site constraints1.8Aesthetics and landscape1.9Great bridges of the world1.10Case study: virtual tour of iconic bridges
2.1Permanent loads2.2Traffic loads2.3Wind actions2.4Thermal actions2.5Seismic action2.6Combinations of actions2.7Ultimate and serviceability limit states2.8Durability and service life2.9Spanish and European standards2.10Practical exercise: combination of actions on a deck
3.1Box girder bridges3.2Arch bridges3.3Cable-stayed bridges3.4Suspension bridges3.5Extradosed bridges3.6Truss bridges3.7Composite bridges3.8Comparison of structural behaviour3.9Selection criteria3.10Workshop: choosing a bridge type for an estuary
4.1Tall and slender piers4.2Abutments4.3Shallow foundations4.4Piles and pile caps4.5Foundations in rivers and at sea4.6Scour4.7Caisson foundations4.8Soil-structure interaction4.9Protection against ship impact4.10Practical exercise: preliminary sizing of a pier
5.1Conventional falsework5.2Precast girders5.3Balanced cantilever construction5.4Incremental launching of decks5.5Movable scaffolding systems5.6Erection of arches5.7Construction of suspension bridges5.8Planning and schedules5.9Quality control5.10Case study: construction process of a viaduct
6.1Site selection6.2Constraints6.3Bridge type alternatives6.4Preliminary sizing6.5Main actions6.6Construction process6.7Cost estimate6.8Conclusions6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with your tutor
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The working software is SAP2000, MIDAS Civil, AutoCAD and SketchUp, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures such as comparing structural types, preliminary sizing of decks and piers and analysing construction processes. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: EN 1990, EN 1991-2, IAP-11, Real Decreto 470/2021, EN 1992-2, EN 1993-2.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with SAP2000, MIDAS Civil, AutoCAD and SketchUp, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required; you need a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
Related programmes
Rail Last Mile Logistics Course
Online course of 300 hours in rail last-mile logistics: 6 modules covering urban logistics and rail, urban terminals and microhubs, capillary distribution and vehicles, planning and…
Railway Simulation Software Course
Online course of 300 hours in railway simulation software: 6 modules covering simulation fundamentals, running-time and energy simulation, capacity and timetabling, signalling and control systems, and…
Urban Reforestation and Biodiversity Course
Online course of 300 hours in urban reforestation and biodiversity, structured in 6 modules covering urban ecology, urban trees and forests, reforestation and naturalisation, fauna and…
More in Civil, Rail & Smart Cities
All Civil, Rail & Smart Cities programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships