This educational application supplements, but does not replace, the official AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, applicable state DOT manuals, project specifications, and professional engineering judgment.

Case studies

Mid-Atlantic bridges we return to

The chapters reference these bridges repeatedly. Detailed case studies are being developed with MDOT SHA and FHWA public documents; a short summary of each is provided here.

Woodrow Wilson Bridge (I-95/I-495, MD–VA)

Twin bascule replacement over the Potomac. Case study in load rating, permit vehicles, and construction-stage analysis.

American Legion Bridge (I-495 over the Potomac)

Twelve-lane multi-span steel — Maryland/Virginia joint replacement study.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge (US 50/301)

Twin parallel bridges. Wind, ice, and vessel collision considerations.

Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40 over Susquehanna, MD)

1940s riveted-truss, load rating and rehabilitation.

Chesapeake City Bridge (MD Route 213)

Tied-arch over the C&D Canal. Aesthetics, corrosion protection, and vessel-collision performance.

Full case studies — with photographs from lawful government sources, structural history, and design lessons — are attached to their referring chapters as they are approved by the instructor. See the Failure Library for cases with confirmed forensic findings.