Pete Weykamp at LTAP Conference, Purdue University
Author: Lorella Angelini, Angelini Consulting Services, LLC
After leading the bridge preservation program with New York State DOT, Pete Weykamp has put his knowledge and experience at the service of the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). Together with Ed Welch, Bridge Preservation Engineer for the AASHTO TSP-2 Program, and with the support of the National Center for Pavement Preservation (NCPP), Pete has started the Bridge Preservation LTAP training track for Local Agencies. I reached out to Peter in order to know more about the program. Additional information is reported in the flier, see linkage at the end of the post.
- Could you speak of the reasoning behind the newly introduced Bridge Presevation training?
Over the last few years there has been great interest in getting Local Agencies (Cities, Counties & Towns) “up to speed” on the maintenance and preservation of their bridges. In response to these needs Ed Welch and I have developed and implemented an Introductory/Grass Roots Bridge Preservation LTAP course for Local Agencies. The course is focused on the concept of bridge preservation and the advantages that it generates. It can be tailored to individual audiences adding or dropping topics depending on their capabilities and needs. The course can be presented as a full or half day as time permits.
Understanding the need for training and the development of municipal programs specific to the preservation of the non-State owned bridges is vital to the overall condition of the Country’s 608,000 bridges. An effective/balanced bridge preservation program should include all aspects of preservation, first and foremost both reactive and proactive maintenance.
- What is the target audience for the training program?
Our target audience consists of bridge maintenance personnel working for Local Agencies. We have the ability to modify the training sessions based on the make-up of the different audience groups. For example, for an audience of county highway supervisors and engineers we focus on Why specific preservation actions are necessary. For an audience made up of field crews, a greater focus is place on How the actions are performed.
- Can you speak of the short and long term goals of the program?
Short term goals focus on a holistic approach to managing highway structures at the local level. This includes topics that are essential for the preservation of locally-owned highway structures, such as involving industry partners and formalizing a process to deliver needed training.
Longer term goals create a mechanism for local officials and crews to network, view hands-on demonstrations, and provide opportunities to participate in the AASHTO Regional Bridge Preservation Partnerships.
- What is your specific role?
My role is to develop training modules and provide instruction to for local agency training. Working with Ed, we created training modules on Concrete Washing and Sealing, Expansion Joints, Repairing Concrete, Programming Bridge Maintenance, Developing a Bridge Preservation Program, and an overview presentation on Bridge Preservation Training for LTAP.
I am currently working on training modules for Steel Coatings, Bolting, and Bearing Maintenance. The modules will include videos and demonstrations. I will continue to seek the assistance of industry partners in developing the training modules.
- How much was implemented in 2016 and what is expected in 2017
During the current year, training modules on Concrete Washing and Sealing, Expansion Joints, Repairing Concrete, Programming Bridge Maintenance, Developing a Bridge Preservation Program, and an overview presentation on Bridge Preservation Training for LTAPs were developed.
In October, Ed and I conducted a training session during an event hosted by the Indiana LTAP through Purdue University. Approximately 100 county highway supervisors participated in sessions on Expansion Joints, Programming Bridge Maintenance, and Concrete Repair. An industry representative conducted a demonstration on the use of chemical anchors. The half-day of bridge preservation training was received with substantial interest.
For 2017, additional modules on the Protection of Structural Steel, Deck Overlay Options, Scour Remediation, and the Use of Sacrificial Anodes will be created. TSP2 will continue to outreach to Local Agencies offering bridge preservation training and the resources available through its program. TSP2 will also continue to explore needs and applications suitable for bridge preservation actions that can be implemented at the local level.
LINKAGE:
National LTAP & TTAP Association