The course material describes the type of bracing systems used with tub girders to increase the torsional stiffness and support sloping webs in trapezoidal cross sections during the construction stage. When designing the top lateral bracing system, two major criteria must be considered: torsional rigidity and torsional strength. Vertical bending of the tub girders is used during construction to develop forces in the top lateral system. This course material is based on Steel Bridge Design Handbook Bracing System Design, Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052-vol.13, November 2012 Section 3. 

At the conclusion of this course, the learner will have a better understanding of the modern construction methods used for highway bridges as well as an understanding of the following topics:

• Determining the brace forces 
• Top flange lateral truss
• Intermediate internal cross frames
• Important concepts of end diaphragms