Despite the shift in how to meet the needs of today's workforce, the National Highway Institute (NHI) prides itself on its commitment to provide quality training to engineers. To continue to do so, NHI now offers some of its structures courses in an online, instructor-led format.

NHI now offers some of its structures courses in a virtual instructor-led format.

With this new training format, engineers can learn current information on key topics such as bridge and tunnel inspection, fracture-critical inspection techniques for steel bridges, and load rating of concrete and steel superstructures from the comfort of their home or office. The virtual environment offers engineers access to expert instructors worldwide while earning continuing education units.

Virtual Structures Courses

The following courses are, or will soon be, available in an online, instructor-led format.

Bridge Inspection Refresher Training (FHWA-NHI-130053V/FHWA-NHI-130053A). This virtual training teaches learners how to effectively inspect and manage bridge inspection programs. Individuals will refresh their skills and knowledge on conducting bridge inspections and learn information on other related topics through various techniques and tools.

Load and Resistance Factor Rating of Highway Bridges (FHWA-NHI-130092V) (coming soon). The Load and Resistance Factor Rating of Highway Bridges course offers both novice and experienced bridge engineers the fundamental knowledge necessary to apply the most recent American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Load and Resistance Factor Design specifications to bridge ratings. Participants are introduced to applications of these specifications that can be used to enhance bridge safety and to identify and discuss the steps needed to ensure a successful transition for this new state-of-the-art methodology.

Tunnel Safety Inspection Refresher (FHWA-NHI-130125V). The Tunnel Safety Inspection Refresher course provides learners with the foundation needed to successfully manage and execute a tunnel inspection. This highly interactive virtual training enhances participants' prior knowledge of bridge and/or tunnel inspections. Prior to taking this training, participants must complete the FHWA-NHI-130110 and FHWA-NHI-130124 courses.

Strut-and-Tie Modeling (STM) for Concrete Structures (FHWA-NHI-130126V) (coming soon). This online course provides engineers with a straightforward analysis and design tool for deep concrete bridge elements and disturbed regions that would otherwise require a rigorous refined analysis.

How to Attend or Host a Course

NHI invites professionals interested in earning continuing education units or professional development hours to visit http://bit.ly/NHIHome and browse the complete digital course catalog, which encompasses more than 400 courses spanning 18 program areas. To sign up for alerts when a course session is scheduled, visit the individual course's description page and select the "Sign Up for Session Alerts" link.

Interested hosts can submit a Host Request Form or find more information about hosting NHI courses by visiting www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/host.aspx.

NHI is an approved Accredited Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). As an IACET Accredited Provider, NHI offers continuing education units for its programs that qualify under the American National Standards Institute/IACET Standard.

Mignon Whitted is an acting NHI training program manager.

Amber Clark is a contracted marketing analyst for NHI.