Public Works & Infrastructure

The improvement and maintenance of a city’s infrastructure is critical to the safety and well-being of its citizenry, as well as to the efficiency of local commerce. TVi has assisted many overseas delegations interested in studying best practices and trends in this crucial government sector.

Bay Bridge Seismic Safety Project

Seattle Bridge Inspection Technical Visit

The Hokkaido Construction Technology Center sent a 5-member team to Northern California to study best practices and trends in the seismic retrofitting of large-scale bridges and other major public works projects.  TVi worked closely with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to coordinate a technical visit focused on the seismic retrofit of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, it’s engineering, construction, and seismic technology.  At almost 4.5 miles (7.18 km) in length, the Bay Bridge has one of the longest spans in the United States.
 
     1.   Name of Group:         Hokkaido Construction Technology Center
     2.  Size of Group:              5 + 1 interpreter
     3.  Time:                           10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
     4.  Host:                             Bay Bridge Seismic Safety Project
     5.  To Meet:                       Caltrans Tours Program Manager
     6.  Contents:                      – Presentation about bridge seismic retrofit
                                                – Q&A session
     7.  Topics:                          – Bridge engineering
                                                – Bridge construction
                                                – Bridge seismic technology
The Hokkaido Construction Technology Center delegation was also interested in the bridge inspection system here in the U.S., including how bridge inspectors and engineers are trained, what inspection standards exist, and what specific challenges bridge maintenance challenges are faced and how they are met. TVi coordinated a technical visit with the King County Road Services Division’s Bridge and Structural Design Unit to provide a detailed overview of bridge inspection procedures, protocols, and standards.
 
     1.   Name of Group:         Hokkaido Construction Technology Center
     2.  Size of Group:              5 + 1 interpreter
     3.  Time:                           9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
     4.  Host:                            King County Road Services Division
                                               Bridge & Structural Design Unit
     5.  To Meet:                      – Managing Engineer
                                               – Bridge Inspection Program Manager
                                               – Senior Structural Bridge Engineer
    6.  Contents:                      – Intro to King County Road Services  
                                               – Role of Bridge & Structural Design Unit 
                                               – Discussion and Q&A 
     7.  Topics:                          – Bridge Inspector System 
                                               – Education & training for inspectors 
                                                – Inspection standards for bridges 
                                                – Bridge maintenance challenges

                                                – Qualifications to become a bridge Inspector