Bridges

The postgraduate specialist study Bridges allows students to acquire knowledge and skills in the field of design, construction and maintenance of bridges through the 12 courses offered. In the area of design, the chapters on determining the load on bridges (static and dynamic actions), bridge dynamics (earthquake safety, vibrations caused by wind and traffic), numerical modelling of bridges (linear and non-linear calculation methods), bridge foundations (shallow and deep foundations) and sizing of bridge elements (steel and composite bridges, reinforced concrete bridges with prestressing) are available. Special chapters on bridge design include the aesthetics of bridges (blending into the environment, harmony of the internal design of the superstructure and substructure elements), experimental methods for testing bridges, the use of materials with special properties, the selection of disposition elements and equipment for typical bridges, bridges with special features and for large bridges, as well as an overview of the history of bridge building. In the context of bridge construction, the details of modern construction methods are presented (free cantilever erection, launching, prefabricated erection, erection in mobile scaffolding, erection with temporary supports), including the calculation of construction stages and sizing of temporary and permanent elements through all critical construction stages. Bridge management includes chapters on the use of bridges under special circumstances, scheduled and unscheduled inspections of bridges, the determination of the remaining load bearing capacity of existing bridges as well as maintenance and rehabilitation works.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The study is open to individuals who have completed a master's or undergraduate study and have earned at least 60 ECTS credits in subjects within the field of civil engineering during their studies, including at least 30 ECTS credits in the area of specialization in Bridges. Exceptionally, a university specialist study can be undertaken by an individual who has completed a professional graduate study, subject to passing differentiation exams determined by the Faculty or with at least five years of work experience in the field related to the study.

STUDY PROGRAM

Students' obligations consist of attending classes, taking exams, and working on their specialist thesis. A student is required to attend the forms of teaching specified by the study program and implementation plan, which, along with fulfilling teaching obligations and achieving satisfactory results in knowledge assessments, are prerequisites for obtaining a teacher's signature.

The study is conducted over a period of one year, divided into two semesters. In the first semester, classes are organized, while in the second semester, students work on their specialist thesis. Students are required to complete the study within a maximum period of 2 years from the date of enrollment.

In the specialist study, a total of 60 ECTS credits need to be accumulated, with students required to have at least 30 ECTS credits from exams and 30 ECTS credits from the specialist thesis.

Specialist Thesis

The student should propose a topic for the thesis upon enrollment in the second semester. The specialist study concludes with the preparation and defense of the specialist thesis. The thesis is prepared during the second semester. The requirement for approval of the thesis is the accumulation of at least 12 ECTS credits from exams.

For applicants whose thesis topic has been accepted, the Science Committee appoints a mentor for guidance. The accepted thesis topic is valued at 4 ECTS credits. After accumulating 30 ECTS credits from classes and exams and completing the thesis, the student initiates the thesis evaluation process.

An applicant whose thesis receives a positive evaluation has the right and obligation to publicly defend the thesis. A positively evaluated thesis is valued at 20 ECTS credits. A successful defense of the thesis is valued at 6 ECTS credits.