Midlands Branch Lunch & Learn
COST: Member $20; Non-Member $30; Students Free
TOPIC: Seismic Considerations for South Carolina Bridge Design
Seismic design is an important consideration for South Carolina bridges, even though the state lies outside the western U.S. high seismic zones. This presentation provides an overview of seismic design practices as they are applied to bridges in South Carolina, including applicable specifications, detailing requirements, material considerations, and site-specific issues such as liquefaction potential. A brief comparison to seismic design practices in select other U.S. states will be included to provide context and highlight similarities and differences relative to South Carolina’s approach.
Tres Litten, P.E. is a Bridge Engineer with HDR, Inc. in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in concrete highway bridge design and seismic engineering. With over ten years of experience, he has contributed to bridge projects across South Carolina and supported seismic design efforts in Washington State. Tres serves as Co-Chair of HDR’s Seismic Technology Center and is a member of the Transportation Research Board AKH14 Committee on Management, Maintenance, and Preservation of Bridges and Structures. A U.S. Navy veteran of the Naval Nuclear Power Program, he is licensed in South Carolina and North Carolina and is active in community mentorship and statewide community service initiatives.
Ty Stokes, P.E. is the Structures Office Leader at HDR in Columbia, South Carolina, with professional experience in seismic analysis and design for projects in California, Washington, and South Carolina. He leads HDR’s Seismic Technology Center, supporting the development of consistent, technically sound seismic practices across the firm. Ty is the former Chair of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Seismic Design and Performance of Bridges Committee and is the incoming Vice Chair of the New ASCE SEI committee of the same name. Ty is an active supporter of the HDR foundation which positively impacts the communities where HDR employees live and work. Ty is a registered professional engineer in South Carolina.
Everyone must register (online or via email) by 12pm on 5/19 to be counted for lunch.
Payment (cash or card) will be accepted at the door ONLY if you pre-register via email.
There is free surface lot parking available through the fence and behind the building. If needed, there is overflow parking across the cul-de-sac at 110 Midlands Court (HQ Building). Please click here to see permitted parking areas.
Infrastructure, Consulting & Engineering (ICE) Office, 121 Midlands Court, West Columbia, SC 29169
Thank you to HDR Engineering, Inc. for sponsoring our May 2026 Monthly Meeting!
