Technical Design Resources

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance and our partners provided various technical design information to assist in the design and construction of short span steel bridges.

Publications/Charts/Tools

• Steel Bridge Construction: Myths & Realities  - This booklet dispels some of the "myths" or misconceptions surrounding the use of steel in bridge construction.
• Shapes and Uses of Corrugated Conduits - chart of shapes and uses for corrugated conduits.

Reinforced Soil Systems

Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Bridge System

FHWA has initiated a technology transfer program to introduce Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil (GRS) in bridge and box abutment applications. Here are several links related to this work.

• Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil (GRS) and Integrated Bridge System Technology FAQ
• Geosynthetically Confined Soil Website
• FHWA : Building Bridges the Geosynthetic Way
• FHWA Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge Synthesis Report 
• FHWA Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge System Interim Implementation Guide 
• GRS_Warren Schlatter, Defiance County Engineer,Defiance County, Ohio, NACE 2011

Durability Solutions:

• FHWA -- Uncoated Weathering Steel in Structures - Provides engineers with suggested guidelines for proper application of uncoated (unpainted) weathering grade steels in highway structures and recommendations for maintenance to ensure continued successful performance of the steel.
• Galvanizing Life-Cycle Cost Calculator - Compare the cost of galvanizing to other corrosion protection systems.
• Service Life Selection Guide - A quick reference guide to aid designers in the selection of the proper CSP coating for any condition.

Services:

• The AISC/NSBA Steel Solutions Center - For people who need technical assistance, innovative solutions, or tools to make structural steel design even easier.

Additional Information:

The following industry organizations also provide valuable technical information to assist in the design of steel bridges:

• Steel Market Development Institute, a business unit of AISI
• National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA)
• National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA)
• Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC)
• International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI)
• North American Steel Sheet Piling Association (NASSPA)
• American Association of State Highway and Transportation (AASHTO)
• Federal Highway Administration Office of Bridge Technology