News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MYTHS AND REALITIES REPORT ON STEEL BRIDGES NOW AVAILABLE
Updated publication dispels myths associated with steel bridge design and construction
http://www.steel.org
http://www.aisc.org
http://www.steelbridges.org
Washington, DC, February 4, 2008 – “Steel Bridge Construction: Myths and Realities”, an updated fact-based publication that addresses a wide range of topics about steel bridges is now available through a joint effort between the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA). For example, did you know that modular prefabricated short-span steel bridges can be permanent structures? Or that bridge joints are not a prerequisite for steel bridges? Or that advanced high-performance, EPA-approved steel bridge coatings can last more than 25 years? These topics and others are highlighted in the free publication.
“Steel Bridge Construction: Myths and Realities” is a 25-page document that compiles and corrects top myths and misperceptions about the viability of steel in bridge design and construction for a wide range of bridge types.
According to Dan Snyder of the American Iron and Steel Institute who is leadsthe Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance, “Our goal in this report is to spotlight the top myths associated with steel bridge construction. For designers and owners, adhering to these myths can limit the competitiveness of steel solutions versus alternative materials, or lead to its misuse.”
The report references expert articles and studies from organizations such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), as well as the Strategic Highway Research Program, professional associations, industry analysts and academia.
One such reference refutes the perception that the life expectancy of a steel bridge is shorter than alternative materials. In fact, a 1992 study by Lehigh University analyzed the deterioration rates of the 577,000 bridges listed in the FHWA National Bridge Inventory and concluded that superstructure material type – steel, concrete or other material – was not an indicator of the life expectancy of a bridge. Instead, life expectancy is strongly dependent on a bridge’s age and average daily traffic.
The report also includes myth-busting analysis about topics such as the reality of maintenance- free bridges (regardless of material), cost competitiveness of simple-span bridges less than 140 feet in length, the viability of weathering steel, the value of jointless bridge decks, and the availability of simple, more economical bridge bearings.
To download a PDF version of the new AISI “Steel Bridge Construction: Myths and Realities of Steel Bridges” report, go to http://www.steel.org/bridges/Myths_and_Realities.pdf. To order printed copies of the report, visit http://www.steel.org and click on the Shop AISI, call 202.752.7100 and ask for item #D432-07 or send an email to mmccrady@steel.org.
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About the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)
AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. (one extra space here) AISI is comprised of 31 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 130 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. AISI's member companies represent approximately 75 percent of both U.S. and North American steel capacity. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s Web site at www.steel.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Dianne Newton-Shaw
Placemaking Group
Public Relations Counsel for Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance
dnshaw@placemakinggroup.com
OR
Dan Snyder
American Iron and Steel Institute
Director, Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance
sssba@steel.org
