Simple Span Bridge Design With eSPAN140

Free web-based tool eSPAN140 provides preliminary simple-span and modular designs for steel bridges up to 140 feet, allowing bridge owners and designers to compare steel and concrete structures and make informed choices. Michael Barker, Ph.D., P.E. explains how to use eSPAN140 for plate girder and wide flange shapes and showcases three completed county and state bridges designed with eSPAN140.

Historical Life Cycle Costs of Steel and Concrete Girder Bridges

As Michael Barker, Ph.D., P.E. talks with bridge owners across the country, they consistently ask him about the life service and life cycle costs of steel and concrete bridges. His answers have always been anecdotal due to a lack of industry data – until now. Dr. Barker conducted a comprehensive study to answer these questions with facts. In this video, he discusses the study’s objectives, data collection process and database development; provides an analysis of the bridge costs; and shares some interesting conclusions!

Steel Bridge Provides Significant Cost Savings Over Similar Concrete Structure

In an “apples-to-apples” comparison of two nearly identical short span bridges in Audrain County, Missouri ―one built with concrete and the other with steel―the steel bridge saved 25% on the superstructure and 19% on the total cost of the structure. Learn More

Life Cycle Costs Matter When Comparing Steel and Concrete Girder Bridges

• NEW! "Life Cycle Costs of Bridges: Galvanized Steel vs. Concrete"
• See Dr. Michael Barker's research
• Download "Historical Life Cycle Costs of Steel and Concrete Girder Bridges"
• Download Fact Sheet

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