Short Span Steel Bridges 
Call for Abstracts: 2027 World Steel Bridge Symposium (Deadline July 24)
The National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) is now accepting abstracts for the 2027 World Steel Bridge Symposium (WSBS), which will be held as part of NASCC: The Steel Conference in Denver, Colorado, April 14–16, 2027.
Engineers, researchers, fabricators, contractors, owners, and other industry professionals are encouraged to submit abstracts highlighting recent advancements, innovative projects, research findings, and best practices related to the design, fabrication, construction, and maintenance of steel bridges.
Selected presenters will receive complimentary conference registration and travel support.
Symposium Highlights
- Open to presenters from around the world.
- Abstracts will be peer-reviewed to evaluate technical content and overall fit within the conference program.
- Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
- New for 2027: The symposium will be co-located with AREMA Committee 15 – Steel Structures, featuring dedicated sessions focused on railroad bridges.
Abstracts must be submitted online by Friday, July 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Authors will be notified of the review results in late August 2026.
Professionals with recent steel bridge research, design innovations, construction case studies, or other noteworthy projects are encouraged to submit an abstract and contribute to one of the industry’s premier technical events.
Does the SSSBA offer educational opportunities?
Yes! The SSSBA offers educational opportunities to students and professionals:
Professionals: The SSSBA provides complimentary half-day or full-day workshops on short span steel bridge design to states, counties, and design firms. Topics covered include practical and cost-effective steel bridge design and fabrication with eSPAN140, press-brake-formed steel tub girders, steel buried bridge design, galvanized coating solutions, and economical design with case studies, and more. The workshops can take place virtually or in-person, compliments of the steel industry. Learn more.
Students: The University of Wyoming and the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance created a free 6-part live-lecture educational series to cover the many aspects of designing, fabricating, and constructing steel bridges. All students who successfully complete the education series will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Wyoming. Learn more.
Speakers: The SSSBA provides expert speakers to present topics of interest on the cost-effective design and construction of short span steel bridges. If you need a speaker for your next event, contact the SSSBA.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Growing Momentum for Press-Brake Tub Girders in Short Span Bridge Construction
Growing fabrication capabilities and successful bridge installations are creating new opportunities for press-brake tub girders in short span bridge construction. Recent developments involving Nelson Bridge Systems and Delta Steel demonstrate how industry collaboration is helping expand the availability and use of this innovative technology.
Durability & Coatings
Steel Bridge Durability: Weathering Steel and Corrosion Protection Resources
The SSSBA, with assistance from the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA), has compiled technical resources on weathering steel performance and corrosion protection systems for steel bridges. These resources provide research findings, design guidance, and best practices to help bridge owners and engineers make informed decisions that support long-term bridge durability.
News
Steel Bridge Task Force Honors Thomas Murphy with 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award
The Steel Bridge Task Force honored Thomas P. Murphy of Modjeski and Masters with the 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award during its September 28 meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. The award recognizes Murphy’s outstanding leadership and contributions to advancing steel bridge design, research and AASHTO specifications.