Short Span Steel Bridges 
Guidelines to Design for Constructability and Fabrication
The AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration released the updated G12.1 – “Guidelines to Design for Constructability and Fabrication” (September 2020).
The G12.1 complements the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design and Construction specifications with guidance and best practices that can lead to steel highway bridges that are more economical to fabricate, construct and maintain.
This update represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard work by volunteers composed of bridge owners, contractors, engineers, erectors, fabricators and many other industry professionals.
Please note that all Collaboration documents are also available free for download at the AASHTO Store.
The guide is available for a free download from the National Steel Bridge Alliance’s website.
About the Collaboration
The AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration is a joint effort between the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA). It provides a forum where professionals can work together to improve and achieve quality and value of steel bridges through standardization of design, fabrication, and erection. It also represents an opportunity to exchange knowledge, technology and expertise with other professionals in the field of steel highway bridges.
Does steel provide an economical solution for bridge construction?
- Due to the light weight of steel, cost savings can be significant
- Studies show that weathering, A1010 (A709-50CR), and galvanized steel reduces both initial and life cycle costs.
- Steel can compete and even save costs when compared with nearly identical concrete structures. re.
- Steel bridges also have long lives, decreasing the need for replacement.
- Steel’s high strength permits longer spans, minimizing disruption to underlying habitats.
- Steel is highly resistant to extreme natural disasters such as earthquakes.
- Steel is the world’s most recycled material and is infinitely recyclable.
- Short span steel bridges can be designed with prefabricated elements which provide a simpler installation and cost savings.
Design
NSBA Releases Updated Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01
NSBA’s Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01 streamlines connection design with expanded options and updated AASHTO LRFD provisions for faster, more economical solutions.
Education
Steel Bridges for Smarter, Faster Construction – On-Demand Steel Bridge Video Series
This three-part on-demand video series covers integral abutments, simple for dead continuous for live designs and prefabricated bridge options.
Steel Bridge Basics
AASHTO Offers Guardrail Courses On Basics, Installation and Maintenance
AASHTO recently submitted its surface transportation reauthorization recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation in response to the agency’s Request for Information.