Short Span Steel Bridges 
Steel Bridge Economics
In June 2022, the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA), National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) and University of Wyoming hosted a five-part webinar series featuring a distinguished panel of 13 industry experts which provided educational information on topics essential to the design and installation of steel bridges.
One of the sessions featured two presentations on the economics of steel bridges. The recorded session can be viewed below:
Pricing Study of Recently Constructed Bridges
- Presenter: John Hastings, P.E. (email), Bridge Steel Specialist, Southeastern Market, National Steel Bridge Alliance
- Download Presentation Slides
Historical Life Cycle Costs of Steel and Concrete Girder Bridges
- Presenter: Michael G. Barker, Ph.D. (email), Professor, Civil & Architectural Engineering, University of Wyoming
- Download Presentation Slides
* Please note: Professional development hours are not included for viewing the recorded session on this website page.
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.
News
Missouri Steel Bridge Bundle Project Wins Prize Bridge Award
The National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) named Missouri’s FARM Bridges Design/Build Bundle the 2026 Prize Bridge Award winner in the Short Span category. Fabricated by SSSBA member DeLong’s, the project delivered 31 rural bridges across 15 counties using galvanized steel and SDCL design for a 100-year service life.
Economics
Steel vs. Concrete: A Deep Dive into Bridge Life Cycle Economics
A comprehensive study by Dr. Michael Barker of the University of Wyoming analyzes 1,186 steel and concrete girder bridges in Pennsylvania to compare life cycle costs, offering data-driven insights into long-term economic performance and service life.
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.