AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration Releases Galvanizing Guide Specification
The following information was provided by the National Steel Bridge Alliance.
Developed by the AASHTO–NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration, S8.3 Hot-Dip Galvanizing Specification presents information and practices for owners, designers, and fabricators for specifying hot-dip galvanizing of steel bridges and other highway structures, which provides a durable protection from corrosion.
The specification includes best practices for design and fabrication, as well as information on:
- Material properties of hot-dip galvanizing
- Types of materials suitable for hot-dip galvanizing
- Welding considerations and procedures
- Venting and draining
- Distortion control
The specification also presents information related to other zinc coating processes, including mechanical galvanizing, electroplating, and metalizing.
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.
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