Short Span Steel Bridges 
Dr. Karl Barth Honored with Special Achievement Award
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has named Dr. Karl E. Barth, Associate Professor at West Virginia University, as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Special Achievement Award. This honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated notable singular or multiple achievements in structural steel design, construction, research, or education.
Dr. Barth is being recognized for his leadership in the development of the press brake tub girder (PBTG) system for bridge construction. His work has helped revolutionize short span bridge design by providing a cost-effective and efficient solution that expands the use of structural steel in bridge construction. His dedication to advancing innovative steel bridge solutions has contributed to a more sustainable and resilient infrastructure landscape across the country.
AISC will present the award to Dr. Barth on April 2, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. during the plenary session of NASCC: The Steel Conference, held at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Dr. Barth’s expertise lies in steel bridge analysis, design, and rating. He is a founding member of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance’s (SSSBA) Bridge Technology Center, where he advises bridge owners and designers on how to effectively implement steel solutions for short span bridges—those with spans of up to 140 feet, which constitute the majority of America’s bridge inventory. Over the years, his efforts to simplify and optimize steel bridge design have played a critical role in making these short span steel bridges more competitive in the marketplace.
The Special Achievement Award is part of AISC’s Educator Awards program, which honors individuals who have contributed to the success of the fabricated structural steel industry through their research, teaching, or a lifetime of outstanding service.
In 2023, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) also honored Dr. Barth with the Market Development Industry Leadership Award, recognizing his significant contributions to advancing the competitive use of steel in the construction market.
For more information about the AISC Special Achievement Award and NASCC: The Steel Conference, read the AISC news release and visit https://www.aisc.org/education/university-programs/educator-awards/
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.
Events
SSSBA to Present on Accelerated Steel Bridge Design at Mid Atlantic Quality Assurance Workshop (Feb. 9-11)
The SSSBA will participate in the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Quality Assurance Workshop in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Don’t miss Dr. Michael Barker’s presentation on Feb. 10, 3:00–3:40 p.m. ET, highlighting practical approaches for cost-efficient, accelerated short span steel bridges.
News
State DOT Leaders Share Perspectives on Reauthorization at TRB
A roundtable at the 2026 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting highlighted state DOT priorities for reauthorization, including formula funding, safety, and faster project delivery.
News
Help Provide an Amazing Competition for Student Bridge Engineers!
AISC/NSBA is seeking volunteers to support the Student Steel Bridge Competition, helping teams from more than 200 colleges and universities—no experience required.