Short Span Steel Bridges 
AASHTO Offers Guardrail Courses On Basics, Installation and Maintenance
The following information was provided by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
AASHTO Technical Training Solutions
AASHTO Technical Training Solutions has three courses dedicated to guardrails:
Guardrail Basics (2 PDHs)
This course provides an introduction to guardrails, including their purpose, components, and considerations (for example, clear zones).
This course is divided into three modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to Guardrail Systems will explain the components of a guardrail and explain how barriers are used.
- Module 2: Guardrail Performance Requirements will discuss the industry requirements and standards for guardrails, as well as how they evolved over time.
- Module 3: Fundamental Guardrail Concepts will discuss roadside topography and define clear zones and length of need.
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the purpose of guardrail systems;
- Describe the components of a guardrail system;
- Describe the information that can be found in common guardrail references (NCHRP 350, MASH, etc.);
- Explain why it is necessary to update guardrail standards and performance requirements over time;
- Describe the clear zone concept;
- List the factors that can impact the clear zone distance; and
- Define length of need.
Guardrail: Installation and Inspection (2.5 PDHs)
This course discusses the installation of new guardrail systems, including the most widely used guardrail heights. The general inspection process is also covered, including scenarios that show potential problems and their solutions.
This course is divided into two modules:
- Module 1: Guardrail Installation Systems and Placement covers 27- and 31-inch guardrail heights. The sections of a guardrail are discussed, as well as considerations for guardrail placement, including depth, soil support, deflection, etc. The considerations for median barriers are also explained.
- Module 2: New Guardrail Installation Inspection describes guardrail inspection and explains what should be documented along the way. Scenarios are presented for various guardrail installation situations.
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Compare 27-inch and 31-inch guardrail;
- Describe how guardrails are installed in standard sections, terminal end sections, curbs, and transitions;
- List important considerations for guardrail placement (depth, post length, soil support, deflection, height, etc.);
- Explain important considerations for the installation of median barriers;
- Describe the general process for guardrail inspection, including reading and interpreting plans;
- Explain what should be documented during new guardrail installation inspection (including in the inspector daily report/daily diary); and
- In a given guardrail installation situation, explain what you would do next.
Guardrail: Maintenance and Repair (1.5 PDHs)
This course provides information on the correct procedures for the maintenance and repair of guardrails.
This course is divided into two modules:
- Module 1: Inspection and Maintenance of Existing Guardrails reviews the importance of guardrail maintenance and how damage is assessed.
- Module 2: Guardrail Repair reviews guardrail repair procedures and the information contained in the guardrail repair report.
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain why proper maintenance and repairs are important;
- Define the levels of damage used to describe guardrail conditions;
- Describe basic inspection procedures and what you should look for when inspecting a guardrail;
- Explain how repairs are made, including the critical actions prior to making the repair;
- Determine if an inspection is needed post guardrail repair and what to look for; and
- List the information included in the repair record.
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.
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.
News
ARTBA Reports $15 Billion Committed Through Bridge Formula Program as Needs Remain
According to an ARTBA analysis, states have committed $15 billion through the bridge formula program, yet one in three bridges still needs work.