Short Span Steel Bridges 
Building Better Bridges: The Influence of SSSBA Workshops
At the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA), bridge workshops serve as a primary method to educate industry stakeholders on the benefits of steel in bridge construction. These workshops offer valuable in-person or virtual interaction with professionals at the forefront of bridge projects, helping them make informed decisions on the most effective solutions. So, what can participants expect to gain from attending an SSSBA bridge workshop?
Bridge Workshop Content and Audience
The bridge workshops are customized to suit the specific needs of each audience, focusing on real-world examples, challenges, and solutions relevant to their regions. It is essential that participants receive the most current and applicable information, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future steel bridge projects.
Examples of topics included in the workshops include, but are not limited, to:
- Bridge Design Tools
- Bridge Economy
- Life Cycle Costs
- Accelerated Bridge Construction Solutions
- Bridge Bundling
Examples of audience members typically found in SSSBA bridge workshops include:
- County Engineers
- Local Road and Highway Staff
- State DOT Engineers and Representatives
- Construction Crews
- Design Firms
- Consultants
Photo taken during Barron County, WI Bridge Workshop and Tour.
Bridge Workshop Feedback
After conducting bridge workshops, the focus shifts to gathering feedback from participants. This includes assessing their likes and dislikes, evaluating the relevance of the content to their bridge projects, and rating the instructors. Implementing an effective feedback system allows for continuous improvement in workshop experiences.
Additionally, the SSSBA tracks changes in participants’ familiarity with and willingness to implement steel in future projects. Surveys have revealed a significant increase in both knowledge and preference for steel among participants, underscoring the workshops’ effectiveness in educating industry stakeholders and reinforcing steel as a preferred material for short span bridge construction.
Photo taken during Cedar County, IA Bridge Workshop and Tour.
Are you looking to learn more about steel bridges?
Would a steel bridge workshop benefit you and your colleagues? Could the SSSBA equip your team with the essential tools for a successful short span steel bridge project? Whether you’re interested in an in-person session or prefer a virtual workshop, we’re ready to help. Let’s discuss how we can support your goals!
Please contact:
Dan Snyder
Vice President, Construction
American Iron and Steel Institute
dsnyder@steel.org
Michael Barker
SSSBA Director of Education
University of Wyoming
barker@uwyo.edu
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.
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.
News
State DOT CEOs Discuss Key Reauthorization Funding Issues, Investment in Local Programs
AASHTO recently held its 2026 Washington Briefing in D.C., featuring a panel of state DOT leaders discussing critical surface transportation funding and reauthorization issues.