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