Short Span Steel Bridges 
Building a Sustainable Future for America’s Infrastructure
Original article provided by American Infrastructure.
The American Iron and Steel Institute’s (AISI) construction program is dedicated to providing resilient and sustainable steel-based solutions designed to meet the needs of the United States construction market. AISI’s membership consists of forward-thinking steel-producing companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers reflecting the production of both carbon and stainless steels, in addition to a diverse array of steel construction industry partners. The program’s current focus is on delivering sustainable solutions for the bridge and renewable energy markets.
The AISI construction program also leads three research-oriented committees aimed at identifying present and future design challenges, pioneering new technologies and promoting best practices for steel bridges. The Steel Bridge Task Force, the Corrosion Advisory Group and the Welding Advisory Group have made significant contributions over the years to advance steel bridge design and construction.
These groups coordinate research that promotes safe, cost-effective steel bridges – including by providing justifications for revisions to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials design codes.
You can read more by viewing the original article using this link.
How Can the SSSBA Help?
The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) provides vital connections with industry stakeholders throughout the national infrastructure network. The SSSBA has developed technical and design innovations for bridges under 140 feet that save significant time and costs for county and state bridge officials.
The SSSBA offers complimentary customized educational guest speakers/webinars and workshops (on-site or virtual) specifically for county engineers, state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and design firms. The workshops are taught by industry experts with decades of experience in the cost-effective design and construction of short span bridges.
Past workshop presentation topics include:
- Practical and Cost-Effective Steel Bridge Design
- Free Design Tools (eSPAN140 and SIMON)
- Pre-engineered Bridge Solutions
- Coating Solutions (galvanized, painted, and weathering steel)
- Innovative/Accelerated Bridge Construction Options
- Case Studies (from local counties)
- Buried Soil Steel Bridge Structure Alternatives
- Life-Cycle Analysis
For more information, please visit this link. To customize a workshop for your organization, please contact:
- Dan Snyder (Director of the SSSBA) at dsnyder@steel.org
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.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Growing Momentum for Press-Brake Tub Girders in Short Span Bridge Construction
Growing fabrication capabilities and successful bridge installations are creating new opportunities for press-brake tub girders in short span bridge construction. Recent developments involving Nelson Bridge Systems and Delta Steel demonstrate how industry collaboration is helping expand the availability and use of this innovative technology.
Durability & Coatings
Steel Bridge Durability: Weathering Steel and Corrosion Protection Resources
The SSSBA, with assistance from the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA), has compiled technical resources on weathering steel performance and corrosion protection systems for steel bridges. These resources provide research findings, design guidance, and best practices to help bridge owners and engineers make informed decisions that support long-term bridge durability.
News
Steel Bridge Task Force Honors Thomas Murphy with 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award
The Steel Bridge Task Force honored Thomas P. Murphy of Modjeski and Masters with the 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award during its September 28 meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. The award recognizes Murphy’s outstanding leadership and contributions to advancing steel bridge design, research and AASHTO specifications.