Steel Bridge Basics
Introduction to Short Span Steel Bridges

Several options are available depending on the length of the bridge, including corrugated pipe, corrugated structural plate, wide flange shape/rolled beams, plate girder, and truss.
Short span bridges provide vital links in the nation’s infrastructure network. Yet, on average, there are 188 million trips across a structurally deficient bridge each day – over 56,000 bridges are structurally deficient. .
Steel provides an excellent solution for short span bridges (bridges under 140 feet) because it’s durable, provides speed of design and construction, requires minimal maintenance over the life span of the structure, and is cost-effective and sustainable, among other benefits.
Several options are available depending on the length of the bridge, including buried plate structures, wide flange shape/rolled beams, plate girder, and trusses.
- There are several types of short span steel bridge options available, including prefabricated, buried and pedestrian.
- Component choices for these bridges include substructures, superstructures, decks, systems, secondary elements and transporters.
- Coatings include galvanized, weathering steel, metalizing and paint.
- Steel is a sustainable choice.
- Steel is a cost-effective material, with both short-term and long-term savings.

Video: 5 Frequently Asked Steel Bridge Questions
This video discusses the most frequently asked questions about short span steel bridges.

Video: Best Practices During Construction
This video provides an overview of the best practices during construction for short span steel bridges.

14 Reasons to Use Structural Steel For Bridges
Here are 14 reasons why steel provides an economical and sustainable choice for the repair or replacement of bridges.

Advantages of Steel Truss Bridge Construction
5 advantages of constructing steel truss bridges for both short and long span crossings.

Video: Suggested Fabrication Details, Part 2
This video provides an overview of simple and economical practices specific to girder fabrication.

Video: Suggested Fabrication Details, Part 1
This video provides an overview of simple and economical fabrication for framing system layouts.

Video: Understanding Fatigue
This video provides a basic overview of fatigue theory and relevant specifications related to short-span steel bridges.

Video: Basics of Limit States and LRFD Bridge Design
This video provides an introduction to the basics of limit state design and how engineers design and detail bridges.

What You Should Know About Buried Bridges
Joel Hahm, Contech Engineered Solutions, provides an expert Q&A on buried bridges.

Steel Bridge Construction: Myths & Realities
Report dispels the “myths” surrounding the use of steel in bridge construction.

Hidden in Plain Sight–the Design, Cost and Maintenance Advantages of Steel Buried Bridges
Steel buried bridges are durable and resilient, with the ability to support very heavy loads.