Short Span Steel Bridges 
AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration Releases Galvanizing Guide Specification
The following information was provided by the National Steel Bridge Alliance.
Developed by the AASHTO–NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration, S8.3 Hot-Dip Galvanizing Specification presents information and practices for owners, designers, and fabricators for specifying hot-dip galvanizing of steel bridges and other highway structures, which provides a durable protection from corrosion.
The specification includes best practices for design and fabrication, as well as information on:
- Material properties of hot-dip galvanizing
- Types of materials suitable for hot-dip galvanizing
- Welding considerations and procedures
- Venting and draining
- Distortion control
The specification also presents information related to other zinc coating processes, including mechanical galvanizing, electroplating, and metalizing.
Does steel provide an economical solution for bridge construction?
- Due to the light weight of steel, cost savings can be significant
- Studies show that weathering, A1010 (A709-50CR), and galvanized steel reduces both initial and life cycle costs.
- Steel can compete and even save costs when compared with nearly identical concrete structures. re.
- Steel bridges also have long lives, decreasing the need for replacement.
- Steel’s high strength permits longer spans, minimizing disruption to underlying habitats.
- Steel is highly resistant to extreme natural disasters such as earthquakes.
- Steel is the world’s most recycled material and is infinitely recyclable.
- Short span steel bridges can be designed with prefabricated elements which provide a simpler installation and cost savings.
Durability & Coatings
AGA Releases Guide for Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Bridge Design
SSSBA member the American Galvanizers Association has released a new resource on hot-dip galvanized steel bridges, highlighting durable, low-maintenance solutions that support long service life.
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.
Durability & Coatings
HDG Rebar vs. Epoxy-Coated Rebar
A new publication by the American Galvanizers Association compares the performance of hot-dip galvanized (HDG) rebar and epoxy-coated rebar in reinforced structures.