“Go for Galvanized Trusses” – Modern Steel Construction

Excerpt and image provided by Modern Steel Construction – Go for Galvanized Trusses

Forward-Thinking Infrastructure for Rural Roads

A galvanized steel truss bridge is a forward-thinking solution for local road infrastructure, especially in nonurban areas. Its combination of durability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability makes it an ideal choice for communities seeking reliable and long-lasting bridges—qualities that drove its selection to replace a bridge in Miami County, Ohio, over Greenville Creek, a designated State Scenic River. Galvanized steel’s protective properties ensure bridges can withstand changing weather conditions and heavy traffic, and its aesthetic appeal and sustainability contribute to the overall quality of life.

The bridge in Miami County near Bradford, Ohio, carries Croft Mill Road over the creek and replaced a 107-ft single-span steel structure originally built in 1928. The new 100-ton single-span bridge is 121 ft, 6 in. long and 28 ft wide, nearly double its predecessor’s 15-ft, 6-in. width. The truss members are W14s made of ASTM A572 Grade 50 steel, and the bridge also uses W10×45 stringers and W27×146 floor beams. AISC full member U.S. Bridge fabricated the steel.

Why Steel Was the Right Choice

A concrete bridge with prestressed box beams was considered, but manufacturing limits at the time of construction eliminated that option. The depth of concrete beams required for a single-span bridge would have affected the structure’s waterway adequacy. The steel truss solution allowed for a single-span crossing that maintained the existing waterway opening, and the galvanized members gave the bridge corrosion protection that can last up to 100 years.

As local governments and municipalities look to improve transportation networks, galvanized steel truss bridges offer a practical and efficient way to enhance connectivity and accessibility. By investing in these bridges, communities can create infrastructure that not only meets present-day needs, but also prepares for future demands.

Learn nine reasons why a galvanized steel truss bridge was the best solution for a rural Ohio creek crossing and why those same reasons may apply to your next local road project.

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