Short Span Steel Bridges 
HDG Rebar vs. Epoxy-Coated Rebar
The following information and images provided by the American Galvanizers Association (AGA).
Credit: American Galvanizers Association
Unlike epoxy-coated rebar, which is susceptible to coating damage, UV degradation, and underfilm corrosion, hot-dip galvanized rebar offers complete coating coverage, cathodic protection and excellent bond strength with concrete. Real-world bridge studies—some exceeding 70 years in service—demonstrate that galvanized reinforcement maintains structural integrity even in high-chloride and marine environments where epoxy systems have shown premature failure.
From early installations such as the Longbird Bridge in Bermuda (1953) to modern bridge decks across the United States, HDG rebar has proven to extend the service life of concrete structures by decades while minimizing costly repairs due to corrosion-related deterioration.
Download the full AGA publication (PDF) – Hot-Dip Galvanized Rebar vs. Epoxy-Coated Rebar
Does steel provide a sustainable option for bridges?
Steel is the most recycled material on the planet. Some of the sustainable advantages of steel include:
- Steel from a disassembled bridge can be used again for another project.
- Steel bridges can last 100 years or more, with minimal maintenance over their long service lives.
- The high strength of steel permits longer spans, which minimizes disruption to underlying habitats.
- Steel is highly resistant to extreme natural disasters such as earthquakes.
- The American steel industry has achieved a 31 percent reduction in energy intensity and a 36 percent reduction in greenhouse gas intensity since 1990.
Durability & Coatings
Determining and Overcoming the Size Limitations of Hot-Dip Galvanizing
The American Galvanizers Association explains how kettle size limits can be overcome with strategies like modular design, progressive dipping, and other creative solutions.
News
SSSBA to Host Session on Corrosion Protection Systems at International Bridge Conference (July 15)
The SSSBA will host a session at the International Bridge Conference in Pittsburgh, PA, focused on corrosion protection systems for steel bridges, featuring expert presentations on weathering steel, galvanizing, metallizing and painting.
News
Industry Experts Share Durability Strategies for Steel Bridges at IBC 2025
At the 2025 International Bridge Conference, the SSSBA brought together top industry experts to share powerful insights and real-world strategies on corrosion protection systems for steel bridges.