Short Span Steel Bridges 
Justin Ocel Named Recipient of 2024 Fountain Award
Justin Ocel with Steel Bridge Task Force members (L-R): David Stoddard, senior steel applications engineer of SSAB Americas; Chris Garrell, chief bridge engineer of National Steel Bridge Alliance; Rob Connor, professor of engineering at Purdue University; Justin Ocel, senior structural engineer at the Federal Highway Administration’s Resource Center; Karl Frank, consultant; Mike Grubb, director of quality assurance & quality control of Grubb and Associates; Ed Wasserman, senior engineer of Modjeski and Masters; and Dan Snyder, vp of the construction program at AISI.
The Steel Bridge Task Force, comprised of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) and the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Steel and Metals Technical Committee, has named Justin Ocel, Ph.D., P.E. at the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Resource Center, as the recipient of the 2024 Richard S. Fountain Award.
Named for the founder of the Steel Bridge Task Force, the Richard S. Fountain Award was established in 2001 to recognize leadership in steel bridge research and outstanding efforts to advance AASHTO specifications.
Ocel received the award at the Steel Bridge Task Force meeting on January 24, in New Orleans.
“We applaud Justin on this award, in recognition of his significant and meaningful contributions to steel-bridge research and the overall steel-bridge community,” said Dan Snyder, vice president of construction for AISI. “Justin has authored numerous journal articles and reports and continues to provide expert advice on technically challenging topics. His contributions to the design of gusset plates, shear connector design, welding and the specifications for nonredundant steel tension members, among others, have contributed substantially to the advancement of steel bridges. Justin’s contributions are a source of inspiration, and we look forward to the ongoing influence of his ingenuity on our industry.
On January 24, 2024, Rob Connor, professor of engineering at Purdue University presented the Richard S. Fountain Award to Justin Ocel, senior structural engineer at the Federal Highway Administration’s Resource Center.
Career Accomplishments
Ocel began his career with the FHWA in 2009 as the Structural Steel Research Program Manager at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center. His research program included a diverse range of topics regarding fatigue, welding technologies, forensic investigations, and more.
In 2021, he joined the FHWA’s Resource Center as a senior structural engineer providing steel bridge expertise to internal and external stakeholders.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree and Doctorate from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Justin is a registered professional engineer in the state of Virginia.
Previous Award Recipients
- Heather Gilmer, Pennoni (2023)
- Todd Helwig, University of Texas at Austin (2022)
- Robert Connor, Purdue University (2020)
- Ed Wasserman, Modjeski and Masters (2019)
- Alexander Wilson, ArcelorMittal (2014)
- Ronald Medlock, High Steel Structures, Inc. (2013)
- Yoni Adonyi, LeTourneau University (2012)
- Ahmad Itani, University of Nevada, Reno (2011)
- John Kulicki, Modjeski and Masters, Inc. (2009)
- William Wright, Federal Highway Administration (2008)
- Donald White, Georgia Institute of Technology (2007)
- Dean Krouse, Independent Consultant (2006)
- Dennis Mertz, University of Delaware (2005)
- Camille Rubeiz, American Iron and Steel Institute (2003)
- Karl Frank, University of Texas at Austin (2002)
- Mike Grubb, BSDI Ltd. (2001)
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.
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