Short Span Steel Bridges 
Karl Frank Selected to Receive Award for Excellence in Education
The following information was provided by the American Institute of Steel Construction.
Professor Emeritus Karl H. Frank, PE, PhD, became a legend during his 36 years at the University of Texas at Austin–and his impact continues today.
That’s just one reason the American Institute of Steel Construction is proud to present him its most prestigious honor for educators: the 2025 Geerhard Haaijer Award for Excellence in Education – an award only presented nine times previously since 1999.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers
Over the course of his career, Frank has made enormous contributions to structural stability, durability of steel structures, connections, fabrication, added stay cables, and inspection.
His committee work, consulting, and continuing education for practicing engineers continue to shape the future of American infrastructure–and that’s not including the impact that ripples out from his work advising or mentoring many of today’s leaders in steel bridge design, fabrication, and research.
“It’s not an overstatement to say that today’s steel bridge industry is what it is thanks to Karl, his research, and the engineers he inspired along the way,” said AISC President Charles J. Carter, SE, PE, PhD. “AISC presents the Haaijer Award rarely, and it’s hard to think of anyone more deserving than Karl Frank.”
A Career of Service and Achievement
During his tenure at UT Austin, Frank directed the Ferguson Structural Engineering Laboratory and the Maglev Guideway Research Center. A nationally recognized leader in structural mechanics, his own research largely focused on fatigue and fracture behavior.
Frank has served on many committees within the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Research Council on Structural Connections, the Transportation Research Board, the American Welding Society, the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association, and the Steel Bridge Task Force. His numerous honors include the Bridge Task Force 2002 Richard S. Fountain Award, International Bridge Conference’s 2019 John A. Roebling Medal, a 2011 AISC Lifetime Achievement Award, and the American Society of Civil Engineers’s 1981 Raymond C. Reese Research Prize, 1999 J. James R. Croes Medal.
Frank is a registered professional engineer in Texas. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Davis and both a doctorate and a master’s degree from Lehigh University.
AISC will formally present the 2025 Geerhard Haaijer Award for Excellence in Education in Louisville, Ky., on April 2, 2025, at the opening session of NASCC: The Steel Conference.
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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