Short Span Steel Bridges 
Steel Bridges for Smarter, Faster Construction – On-Demand Steel Bridge Video Series
The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance and Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) co-sponsored a three-part webinar series to highlight practical, cost-effective solutions for local bridge projects using short-span steel bridges. The series is designed for county, municipal, and state engineers, consultants, contractors and designers.
The recorded presentations (November 2025 – January 2026) are now available to view on-demand.
* Please note: Professional development hours are not included for viewing the recorded session on this website page. If you registered for the webinar series, and have not received your PDH certificate, contact Natalie Niskanen at niskanen@umn.edu
Steel Bridges for Smarter, Faster Construction: 3-Part On-Demand Series
Webinar #1: Design Considerations for Integral Abutments in Single-Span Steel Bridges
Speaker: Michael P. Culmo, PE, Chief Engineer, CHA Consulting
Presentation: Download Slides (PDF)
On-Demand Video: Watch the recorded webinar below (note: learning credits are not available for watching the video):
Description: This webinar will review how integral abutments can improve the performance and service life of single-span steel bridges. This approach eliminates the need for expansion joints and bearings, simplifying construction while lowering long-term maintenance demands. Well-suited for county and rural applications, integral abutments help reduce initial costs, enhance durability, and provide a more resilient solution to common bridge design challenges.
Michael Culmo, CHA Consulting
Webinar #2: Building Better Bridges in 2025 – Simple for Dead, Continuous for Live Designs for Optimal Performance
Speaker: Bryan Hartnagel, PE, State Bridge Engineer, Missouri Department of Transportation
Presentation: Download Slides (PDF)
On-Demand Video: Watch the recorded webinar below (note: learning credits are not available for watching the video):
Description: Tune in to this webinar to learn about the “Simple for Dead, Continuous for Live” (SDCL) bridge design method, which combines simple spans for dead loads with continuous spans for live loads, delivering exceptional efficiency and durability. Tailored for rural applications, SDCL bridges simplify construction, reduce material costs, and minimize foundation requirements. With lighter steel beams and galvanized components, these bridges offer long-lasting, low-maintenance performance. Discover how this adaptable approach aligns with programs like the Missouri DOT’s Fixing Access to Rural Missouri (FARM) bridge program, providing practical and cost-effective solutions for the state’s critical rural bridge needs.
Bryan Hartnagel, Missouri Department of Transportation
Webinar #3: Building Smarter: Economical Design and Accelerated Prefabrication Options for Short-Span Steel Bridges
Speaker: Michael Barker, PE, SSSBA Bridge Education Center Director and Professor of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Wyoming
Presentation: Download Slides (PDF)
On-Demand Video: Watch the recorded webinar below (note: learning credits are not available for watching the video):
Description: This webinar will demonstrate how standardized designs and tools like the SSSBA’s eSPAN140 and eBEAM140 can help local agencies streamline design, reduce fabrication costs, and accelerate construction. Attendees will learn about accelerated bridge construction (ABC) approaches for faster bridge delivery—using prefabricated components such as truss bridges, modular rolled-beam structures, press-brake tub girders, and buried steel bridges to ensure that projects are completed quickly without compromising quality or safety.
Dr. Michael Barker, University of Wyoming
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.
Events
Infrastructure Week 2026: How Steel Bridges Maximize Transportation Investment (May 20)
Join the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance, American Iron and Steel Institute and the American Galvanizers Association during Infrastructure Week 2026 for a free webinar exploring how resilient design strategies can help maximize the long-term impact of federal infrastructure investment. 1.0 LU/PDH (HSW Hour) provided.
Events
Free Live Lecture: Steel Bridges – Smarter by the Numbers (May 14 – Portland, OR)
Attend a free Lunch & Learn exploring how data-driven comparisons between steel and concrete can support smarter bridge design, cost and lifecycle decisions. Hosted by SSSBA member Fought & Company and led by Dr. Michael G. Barker, the session will highlight how broader evaluation criteria can improve project outcomes.
Events
Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance Semi-Annual Meeting (Oct. 12-14, 2026 – Omaha, NE)
SSSBA members are invited to attend the next Semi-Annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska to discuss the latest research, technical advancements and educational initiatives in steel bridge design and construction. This meeting will be co-located with the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) Executive Committee and Board meetings.
Events
Free 4-Part Quarterly Webinar Series: Steel Bridge Playbook (Next Webinar May 7)
This free, four-part quarterly webinar series delivers expert insights on steel bridge design, preservation, and innovation. Explore essential design resources, corrosion protection through galvanizing, accelerated construction methods, and real-world case studies to gain practical guidance for every steel bridge project. Sponsored by SSSBA and AGA. This course is accredited by AIA and RCEP to provide 1.0 LU/PDH (HSW Hours).
News
SSSBA to Present and Exhibit at NASCC in Atlanta (April 22-24)
The SSSBA will present and exhibit at NASCC: The Steel Conference, April 22-24 in Atlanta, Georgia. Stop by booth #950 to learn about the benefits of steel bridges and pickup a free gift!
Events
Free Webinar: Designing Stream Crossings to Improve Fish Passage and Flood Resiliency (April 23)
Join SSSBA member Contech Engineered Solutions for a webinar on Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) and stream simulation design. Learn how properly sized bridges and culverts improve fish passage, strengthen flood resilience, and support long-term infrastructure performance.