NSBA Releases Steel Bridge Engineering PowerPoint Modules
The following information was provided by the National Steel Bridge Alliance.
The National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) has partnered with the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) University Programs on a brand-new set of 14 PowerPoint modules focusing on the fundamentals of steel bridge engineering.
With more than enough content to cover a university-level bridge course, these slides are designed to be flexible!
Educators can use them in their entirety or condense and modify them to fit the needs of their course.
This set of Powerpoint modules can be used to cover a comprehensive bridge course. Each lesson dives into the respective topic in full detail, and all modules include extensive speaker notes. The slides can be used in parts, and they can be modified or used as-is to fit the needs and contents for a particular course.
The content is closely tied to the Steel Bridge Design Handbook maintained by the NSBA. All modules reflect the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 9th Edition. Any differences in the 10th Edition are clearly indicated.
The PowerPoint modules include:
- Lesson 1: Intro to Bridges and Bridge Steels
- Lesson 2: Bridge Planning and Layout
- Lesson 3: Loads
- Lesson 4: Methods of Analysis
- Lesson 5: Shear in Girders
- Lesson 6: Flexure Part 1 – Fundamental Calculations
- Lesson 7: Flexure Part 2 – Constructability, Service Limit State, and Fatigue & Fracture Limit States
- Lesson 8: Flexure Part 3 – Strength Limit State: Noncomposite Sections and Composite Sections in Negative Bending
- Lesson 9: Flexure Part 4 – Strength Limit State: Composite Sections in Positive Bending and Shear Connection
- Lesson 10: Flexure Part 5 – Bracing for Flexure
- Lesson 11A: Splices and Connections – General Concepts and Welded Connections
- Lesson 11B: Splices and Connections – Bolted Connections and Girder Field Splices
- Lesson 12: Tension and Compression Members
- Lesson 13: Bearings and Joints
- Lesson 14: Bridge Decks
Does steel provide an economical solution for bridge construction?

- Due to the light weight of steel, cost savings can be significant
- Studies show that weathering, A1010 (A709-50CR), and galvanized steel reduces both initial and life cycle costs.
- Steel can compete and even save costs when compared with nearly identical concrete structures. re.
- Steel bridges also have long lives, decreasing the need for replacement.
- Steel’s high strength permits longer spans, minimizing disruption to underlying habitats.
- Steel is highly resistant to extreme natural disasters such as earthquakes.
- Steel is the world’s most recycled material and is infinitely recyclable.
- Short span steel bridges can be designed with prefabricated elements which provide a simpler installation and cost savings.
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