Short Span Steel Bridges 
NSBA Releases Updated Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01
The following information was provided by the National Steel Bridge Alliance.
A smarter approach to bolted splice design is here!
NSBA’s updated Bolted Splice Spreadsheet (Version 4.01) helps simplify connection design, enabling project teams to work faster and more efficiently. With an improved layout, expanded design options, and updates aligned with forthcoming AASHTO LRFD provisions, the tool makes it easier to analyze splice configurations and identify economical solutions.
NSBA Splice Overview
NSBA Splice takes the time-consuming task of designing and checking a bolted splice connection and rewrites the process with a simple input page and output form. NSBA Splice can be incorporated as a design tool on plate girder bridges allowing the designer to quickly analyze various bolted splice connections to determine the most efficient bolt quantity and configuration.
Based upon the updated AASHTO LRFD 8th Edition, NSBA Splice allows the user to explore the effects of bolt spacing, bolt size, strength, and connection dimensions on the overall splice design.
NSBA Splice is presented in an easy-to-understand Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format. The download includes a blank design spreadsheet as well as two completed examples drawn from the inputs and solutions for Examples 1 and 2 presented in the NSBA Steel Bridge Design Handbook – Chapter 14: Splice Design.
Both the design guide and spreadsheet are current to the 10th Edition – AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification.
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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