Short Span Steel Bridges 
SSSBA and WV LTAP Team Up for Steel Bridge Workshop
Image: Participants of the SSSBA/WV LTAP workshop listening to Joel Hahm (Contech) present on buried bridge applications.
Earlier this year, the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) published an article on bridge workshops and their importance.
On March 7, 2024, SSSBA and West Virginia Local Technical Assistance Program (WV LTAP) collaborated on a bridge workshop at their headquarter facility in Charleston, WV to discuss the design of steel bridges with cost-effective, time-saving options for state and county bridges.
Kim Carr (Program Coordinator for the WV LTAP) stated, “The WV LTAP was excited to once again bring this workshop to our WV audience. Based on the participant feedback, this workshop was well received, and for some, it was their first introduction to the eSPAN140 software.”
Participants of the Bridge Workshop Listening to Joel Hahm (Contech) present on Buried Bridge Applications
The workshop featured:
- Seven expert speakers who gave presentations on a variety of topics ranging from standard development, state bridge rating protocols, and corrosion protection of steel bridges.
- Breakfast sponsored by SSSBA member Contech Engineered Solutions
- Lunch Sponsored by SSSBA member Sherwin Williams
Dr. Karl Barth presenting on Implementation of Press-Brake-Formed-Tub-Girders in West Virginia.
The workshop presentations included:
- Development of West Virginia Short Span Steel Design Standards (Greg Michaelson, Marshall University & SSSBA Bridge Technology Center – michaelson@marshall.edu)
- Best Practices for Fabrication of Steel Bridge Components (Andy Pittman, Huntington Steel)
- **Presentation Not Available**
- Buried Bridge Solutions for Short Span Applications (Joel Hahm, Contech Engineered Solutions – joel.hahm@conteches.com)
- Tools and Resources for Designing Steel Bridges (Vin Bartucca, National Steel Bridge Alliance – bartucca@steelbridges.org)
- Implementation of Press-Brake-Formed-Tub Girders in West Virginia (Karl Barth, West Virginia University & SSSBA Bridge Technology Center – karl.barth@mail.wvu.edu)
- Overview of WVDOT Highway Bridge Rating Protocols (Robbie Tennant, WVDOT)
- Corrosion and Corrosion Protection of Steel Bridges (Matt Vonderheide, Sherwin Williams – matt.vonderheide@sherwin.com)
Dr. Greg Michaelson presenting on West Virginia Short Span Steel Bridge Standard Development
SSSBA would like to thank Dr. Greg Michaelson (Marshall University), Karl Barth (West Virginia University), Andy Pittman (Huntington Steel), Joel Hahm (Contech Engineered Solutions), Vin Bartucca (NSBA), Robbie Tennant (WVDOT) and Matt Vonderheide (Sherwin Williams) for their informative presentations.
In addition, the SSSBA would like to thank the West Virginia Local Technical Assistance Program for hosting this workshop and our sponsors Contech Engineered Solutions and Sherwin Williams for sponsoring the meals.
Are you looking to learn more about steel bridges?
Would a complimentary bridge workshop be right for you? Let’s talk! Please contact:
Dustin Young
Director Business Development
American Iron and Steel Institute
dyoung@steel.org
Events
SSSBA to Present on Accelerated Steel Bridge Design at Mid Atlantic Quality Assurance Workshop (Feb. 9-11)
The SSSBA will participate in the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Quality Assurance Workshop in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Don’t miss Dr. Michael Barker’s presentation on Feb. 10, 3:00–3:40 p.m. ET, highlighting practical approaches for cost-efficient, accelerated short span steel bridges.
News
State DOT Leaders Share Perspectives on Reauthorization at TRB
A roundtable at the 2026 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting highlighted state DOT priorities for reauthorization, including formula funding, safety, and faster project delivery.
News
Help Provide an Amazing Competition for Student Bridge Engineers!
AISC/NSBA is seeking volunteers to support the Student Steel Bridge Competition, helping teams from more than 200 colleges and universities—no experience required.