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
Need Assistance With a Project?
Do you have questions or need support for a new or existing project? The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) offers free project assistance for bridge owners and designers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
For assistance, please complete the project assistance form and a steel bridge expert will contact you directly.
Why use the SSSBA’s complimentary project assistance?
- Central source for consultation on code-compliant design of short span steel bridges.
- Industry experts with decades of knowledge on steel design and construction.
- National network of manufacturers and suppliers (U.S., Canada, and Mexico)
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