Short Span Steel Bridges 
SSSBA to Present at 2026 Purdue Road School in West Lafayette, IN (March 17)
The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) will be featured at the 2026 Purdue Road School on March 17–18, in West Lafayette, Indiana. Hosted by Purdue University’s Joint Transportation Research Program, the event brings together transportation professionals from government, industry and academia to share knowledge and discuss the latest advancements in transportation.
SSSBA Presentation Details
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | 11:00–11:50 AM
Session: Bridges
Location: STEW 214 AB, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Presenters:
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Michael Barker, SSSBA Director of Education and Professor, University of Wyoming
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Eric Coburn, Vice President, Beaty Construction
Topic: Simplifying Short Span Steel Bridge Design and Construction
This session will introduce free design tools that streamline the design and construction of economical short span steel bridges. Built on AASHTO specifications, these “off-the-shelf” resources enable engineers, owners, and contractors to develop efficient solutions using standard steel details.
The session will also feature a contractor’s perspective on simplifying fabrication and construction, improving project efficiency, reducing costs and accelerating bridge delivery.
View the complete technical program agenda.
Why Attend the Session
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Explore practical, free design tools for short span steel bridges
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Learn how to optimize bridge construction using standard steel details
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Hear insights from both engineering and contractor perspectives
For more information about the 2026 Purdue Road School, visit roadschool.purdue.edu.
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.
News
“Steel Bridge Savant” – Modern Steel Construction
An article in Modern Steel Construction profiles Karl Frank’s 50-year career in steel bridges, including academic work, research and innovative transportation studies. He is recognized as one of the U.S.’s top experts in steel bridge behavior.
Durability & Coatings
AGA Releases Guide for Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Bridge Design
SSSBA member the American Galvanizers Association has released a new resource on hot-dip galvanized steel bridges, highlighting durable, low-maintenance solutions that support long service life.
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Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance Information and Resources
The SSSBA will present and exhibit at NASCC: The Steel Conference, April 2-4 in Louisville, Kentucky. Stop by kiosk #16 to learn about the benefits of steel bridges and pickup a free gift!