Short Span Steel Bridges 
SSSBA to Present at North Central States Consortium in Omaha, NE (Sept. 28-30)
The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) will present at the North Central States Consortium (NCSC) meeting, held September 28–30, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and SSSBA are sponsors of the event.
The consortium brings together state departments of transportation, steel bridge fabricators and suppliers to discuss bridge design and fabrication practices across the upper Midwest.
SSSBA Presentation Details
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 (1:30–2:15 p.m.)
Presenter: Dr. Michael Barker, SSSBA Director of Education and Professor at the University of Wyoming
Location: Embassy Suites Downtown Old Market Omaha, Nebraska
Topic: Utilizing Optimized Steel Plate Girders as an Economical and Structurally Efficient Alternative
Agenda: View the full meeting agenda
Dr. Michael Barker, SSSBA Director of Education and Professor at the University of Wyoming
Dr. Barker will share findings from a new SSSBA study showing how optimized plate girders can expand the steel solutions available for short span bridges with spans of 60 feet and greater. Using case studies and design examples, he will explain how span length, weight, availability and project requirements influence design decisions.
The session will also introduce SSSBA’s eBEAM140 and ePLATE140 design tools, which help engineers develop and evaluate rolled beam and plate girder options for a project.
Why Attend the Session
- Learn how plate girders can broaden the range of steel solutions for short span bridges.
- Understand which project factors can influence the selection of a steel bridge design.
- Explore tools that support the design of both rolled beam and plate girder bridges.
Other SSSBA Members on the NCSC Program
- Craig Koetting, DeLong’s: I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct Replacement (Tuesday, 9:45 a.m.)
- Todd Alwood, AISC: AISC Industry Updates (Tuesday, 10:45 a.m.)
- Ben Bristol, Industrial Steel Construction, and James Malaguti, Valmont: Hybrid Galvanize/Metalize Coating of Steel Bridges (Tuesday, 11:15 a.m.)
- Ralph Beam and Justin Boelter, Valmont: Valmont Valley Campus tour of hot-dip galvanizing and laser seam welding (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.)
Learn more about the North Central States Consortium (NCSC)
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.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Growing Momentum for Press-Brake Tub Girders in Short Span Bridge Construction
Growing fabrication capabilities and successful bridge installations are creating new opportunities for press-brake tub girders in short span bridge construction. Recent developments involving Nelson Bridge Systems and Delta Steel demonstrate how industry collaboration is helping expand the availability and use of this innovative technology.
Durability & Coatings
Steel Bridge Durability: Weathering Steel and Corrosion Protection Resources
The SSSBA, with assistance from the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA), has compiled technical resources on weathering steel performance and corrosion protection systems for steel bridges. These resources provide research findings, design guidance, and best practices to help bridge owners and engineers make informed decisions that support long-term bridge durability.
News
Steel Bridge Task Force Honors Thomas Murphy with 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award
The Steel Bridge Task Force honored Thomas P. Murphy of Modjeski and Masters with the 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award during its September 28 meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. The award recognizes Murphy’s outstanding leadership and contributions to advancing steel bridge design, research and AASHTO specifications.