Short Span Steel Bridges 
SSSBA Presents at North Central States Consortium 2024 Annual Meeting
The North Central States Consortium Annual Meeting took place on November 12-14, 2024, in Chicago, IL. On November 13 from 4:50 to 5:30 PM CT, Dr. Michael Barker, SSSBA Director of Education and Professor at the University of Wyoming, presented “Pre-Fabricated Steel Bridges and Accelerated Bridge Construction.” The SSSBA also sponsored this meeting.
Speakers from the North Central States Consortium Annual Meeting that took place on November 12-14, 2024, in Chicago, IL.
Advantages of Steel Bridges
Dr. Barker’s presentation highlighted how steel bridges meet the critical needs of both owners and the public. Steel bridges are known for their economy, aesthetics, performance and the ability to reduce construction time, addressing the increasing demand for efficiency in infrastructure projects. By utilizing prefabrication and advanced construction techniques, steel bridges offer solutions that not only perform well but also help minimize project costs and disruptions.
A buried steel bridge in Springfield, Missouri saved 3 months of construction time and $500,00 versus precast/conventional options.
Innovations in Bridge Design and Construction
Through this session, Dr. Barker showcased several real-world examples of prefabricated steel bridge projects. These examples demonstrated the practical benefits of using steel in both typical and complex bridge projects. The presentation focused on the innovative designs developed by manufacturers and fabricators that allow for faster and more cost-effective construction.
A 104 foot multi-span press-brake steel tub girder bridge in Traverse City, Michigan was installed in a single morning.
Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC)
A key aspect of the session was to offer an in-depth look at Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC). ABC is a set of practices that includes planning, design, material selection and construction methods specifically designed to minimize construction time and reduce the impact on traffic flow. This is especially important in urban or heavily traveled areas where construction disruption can be costly and inconvenient.
Dr. Barker explained how ABC techniques allow for faster bridge replacement or rehabilitation, making use of prefabricated components such as truss bridges, modular rolled-beam structures, press-brake tub girders and buried steel bridges. These approaches help ensure that bridges are delivered quickly without sacrificing quality or safety.
Key Takeaways
Dr. Barker’s presentation provided valuable insights into how prefabricated steel bridges and ABC techniques can be used to achieve high-quality, economical and rapid bridge construction.
Free Customized Workshops for Counties, DOTs, and Design Firms
Over the past 10-years, over 20,00 bridge owners and designers have learned about the cost and time advantages of short span steel bridges in SSSBA workshops and conferences throughout North America.
And now, the SSSBA is offering complimentary customized educational guest speakers/webinars and workshops (on-site or virtual) specifically for county engineers, state DOTs, and design firms. The webinars/workshops are taught by industry experts with decades of experience in the cost-effective design and construction of short span bridges.
Learn more about this complimentary program.
Design
NSBA Releases Updated Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01
NSBA’s Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01 streamlines connection design with expanded options and updated AASHTO LRFD provisions for faster, more economical solutions.
News
ARTBA Reports $15 Billion Committed Through Bridge Formula Program as Needs Remain
According to an ARTBA analysis, states have committed $15 billion through the bridge formula program, yet one in three bridges still needs work.
News
State DOT CEOs Discuss Key Reauthorization Funding Issues, Investment in Local Programs
AASHTO recently held its 2026 Washington Briefing in D.C., featuring a panel of state DOT leaders discussing critical surface transportation funding and reauthorization issues.