Short Span Steel Bridges 
Thought Leaders Discuss the Value of Sustainable Steel Solutions
Achieving a carbon-neutral future is a prime focus for modern infrastructure programs. In a recent “Ask the Experts” section that appeared in Engineering News-Record (August 22, 2022), industry authorities discussed key trends and innovations in steel construction that are advancing sustainable solutions in America.
Robert Wills, Vice President, Construction Program, American Iron and Steel Institute, said:
“The state of the American steel industry is strong. Like many sectors of the economy, the steel industry was severely impacted by the pandemic-related recession of 2020, but has since fully recovered. American steelmakers have completed or announced $22 billion of investment over the last five years. This will help ensure that the industry remains globally competitive, sustainable and ready to meet the needs of the nation moving forward.”
Industry thought leaders discuss key trends and innovations in steel construction in the August 22, 2022 edition of Engineering News-Record.
Additional experts who contributed to the article include:
- Robert Wills, Vice President, Construction Program, American Iron and Steel Institute
- Don Moore, President, Carolinas Chapter, Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association
- Tony Bouquot, General Manager, Metal Building Manufacturers Association
- Lee Shoemaker, Ph.D., Director of Research & Engineering, Metal Building Manufacturers Association
In the article, industry authorities provided responses to the following questions:
- How would you describe the current state of the U.S. steel industry?
- What excites you most about this ever-evolving industry?
- What makes America a global leader in clean steel production?
- How is steel optimized in building construction to reduce environmental impact?
- How prevalent is the use of recycled steel in today’s building market?
Read the full article, Thought Leaders Emphasize Immense Value of Sustainable Steel Solutions, from Engineering News-Record.
Learn why the American steel industry is the cleanest steel industry in the world by downloading the document America’s Steel Carbon Advantage.
Does steel provide a sustainable option for bridges?
Steel is the most recycled material on the planet. Some of the sustainable advantages of steel include:
- Steel from a disassembled bridge can be used again for another project.
- Steel bridges can last 100 years or more, with minimal maintenance over their long service lives.
- The high strength of steel permits longer spans, which minimizes disruption to underlying habitats.
- Steel is highly resistant to extreme natural disasters such as earthquakes.
- The American steel industry has achieved a 31 percent reduction in energy intensity and a 36 percent reduction in greenhouse gas intensity since 1990.
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