Video: United for Infrastructure Webinar – Steel Bridges and Resilience

As part of United for Infrastructure’s 13th annual Infrastructure Week (2025), Dr. Michael Barker of the University of Wyoming and Jeff Cunningham of the American Galvanizers Association presented on galvanized steel bridge design and construction.

The presentation emphasized the role of galvanized steel in building more resilient and durable infrastructure.

The following is a video recording of the presentation:

Additional Information

Title: Steel Bridges and Resilience: Engineering the Future of Infrastructure (part of Infrastructure Week 2025)

Date Presented: May 15, 2025

Presentation Slides: The presentation can also be downloaded directly (PDF, 12mb)

Sponsors: Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance and American Galvanizers Association

Presentation Summary: Across the United States, disasters of greater intensity, duration and frequency have wreaked havoc on communities of every size and location. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), in 2024 a total of 27 extreme weather events caused 568 deaths and over $182 billion in damages. In addition to life and property losses, disasters strike assets across the infrastructure network, including our nation’s roads and bridges.

Measures to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters have led to an increased focus on resilience. Every dollar spent on resilience and preparedness saves communities $13 in post-disaster costs. Yet, more must be done to safeguard against extreme weather, especially for short span bridges that serve as vital lifelines for local communities.

To build more resilient bridges, the future must start today. With innovative materials, designs, and protection systems now available, the American steel and galvanizing industries are poised to deliver bridges that endure well into the next century—and beyond.

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) and the American Galvanizers Association (AGA) have developed free, essential resources to streamline steel bridge design and ensure long-term performance with a 100-year service life. The recorded video from Infrastructure Week 2025 explores resources and tools needed to build resilient steel bridges that stand up to tomorrow’s challenges.

Presenters:

• Michael G. Barker, Ph.D., Professor, Civil & Architectural Engineering, University of Wyoming received his BS and MS degrees in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and his PhD from the University of Minnesota. He is a professor of Civil & Architectural Engineering at the University of Wyoming and the director of education for the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance. His primary research pertains to steel bridges, experimental testing, bridge design specifications, bridge field testing, high- performance steel and reliability analyses of structures.
• Jeff Cunningham, Marketing Communications Manager, American Galvanizers Association has worked for the AGA for five years. He holds a BS in Anthropology and a minor in Marketing from Northern Colorado University.