Short Span Steel Bridges Durability
Short Span Steel Bridges are Built to Last
Weathering steel has a good track record for long-term performance.
When compared to all other materials, steel has the greatest ability to maintain strength and integrity during extreme events.
Even in corrosive environments, advanced steel grades and coatings can protect steel for 100+ years.
- Steel is highly resistant to extreme natural disasters, such as earthquakes. Example: 1994 Northridge, CA earthquake, which destroyed the surrounding transportation infrastructure. However, 96% of the existing steel bridges were completely undamaged, even though they were designed using 1940s technology.
- Steel bridges are not subject to shrinkage or creep under load over time.
- Weathering, A709-50CR, paint, metalizing, and galvanized coatings protect structural steel and add longevity to the bridge.
- A durable and nonporous material, steel provides value and a significant return on investment.
Durability & Coatings
Time to First Maintenance Chart for Hot-Dip Galvanized Coatings
Chart provides a visual representation of the time to first maintenance for hot-dip galvanized steel.
Durability & Coatings
Zinc Coating Life Predictor
Tool calculates atmospheric corrosion rates of zinc coatings using a corrosion database and five environmental parameters.
Research
Research Report: An Assessment Of Weathering Steel Bridges In West Virginia
Report provides an assessment of the performance of the weathering steel bridges in West Virginia.
Buried Bridge
Hidden in Plain Sight–the Design, Cost and Maintenance Advantages of Steel Buried Bridges
Steel buried bridges are durable and resilient, with the ability to support very heavy loads.