Why Steel?
Why should you use steel for your next bridge construction project?
Economical: Short Span Steel Bridges are Cost-Effective on Several Levels.
- Due to the light weight of steel, cost savings can be significant: smaller abutments, use of local crews, fast installation, lighter equipment – when you add them all up, steel provides significant cost savings.
- Studies show that weathering, A1010, and galvanized steel reduces both initial and life cycle costs.
- Steel can compete and even save costs when compared with nearly identical concrete structures. A side-by-side comparison of steel versus concrete bridge showed a 19 percent savings by using steel in the total cost of the structure.
- Steel bridges also have long lives, decreasing the need for replacement. New press-brake-formed steel bridges last more than 100 years with minimal maintenance requirements during their service lives.
- Steel’s high strength permits longer spans, minimizing disruption to underlying habitats. In some cases, this can eliminate the need to undertake costly environmental impact studies.
- Steel is highly resistant to extreme natural disasters such as earthquakes. An example is the 1994 Northridge, California earthquake, which destroyed the surrounding transportation infrastructure but left 96% of the existing steel bridges completely undamaged, even though they were designed using 1940s technology.
- Steel is the world’s most recycled material and is infinitely recyclable, so it can be repurposed from one bridge project to another. Ohio’s Muskingum County Engineer’s Office (MCEO) estimates that $51,000 was saved in superstructure costs for replacement of the Green Valley Road Bridge.
- Short span steel bridges can be designed with prefabricated elements which provide a simpler installation and cost savings
Sustainable: Steel is North America’s Number #1 Recycled Material
- Steel from a disassembled bridge can be used again for another project. When Hurricane Ivan damaged the bridge over Florida’s Escambia Bay in Pensacola, contractors used 36-inch steel beams from a disassembled bridge in Tennessee to make substructure repairs. In Muskingum County, Ohio, five bridges have been replaced with repurposed steel, saving costs as well as resources.
- 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.
Durable: Short Span Steel Bridges are Built to Last
- 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.
Accelerated: Prefabricated Steel Bridges Provide a Safe and Cost Effective Solution for ABC
- Steel bridges can be fabricated off-site in a controlled equipment and ready to erect as soon as it reaches the bridge site.
- Reinforcement and formwork installation is not required. Steel erection is not limited to a specific temperature range.
- Steel is often lighter than other materials for the same span, resulting in smaller or fewer erection cranes.
- Prefabricated steel bridges accelerate construction and reduce on-site labor requirements, reduce traffic disruption, and overall project costs. They are also safe – reducing the exposure of workers and public to construction activities as well as environmental impacts.
Innovative: Advances in Steel Technology Reduces the Installed and Life-Cycle Cost of Bridges
- Steel bridge fabricators provide a wide range of prefabricated steel bridge and buried soil structures – some can be installed in a weekend!
- The Ohio Department of Transportation and Muskingum County were awarded an Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Demonstration grant to replace a bridge using press brake tub girder (PBTG) technology with a steel Sandwich Plate System (SPS) deck.
- New steel grades and coating technology can extend the life of a bridge to over 100 years – including advances in weathering, A709-50CR, paint, metalizing, and galvanized coating protection systems.
- Innovative tools like eSPAN140 provide bridge professionals with the optimal, most cost-effective design for short span steel bridges.
Sustainability
Steel Bridge Restores Fish Migration in Olympic National Forest
A new 70-foot steel bridge in the Olympic National Forest restores a vital fish passage, demonstrating steel’s durability and adaptability for environmentally sustainable infrastructure.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Missouri DOT Fast-Tracks Bridge Replacement with Steel Solution
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) replaced an aging bridge to enhance safety and accessibility, using a press-brake tub girder bridge from SSSBA member Valmont Structures.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Whiteside County (IL) Selects Steel Bridge Solution for Short Lead Time
Russ Renner, Whiteside County Engineer, decided on a steel solution for an upcoming 105′ long bridge replacement project.
Rolled Beam & Plate
MoDOT Reimagines Rural Steel Bridges through SDCL Design
Missouri Department of Transportation’s FARM Bridge Program applies Simple for Dead Load and Continuous for Live Load (SDCL) steel bridge design to deliver cost-effective and durable solutions for rural bridge replacements.
News
Report Finds $198 billion Needed to Repair America’s Rural Transportation System
A new report from TRIP indicates the U.S. faces a $198 billion backlog in funding for needed repairs and improvements to the rural transportation system.
Case Study
“Press Forward” – Modern Steel Construction
The durability and rapid installation of press-brake-formed tub girders made them the optimal choice for replacing a concrete short-span bridge in Illinois
Durability & Coatings
Still Strong: Revisiting the First Galvanized Bridge in North America
The Stearns Bayou Bridge in Michigan, the first hot-dip galvanized steel bridge in North America, has remained maintenance-free for over 50 years, setting a precedent for the use of galvanized steel due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation
Building Better Bridges: The Influence of SSSBA Workshops
Complimentary SSSBA workshops advance bridge construction practices with innovative techniques and collaborative learning – schedule yours today!
Case Study
Modular Steel Bridges Support Traffic During Alabama Bridge Replacement
SSSBA member Acrow’s modular steel bridges reduce motorist disruption during an Alabama bridge replacement project.
Sustainability
Infrastructure Week 2024 Recording: Preservation of Steel Bridges
In this webinar recording, industry experts discuss the most effective methods to preserve steel bridges.
Durability & Coatings
FHWA Releases Data Collection Document on Weathering Steel Performance
This document details a study conducted with the FHWA Long-Term Bridge Performance (LTBP) Program that considers longer term performance of UWS structures.
News
President Biden’s Administration Highlights Progress in Investing in Infrastructure
In 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The administration recently released a report highlighting the progress.
News
Steel’s Swift Response: Flood-Damaged Bridge Replaced in 4 Months
SSSBA member High Steel Structures replaced a flood-damaged bridge in New York in only four months. (Article from Modern Steel Construction)
Case Study
NCSPA Project Spotlight: Corrugated Steel Used for Culvert Rehabilitation Project
The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) spotlights a project that used galvanized corrugated metal pipe to rehabilitate a damaged culvert.
Case Study
Modular Steel Bridge Maintains Traffic During Bridge Replacement
A modular steel bridge from Acrow maintains heavy-duty truck traffic throughout a bridge replacement project in Utah.
News
2024 Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards Feature SSSBA Member Projects
Presented annually, the Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards honors the finest achievements in using hot-dip galvanizing in an ideal, creative, innovative or monumental fashion.
Sustainability
Investing in Resilient Infrastructure Update
The U.S. continues to invest in resilient and sustainable infrastructure prepared to withstand the devastating effects of extreme weather and other catastrophic events.
Economics
Building a Sustainable Future for America’s Infrastructure
The American Iron and Steel Institute’s construction program is dedicated to providing resilient and sustainable steel-based solutions designed to meet the needs of the U.S. construction market.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Whiteside County (IL) Uses FHWA Funds for Accelerated Steel Bridge Project
Russ Renner, a Whiteside County Engineer, saved up to 12 weeks of lane closures by installing a steel bridge for the crossing.
Case Study
Modular Steel Bridge Reduces Traffic Delays During New Jersey Highway Construction
A modular steel bridge from Acrow prevents travel disruptions by providing detours for locals and tourists in northern New Jersey.
News
Bridge Construction Advancing Across the U.S: Further Work Ahead
Despite the declining number of deficient bridges, continued investment in sustainable solutions is needed to address current infrastructure-related challenges.
Case Study
Buried Steel Bridge Connects Community College Campus
The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) spotlights a project that used corrugated structural steel to connect a North Carolina college campus.
Education
AASHTO Technical Training Solutions for Guardrail Maintenance and Repair
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is offering online technical training focused on guardrails.
News
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing Focused on Rural Interstate and Transit Programs
The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit within the House of Representatives held a hearing on March 21 focused on rural interstate and transit programs.
News
Bridge Task Force Member Dr. Rob Connor Interviewed on AISC Podcast
Bridge Task Force member and award-winning steel bridge researcher Dr. Rob Connor was recently interviewed on an American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) podcast.
Innovation
SSSBA and WV LTAP Team Up for Steel Bridge Workshop
The SSSBA and WVDOH collaborated on a bridge workshop to discuss the design of steel bridges with cost-effective, time-saving options for states and counties.
News
Panel Discussion Provides Insights for Winning Grant Applications
In late 2023, a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) panel discussion provided tips and resources to industry stakeholders applying for USDOT grants.
Case Study
Corrugated Steel Pipe Safeguards Rail System from Excessive Storm Water
The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) spotlights a project that used corrugated steel pipe to provide a storm water solution in only 8 hours.
News
Grubb to Receive AISC’s Highest Design Honor
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) will present the J. Lloyd Kimbrough Award to bridge industry legend Michael A. Grubb, PE.
News
President Biden Highlights Infrastructure in Address to the National Association of Counties (NACo)
President Biden emphasized the significance of collaborating with counties and prioritizing infrastructure investment during the NACo Legislative Conference.
News
“Crafting a Coat” – Modern Steel Construction
Zinc Coating Life Predictor (ZCLP), was recently refined and made available by the American Galvanizers Association.
Design
AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration Releases Guidelines for Field Repairs and Retrofits
The AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration releases guidelines focused on repair procedures and retrofit for damaged steel bridges.
News
FHWA Announces $729 Million to Repair Roads and Bridges Damaged by Catastrophic Events
FHWA announced an additional $729 million in funding for road and bridge repair needs following catastrophic events.
Case Study
Acrow Bridge Carries Detour Traffic During Highway Construction in Oklahoma
A modular steel bridge from Acrow prevents travel disruptions by providing detour for locals and tourists in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma.
Sustainability
American Manufacturers Are Among the Cleanest in the World. Let’s prove it.
The American steel industry has made significant investments in cleaner and more sustainable production processes. But unless companies overseas do the same, American manufacturing’s commitment to sustainability will put us at a disadvantage.
News
New Resiliency Video Compares Corrugated Steel Pipe to Other Materials
The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) launched a new video focused on the resiliency of corrugated steel pipe – commonly used in buried steel bridges.
Case Study
NCSPA Project Spotlight: Corrugated Steel Used to Rehabilitate Railroad Bridge Piers
The NCSPA spotlights a project that used galvanized corrugated steel forms to rehabilitate a railroad bridge.
Sustainability
FHWA Seeks Bridge Grant Applications
The Federal Highway Administration issued a notice of funding opportunity for Bridge Project and Planning grants.
Innovation
Testing of 3-D Metal Bridges: What Did We Learn?
Bridge testing data was recently taken and assessed from the world’s first 3-D printed metal bridge. Did it perform similar to the commonly manufactured metal bridges?
News
How Will Artificial Intelligence Impact the Construction Industry?
The application of artificial intelligence in various elements is well underway. Applying AI within the construction industry has arrived.
Case Study
Modular Steel Bridges Reconnect Routes After Flooding in California
Two Acrow modular steel bridges were installed to reconnect flood-damaged routes in San Luis Obispo County in California’s Central Coast region.
News
“Save a Bundle with Tub Girders” – Modern Steel Construction
The Michigan DOT shaved a year off its three year schedule by using bundled press-brake-formed tub girders for a 19 bridge replacement project.
News
Infrastructure Investment Spending Update
Although the number of deficient bridges is declining, we must continue to invest in sustainable solutions to meet future demands on our infrastructure.
News
Ryan Sherman Presents on Steel Additive Manufacturing for the 2023 Robert J. Dexter Memorial Award Lecture
The Steel Bridge Task Force has named John W. O’Quinn, president of High Steel Structures, LLC, as the recipient of the 2023 Alexander D. Wilson Memorial Award.
News
SSSBA To Participate in National Transportation in Indian Country Conference
On September 26, Dr. Michael Barker will be present information on steel bridge solutions specific to tribal communities.
Case Study
Modular Bridge Reconnects Key Route After Culvert Collapse in Colorado
After rushing waters caused the collapse a culvert, Acrow installed a steel modular bridge to reopen traffic in only 2 weeks.
Innovation
SSSBA and Barron County Team Up for Steel Bridge Workshop
The SSSBA and Barron County, WI collaborated on a bridge workshop to discuss the replacement of aging bridges with cost-effective, time-saving steel options for state and county bridges.
Case Study
Steel Bridge Provides TDOT With Accelerated Solution, Restores School Bus Route
A steel press-brake-formed tub girder bridge offered a quick solution to restore a school bus route in Tennessee.
News
Investing in Bridge Infrastructure: We Are Only Getting Started
Although the number of deficient bridges is declining, we must continue to invest in sustainable solutions to meet future demands on our infrastructure.
News
Sherman Receives AISC’s 2023 Milek Fellowship, Explores Additive Manufacturing
Dr. Ryan Sherman is exploring whether 3D printing can be an attractive, economically viable option for large-scale structural steel projects.
News
New Sustainability Video Compares Corrugated Steel Pipe to Other Materials
The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) launched a new video focused on the sustainability of corrugated steel pipe – commonly used in buried steel bridges.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Barron County Installs Wisconsin’s First Steel Press-Brake Formed Tub Girder Bridge
Mark Servi, Barron County Highway Department, provided leadership for the construction of Wisconsin’s first press-brake tub girder steel bridge.
Accelerated
Steel Industry Accelerates Rebuild of I-95 Bridge Project
Cleveland Cliffs is providing steel to High Steel Structures for the accelerated permanent reconstruction of a bridge section of I-95 in Philadelphia that collapsed in June.
Durability & Coatings
Iowa County Uses Galvanized Steel for ‘Long Lasting’ Bridge Project
Watch an interview with county engineer Brian Keierleber regarding the Buffalo Creek Bridge project in Buchanan County, Iowa.
Durability & Coatings
AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration Releases Galvanizing Guide Specification
The AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration released the new Hot-Dip Galvanizing Specification, providing information on a corrosion protection systems for steel bridges and other highway structures.
Case Study
Temporary Steel Bridge Provides Safe Detour During Highway Construction in Texas
Acrow supplied a modular steel bridge as a cost-effective alternative for a phased construction project in Nacogdoches County, Texas.
Durability & Coatings
Smart Design and Maintenance Key to Weathering Steel Bridges
New research from the University of Delaware offers information on how to detail and maintain weathering steel bridges to maximize their service lives.
Case Study
Acrow’s Modular Steel Truss System Supports Rehabilitation of Historic Covered Bridge
Acrow designed and supplied a freestanding modular steel truss system to provide support for the restoration of a historic covered bridge in Québec.
Sustainability
Leadership of the American Steel Industry in the Green Economy
The American steel industry is continuing to make key investments and innovations to further decrease carbon emissions and advance it’s leadership position on sustainability.
News
Strong Growth in U.S. Infrastructure Activity Anticipated Over Next Five Years
The real pickup in U.S. infrastructure construction is anticipated to begin next year and peak over the next several years.
News
Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards Feature SSSBA Member Projects
Presented annually, the Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards honors the finest achievements in the use of hot-dip galvanizing in an ideal, creative, innovative or monumental fashion.
News
Market Changes Spur Innovations in Bridge Solution
Industry authorities provide perspective on the valuable ways that experts are influencing bridge options and defining actions to build a better future.
News
U.S. DOT Strategic Plan Includes $5 Billion in Research Funding
The U.S. DOT released a strategic plan that will guide more than $5 billion in research activities funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Buried Bridge
Steel Pipe Arch Bridge Restores Roadway After Peak Storm
After storms washed out a North Dakota access road, a corrugated steel pipe arch bridge was quickly installed to mitigate the problem.
Durability & Coatings
NSBA Releases Single Coat Inorganic Zinc Report
In a new report from the National Steel Bridge Alliance, learn about existing bridges coated with SIOZ and how they fare in inspection after decades of service.
Sustainability
Six Reasons Steel Provides a Sustainable Bridge Solution
With advances in steelmaking technology, innovative design, and corrosion protection systems, steel bridges can improve our nation’s infrastructure with sustainable solutions.
Durability & Coatings
Top 3 Reasons to Fall in Love With Hot-Dip Galvanizing
The American Galvanizers Association summarized the top three reasons for the growth of hot-dip galvanized steel.
Buried Bridge
County-Built Steel Plate Arch Bridge Turns 82
Built in 1941 by the Union County (Iowa) county crew, a 30 foot structural steel plate arch bridge is still performing well after 82 years.
Durability & Coatings
AGA Provides Tools and Resources to Inspect Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel
The American Galvanizers Association has created tools and resources to aid in the inspection of hot-dip galvanized steel.
Durability & Coatings
NSBA Uncoated Weathering Steel Guide
Download the guide to learn about site and location considerations, design recommendations, structural design, detailing, maintenance, and more!
Decks
FHWA Releases Orthotropic Steel Deck Guide
The guide simplifies the level of complexity to design, fabricate, and construct OSD bridges through Level 1 design.
News
Report Finds $180 Billion Needed to Repair U.S. Rural Transportation System
A new report from TRIP indicates the U.S. faces a $180 billion backlog in funding for needed repairs and improvements to the rural transportation system.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Steel Tub Girder High-Cycle Fatigue Testing Underway at West Virginia University
Galvanized steel press-brake steel tub girder sections arrived at West Virginia University for high-cycle fatigue testing.
Truss
Historic Steel Truss Bridge Rehabilitated, Placed Back In Service
Quality Bridge & Fab, Inc. fabricated the steel to rehabilitate a historic 146 year old bowstring truss bridge in Pennsylvania.
Education
Building a Sustainable Infrastructure with Steel Bridges
Presentations from a five-part webinar series covering topics essential to the design and installation of steel bridges are now available on-demand.
News
White House Announces Action Plan to Accelerate Infrastructure
The White House released an action plan to accelerate infrastructure projects by focusing on new approaches and expanding successful efforts to accelerate project planning, design, procurement and construction.
Case Study
Acrow Bridge Permits Uninterrupted Traffic Flow During Highway Construction in Colorado
A modular steel bridge from Acrow minimizes travel disruptions for locals and tourists in Delta County, Colorado.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Steel Tub Girder Research Underway to Evaluate Compactness Designation of Skewed Box Sections
It is anticipated that the research may produce AASHTO code revisions in both AASHTO Chapter 4 and AASHTO Chapter 6.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Guy Nelson Provides Insight on Steel Press-Brake Tub Girders
Guy Nelson, Product Development Director – Valmont Structures, provides insight into the fabrication and installation of press-brake tub girders, including details of a recent installation in Peoria, IL.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Peoria County Looks to Steel for Innovative Bridge Replacement Project
Jeff Gilles, Peoria County Assistant Engineer, discusses the new Evans Mill Road Bridge featuring the use of steel press-brake tub girders.
News
Steel Industry Comments on White House Buy Clean Announcement
The steel industry provided comment on the announcement by the White House that the federal government will prioritize the purchase of low-carbon construction materials for federal construction projects.
Buried Bridge
Mason County (WA) Installs Buried Steel Bridge With Local Crews, Saves Money
Mason County (WA) provided cost savings to their residents by installing a Contech 30′ 8″ span x 9′ 8″ rise deep corrugated steel box culvert bridge with their local road crew.
Sustainability
Thought Leaders Discuss the Value of Sustainable Steel Solutions
Industry thought leaders discuss key trends and innovations in steel construction that are advancing sustainable solutions in America.
Economics
Steel Bridge Economics
Presentations from a five-part webinar series covering topics essential to the design and installation of steel bridges are now available on-demand.
Accelerated
Video: Achieving Speed in Steel Bridge Fabrication
In this video, Ronnie Medlock, High Steel Structures, provides information on what you can do to either accelerate your project or simply keep it on schedule.
News
Steel Bridge Solutions Make Top 20 Innovations List for Rural Bridge Replacements
In an effort to promote cost-effective approaches to replacing and repairing rural bridges, the Soy Transportation Coalition released a top 20 innovations list.
Buried Bridge
Steel Culvert Saves Minnesota County Time and $15,000 Over Concrete Options
Olmsted County needed a cost-effective solution to quickly replace a concrete structure before it collapsed – steel saved $15,000 and took less than 2 days to install.
Accelerated
Accelerated Steel: Achieving Speed in Steel Bridge Fabrication
NSBA’s free guide describes how to schedule critical support activities to ensure the fastest, most efficient steel bridge fabrication process – every step of the way.
Case Study
Acrow’s Modular Steel Bridges Reconnect Communities Impacted by Extreme Weather
Acrow supplied a permanent and temporary bridge to quickly reconnect communities in Northern Italy impacted by an extreme weather event.
Buried Bridge
NCSPA Publishes New Polymer Coating Report
This new report from NCSPA describes testing performed to support the development of a new ASTM specification for polymer-coated corrugated steel structural plate.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridge Saves $500,000 and Three Months Versus Concrete Option
Contech wins the NCSPA Project of the Year award for the I-44 EB & WB buried steel bridge in Missouri.
Sustainability
Applications Open for New Competitive Bridge Investment Program
The $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program will to help plan, replace, rehabilitate, protect, and preserve some of the nation’s bridges.
Durability & Coatings
Steel Bridge Projects Featured in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards
The American Galvanizers Association awards showcase the stainable and innovative use of the hot-dip galvanized coating.
News
New Research Report Compares Sustainability of Rural Steel and Concrete Bridges
The results of the study by the University of Wyoming show that steel outperforms concrete in four major categories.
News
FHWA Announces Additional $1.14 Billion for Bridges, Update to Inspection Standards
FHWA announced an additional $1.14 billion in funding for bridge repair and replacement, and updates to the National Bridge Inspection Standards
Case Study
Five Game-Changing County Steel Bridge Projects
These 5 county projects are changing the way bridges are designed and constructed.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridges: CSPI 2-Part Video Series
The Corrugated Steel Pipe Institute and the Ontario Good Roads Association present a two-part video series on the use of buried steel bridges.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Michigan Governor Announces First Steel Bridge in Bundling Project Open to Traffic
Due to their flexibility and low-cost, press-brake tub girders were selected by the Michigan DOT for 19-bridge bundling project.
Durability & Coatings
Stainless Steel Use in Bridges
Stainless steel can be found in modern bridges throughout the world due to the strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal it provides.
Short Span Steel Bridges