Technical Guide Supports the Preliminary Design of Composite Steel Bridges
This comprehensive and highly visual resource combines updated guidelines and design charts with striking photography of steel bridges to support informed early-stage planning and design.
A new technical guide is now available to assist with the preliminary design of economical composite steel multi-girder road bridges. Developed by experienced bridge designers from the engineering firm WSP in collaboration with BlueScope, the Technical Guide: Composite Steel Road Bridges aligns with current Australian standards and provides guidance for early-stage planning and design.
Intended for civil engineers, government departments, construction managers, quantity surveyors, and procurement professionals, the guide includes comprehensive charts, tables, and design guidelines for composite steel girder bridges – a proven system that has been widely used around the world for over fifty years.
Highly visual format
What sets this resource apart is its clear, image-led format, featuring striking photography of steel bridges from Australia and around the world. The guide presents span tables and example configurations in a clear and easy-to-follow layout. This enables project teams to quickly assess the suitability of steel within bridge design, while referencing real-world examples.
“This guide gives engineers a fast and reliable way to assess whether a steel bridge solution is viable for their project,” said Rob Danis BEng (Civil), National Business Development Lead – Infrastructure, BlueScope. “It enables informed planning based on up-to-date Australian standards, backed by global best practice and local experience.”
Why steel for bridges?
Steel is widely used in bridge construction around the world due to its versatility. The high strength-to-weight ratio of steel when used over longer spans reduces dead loads, which in turn can improve structural efficiency and lower foundation costs.
BlueScope offers a portfolio of finished and semi-finished steel products suitable for bridge construction, including REDCOR® weathering steel, XLERPLATE® steel, and welded beams and columns made from both these materials. These are suitable for a wide range of applications, including short-to long-span road bridges, rail bridges, and pedestrian bridges.
REDCOR® weathering steel girder bridges are a compelling choice for modern bridge design. When correctly detailed, the excellent durability of REDCOR® weathering steel can reduce maintenance requirements, resulting in cost savings over the bridge's lifespan.
Updated to reflect the latest standards and practices
This guide replaces the original 1998 Composite Steel Road Bridges – Concepts and Design Charts published by BHP Integrated Steel. More than just an update, the new edition incorporates over two decades of acquired industry knowledge, evolving construction practices, and references the Australian Bridge Design Code (AS/NZS 5100.6:2024).
The included charts provide a practical resource for the early-stage design of composite steel bridges with spans of up to 80 metres. They include both standard BlueScope Welded Beams and custom-made three-plate or box girders for longer spans, with options for REDCOR® weathering steel and painted XLERPLATE® steel.
A practical tool for preliminary design
This publication is intended as a starting point for fast, preliminary bridge design. While it offers a robust foundation for assessing feasibility, a qualified engineer must be engaged for detailed design and final validation.
“By making early-stage steel bridge design more accessible and visual, we hope this guide becomes a go-to reference for project teams across Australia,” said Rob Danis. “It’s a resource that allows for smarter planning and better conversations around cost, buildability and timing.”
Built on industry collaboration
The guide reflects the combined expertise and input of engineers, fabricators, civil construction companies, government departments, and other key stakeholders across the bridge design and construction sector. BlueScope thanks all those who contributed to the development and review of this valuable resource.
Download the Guide
To explore the full set of design charts, diagrams, and photographs, complete your details below to download the Technical Guide: Composite Steel Road Bridges.
More information
For more information about BlueScope’s steel products for bridge construction visit:
- REDCOR® weathering steel
- XLERPLATE® steel
- Welded beams and columns
- Register to download the Weathering Steel: Design Guide for Bridges in Australia (HERA guide supports application of REDCOR® weathering steel in bridge projects)
