This episode focuses on the collaboration between AREMA and the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) to create a publication that complements the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering, Chapter 15 - Steel Structures by providing detailed guidance on design decisions for steel railway bridges. The guide, The AREMA/NSBA Guidelines for the Design of Steel Railroad Bridges for Constructability and Fabrication, aims to help engineers produce more economical and constructible designs. Walt chats with Jaclyn Whelan, Project Manager – Design at Conrail, and Brandon Chavel, Vice President – Bridges at American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), about their roles in developing the guide. They emphasize the importance of partnership and teamwork among various stakeholders, including engineers, fabricators, and contractors, to ensure the guidelines are comprehensive and useful for all experience levels. The guide covers topics from general railroad information to specific design details and construction methods, aiming to be a valuable resource for the industry.

The guide is now available for free download from both NSBA and AREMA .