Gusset Plates Through Time: Code Evolution, Field Realities, and Design for the Future

by Anthony P. Ream, P.E. 

Northeast Principal Bridge Engineer and Senior Professional Associate at HDR, Inc. 

November 18th, 2026  |  4:00 PM ET  |  BOWN 1003 

Registration Site: Steel Bridge Engineering Seminar Series

Seminar Overview:  Steel bridge gusset plates are often treated as secondary connection elements, but their behavior can govern the performance of truss bridges. This presentation will trace the evolution of gusset plate design from early practices to current standardized procedures. The presentation will then focus on non-conventional gusset plates that may include nonstandard load paths, irregular framing, lap plates, strap plates, fill plates, zero-force members, through-members, joints at bearings, and details that complicate conventional analysis. These require considering how geometry, deterioration, distortion, repair history, and incomplete documentation affect capacity. Discussion will include deterioration mechanisms, its effect on resistance and load rating, typical repairs, and practical approaches for triaging gussets when exhaustive analysis is not possible. The session will close with design and detailing for new gusset plates, emphasizing simplicity, constructability, and robustness; facilitating inspection, maintenance, and durability. Attendees should leave with a practical framework for deciding adequate level of analysis and how to apply engineering judgment to non-standard gusset plates.

Presenter Bio:  Anthony “Tony” Ream, P.E., is HDR’s Northeast Principal Bridge Engineer and a Senior Professional Associate based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has 26 years of bridge engineering experience focused on steel bridges, complex analysis, load rating, rehabilitation, fatigue evaluation, and gusset-plate assessment. He holds civil engineering degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and Lehigh University. Tony provides technical leadership for major and complex bridge projects. Tony also advances steel bridge practice through research, publications, specifications, and training. He has managed or co-authored numerous FHWA documents, as well as updates to the NSBA Steel Bridge Design Handbook. In 2026, AISC recognized him with a Special Achievement Award for his contributions to the structural steel industry.