Steel Bridge Research, Inspection, Training, and Engineering Center
History of the AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications
by Michael A. Grubb, P.E.
Executive Director at M.A. Grubb & Associates, LLC
April 29th, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET to 5:00 PM ET | MJIS 1001
Registration Site: Steel Bridge Engineering Seminar Series
Seminar Overview: This lecture will present a historical background on the evolution of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) from earlier Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load Factor Design (LFD) design methodologies up to the present-day Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) design methodology. The major improvements to the specifications at each step will be highlighted, along with the processes and procedures that are employed to update and maintain the specifications. A broad overview of the LRFD BDS will be provided along with an overview of Section 6 of the BDS on steel structures. The various limit states and the associated behaviors of concern at each limit state for different types of members used in steel bridges will be also discussed. Important design issues related to skewed and curved steel bridges will also be briefly highlighted.
Presenter Bio: Michael Grubb has approximately 45 years of experience related to steel bridge design and steel bridge design specifications. Mike is currently a self-employed consultant with M.A. Grubb and Associates, LLC. Mike has worked previously at the U.S. Steel Research Laboratory, for AISC Marketing, for HDR Engineering, and for BSDI, Ltd. Over his career, Mike has been involved in the development of inelastic design procedures for steel bridges, computer software and design aids, straight and curved steel-bridge research, development and delivery of training courses on steel-bridge design, and updating the national design specifications for steel bridges, including LRFD. Michael Grubb is a recipient of the J. Lloyd Kimbrough Award, which recognizes him as one of the pre-eminent steel designers of his era.