Steel Bridge Research, Inspection, Training, and Engineering Center
Stability and Bracing of Steel Bridge Girders
by Todd Helwig, Ph.D., P.E.
Structural Engineering Professor at the University of Texas at Austin,
David Allen Cockrell Chair in Engineering
February 18th, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET to 5:00 PM ET | MJIS 1001
Registration Site: Steel Bridge Engineering Seminar Series
Seminar Overview: The critical stage for stability of many steel bridge systems occurs during erection and construction of the bridge deck. The strength of the bridges is typically enhanced with lateral or torsional bracing systems the reduce the unbraced length of the girders. The most common form of stability bracing are torsional braces in the form of cross-frames or diaphragms. This lecture will outline the fundamental bracing behavior and cover the stiffness and strength requirements of bracing. In addition to the basic requirements for conventional bracing, innovative applications such as lean-on bracing concepts will be outlined.
Presenter Bio: Todd Helwig has had a 30-year career teaching and conducting research in the field of structural engineering. He holds the David Allen Cockrell Chair in Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. His primary area of interest is the design and behavior of steel structures with an emphasis in full-scale testing, field monitoring, structural stability, fatigue, and stability bracing requirements. He is a member of several technical committees within AISC, AASHTO, NSBA, and SSRC. His research has been recognized with several awards including the 2025 SSRC Lynn S. Beedle Award, the 2025 SSRC Distinguished Member Award, the 2025 Wilbur Schoeller Award from the Structural Engineers Association of Texas, the 2023 George Richardson Medal presented at the International Bridge Conference, 2022 Richard S. Fountain Award given by AASHTO/ AISI/NSBA, the 2022 AISC Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2017 AISC T. R. Higgins Lectureship Award, the AISC Special Achievement Award, the ASCE Collingwood Research Prize, the ASCE Moisseiff Award, and the ASCE Shortridge Hardesty Award. He was recognized in 2025 with the Joe King Professional Achievement Award from the University of Texas College of Engineering.