Purdue Civil and Construction Engineering to create 'first-of-its-kind' bridge engineering concentration
Purdue University is taking the next giant leap forward as it aims to set a new national model in structural engineering education.
In response to increasing industry demands, Purdue’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering (LSCCE) is introducing new courses, seminars, and — in the future — a concentration to address the United States’ bridge infrastructure workforce gap. As a unique and first program of its kind, the Bridge Engineering Education Program will serve as a national model to fill a growing need in the transportation industry.
“Launching a bridge-focused concentration is a natural next step for applying LSCCE's historic strengths to industry's needs,” said Robert J. Connor, the Jack and Kay Hockema Professor in Civil Engineering. “This is a first-of-its-kind concentration that answers a real need voiced by professionals to see engineering graduates with a greater understanding of bridge design, preservation, inspection, and construction.”
The new bridge engineering education program in LSCCE will:
- Develop undergraduate and graduate bridge-focused curricula.
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce long-term solutions to aging bridge infrastructure.
- Provide the next generation of engineers with the latest tools and materials needed to develop robust new bridge designs.
- Partner with industry to provide experiential learning opportunities for students.
“The Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering continually strives to offer the best education possible for our students while also preparing them to be leaders in an ever-changing field,” said Rao S. Govindaraju, Bowen Engineering Head of Civil Engineering and Christopher B. and Susan S. Burke Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering. “With this new concentration in development, we ensure our students have even greater opportunities to succeed once they graduate.”
In support of this new engineering concentration, the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) provided LSCCE with a $1 million grant to aid in its launch.
“AISC is incredibly proud to support Purdue University's new comprehensive Bridge Engineering undergraduate and graduate curricula, which is one of the first ever bridge-focused college programs in the country,” said Brandon Chavel, AISC Vice President of Bridges. “Armed with a Purdue education focused on bridge design, fabrication, construction, and inspection, graduates can hit the ground running when they enter the workforce, helping to address infrastructure needs in both the public and private sectors.”
LSCCE has also received an additional $1.3 million in gifts from a range of steel industry partners, including High Steel Structures, W&W | AFCO Steel, Industrial Steel Construction, Wabash Steel, SDI – Long Product Group, Stupp Bridge, DeLong’s, STS Steel, and Modjeski and Masters, as well as a $100,000 endowment provided by an alumnus to support students pursuing a concentration in bridge engineering as well as the staff to teach courses.
Modjeski and Masters Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer Thomas Murphy said he is excited to see Purdue take the lead with its bridge program.
“Modjeski and Masters is very excited to partner with Purdue in bringing bridge engineering into the undergraduate curriculum,” Murphy said. “There is a desperate need for engineers who have experience with bridge specific design approaches and understand the issues that need to be addressed in maintaining and upgrading the nation’s transportation inventory. We applaud Purdue’s national leadership in this important area.”
Steel Dynamics, Inc. Heavy Section and Rail Mill Manager Jeremy Cronkhite said a bridge design program like the one at the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering will serve as a giant leap forward in preparing students to be leaders in their field.
“We’re proud to support Purdue University’s new Bridge Engineering Program, which will strengthen the pipeline of talented engineers ready to design and maintain the infrastructure our communities depend on,” Cronkhite said.
Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Bridge Design Team Leader Jim Lesh echoed Cronkhite, adding that he hopes other universities around the country will follow Purdue’s lead.
“Purdue University is leading the way with a newly developed curriculum in bridge engineering, designed to prepare both undergraduate and graduate students to be future leaders in this high demand specialty within infrastructure,” Lesh said. “INDOT is proud to support this initiative and partner with Purdue in showcasing the exciting career opportunities in bridge design that await students after graduation.”
The first steps toward the new concentration began in August of 2025 with the introduction of two new courses offered by LSCCE: Loading and Analysis for Steel Bridge Design and Evaluation (CE 49700-002) and Advanced Design of Steel Bridge Flexural Members (CE 59700-238).
“We are still in the beginning stages, but the response from both students and our industry partners has been encouraging,” said Francisco J. Bonachera M., PhD, PE, course lecturer and visiting professor. “As we continue to expand the program and grow it into a full concentration, our graduates will have a knowledge base and expertise that truly sets them apart from other graduates throughout the U.S.”
Purdue Civil and Construction Engineering undergraduate student Caden Fortino is currently enrolled in the Loading and Analysis for Steel Bridge Design and Evaluation course and says it has quickly become one of his most impactful classes.
“I am very much interested in bridge design, so when I heard about this course offering, I knew this would be a perfect class for me,” Fortino said. “To have a class this early on that focusses on bridges specifically has been an amazing learning opportunity.”
Additionally, two steel bridge-focused courses will be available for the 2026 spring semester: Design and Evaluation of Steel Highway Bridges (CE49700-001) and Advanced Design of Steel Bridge Axial Members and Gusset Plate Connections (CE59700-222). A seminar series with leading experts in steel bridge design, fabrication, and inspection will also commence in the 2026 spring semester.
About the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering
Purdue University’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering is one of the world’s leading schools in research and education with specialty areas of architectural, construction, environmental, geomatics, geotechnical, hydraulics and hydrology, materials, structural, and transportation and infrastructure systems. The mission of LSCCE is to advance civil and construction engineering learning, discovery, and engagement in fulfillment of the Land Grant promise and the evolving responsibility of a global university.
For more information, visit the school’s website here.
QUESTIONS AND MEDIA INQUIRIES TO LSCCE:
Marketing and Communications Director Drew Stone, stone91@purdue.edu
Professor Robert Connor, rconnor@purdue.edu
Visiting Professor Franciso J. Bonachera M., fbonache@purdue.edu