Ironworkers Build Our Nation's Superstructures
Building Bridges of Success
On August 1, 2007, the country watched in horror as an eight-lane steel truss arch bridge that
carried Interstate 35W across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota collapsed. The bridge
was Minnesota's fifth–busiest, carrying 140,000 vehicles daily.
It was a shocking catastrophe that killed 13 people. While the country's infrastructure has
always been an area of great concern, this collapse shed new light on the importance of skilled
labor and has, in turn, guaranteed a good deal of job security for those with the right kind of
skills.
Members of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing
Iron Workers know about things like assembling steel framework that form bridges, dams and
skyscrapers. Structural and reinforcing iron and metal workers place and install iron or steel
girders, columns, and other construction materials for new structures and also repair and renovate
older buildings and structures.
Ironworkers fabricate, erect, assemble and install iron, steel, brass, bronze, aluminum,
glass, composite materials, fiberglass, fence, reinforced concrete materials, pre-cast/pre-stressed
concrete, metal buildings, stairs, ladders, platforms, catwalks, curtain wall, windows, window
wall, metal siding and metal roof materials, fencing, guardrails, tanks and vessels.
These structures serve as examples of the resolve and talent of the American worker. In 2007,
for instance, the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority of Michigan celebrated the 50th Anniversary of
the Mackinac Bridge, or "Mighty Mac," which is the third longest suspension bridge in the world.
The construction of this massive bridge took three years, employing over 11,000 ironworkers,
tradesmen, and engineers before it was ready for use in 1957.
A suspension bridge must be carefully engineered to withstand excessive wind, earthquakes,
gravity, and of course the load of cars, trucks and people. A suspension generally can span between
2,000 and 7,000 linear feet. The bridge deck which creates the roadway is supported by either a
robust truss or rigid frame shape system that allows the bridge deck to withstand bending and
twisting. The bridge deck is held in place by a series of large steel cables attached on each side
of the bridge to extremely large anchorage blocks. The steel cables transfer the weight of the
bridge deck to the bridge towers from which they are hanging.
According to the Department of Labor, general earnings for structural iron and steel workers
are among the highest of all construction trades, due to the nature of the work, and generally
require a formal 3-4 year apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship training provides a lifetime skill
and knowledge that can be transferred from one employer to another and from one area of the country
to another. A graduated apprentice (journey person) is a proven worker with advancement
opportunities as foreman, general foreman and superintendent.
For more information about Ironworker career opportunities,please visit the Helmets to Hardhats trade union page or contact the Helmets to Hardhats Field Director in your area for assistance.
