Hidden away in a secluded area of Purdue Universitys campus is the Steel Bridge Research, Inspection, Training, and Engineering (S-BRITE) Center. The S-BRITE Center is the only facility of its kind in the world focused on the aging steel bridge infrastructure.  This project joins educators, industry, government agencies, and consultants to provide unique hands-on training for students of all ages. It also delivers specialized technical expertise, testing and research for the corroding bridge infrastructure. A design was created for this massive testing unit by Purdues professors and engineers. The mock-up bridge details needed to be supported by a structure that could tolerate frequent installation and removal of the test specimens without compromising its protective coating. It also needed a very durable coating, being constantly exposed to the elements, which could resist corrosion even when in direct contact with corroded test specimens. 

It became clear to the research team that hot-dip galvanizing was the solution they needed for the donated steel and fasteners that made up the 30 feet tall and 80 feet long support frame. And it was the commitment to education and the generosity of the AGA member galvanizer that made it possible.  The galvanizer offered to hot-dip galvanize the entire frame at no cost to the research project allowing for the cost savings to be invested in the support of graduate students and enhancing the research. This civic contribution made a lasting difference to the research project and to the S-BRITE Center.  S-BRITE will continue to improve steel bridge inspection and public safety. It will also teach hundreds of students, researchers and inspectors that hot-dip galvanizing is the premier corrosion protection system for infrastructure projects throughout the United States and beyond.