In steel structures, column splices are used to connect two segments of a
column, typically when a column is too long to be fabricated or transported in a
single piece. The type of column splice used depends on structural requirements,
column load, and construction practices. Here are the main types of column
splices in steel structures:
🔧 1. Bearing-Type Splice
Purpose: Transfers axial loads directly through contact between column
ends.
Features:
o End plates or milled ends provide full bearing.
o Bolts are primarily used for alignment and lateral stability.
Common in: Columns with heavy axial loads and low bending.
🔩 Non-Bearing-Type Splice (Shear or Moment-Resisting)
Purpose: Transfers axial, bending, and shear forces using bolted or
welded connections.
Types:
o Bolted Splice Plates:
Plates connect the flanges and webs.
Transfers load through friction or bolt bearing.
o Welded Splice:
Welds connect the column sections directly.
Offers continuity for axial and bending forces.
🧱 Flange and Web Splice (Bolted or Welded)
Description: Flange splice plates and web splice plates are used to
connect the respective parts of the column.
Details:
o Flange plates handle axial and bending loads.
o Web plates handle shear and contribute to bending transfer.
Common in: Multi-story buildings where bending moments are
significant.
⚙️Staggered or Offset Splice
Purpose: Avoids alignment of all splice joints in multi-story frames.
Advantage: Reduces cumulative misalignment and improves overall
stability.
🔩 End Plate Splice
Construction: Plates are welded to the ends of column segments and
bolted together.
Used for: Light to moderate axial load columns or temporary structures.
📏 Design Considerations for Column Splices
Axial force capacity.
Bending moment and shear force transfer.
Erection ease and tolerances.
Fire resistance and aesthetics.
Location: Usually placed about 600–1000 mm above the floor level to
avoid direct floor-level loads and simplify erection.
A bearing-type column splice is a straightforward and commonly used
connection in steel structures, particularly for I-section columns. This splice relies
on direct bearing contact between the ends of the column segments, with
minimal reliance on bolts or welds for load transfer.steelconstruction.info
🔧 Key Features of a Bearing-Type Splice
Load Transfer: The axial load is transferred through direct bearing
contact between the column ends, either directly or via a division
plate.structurescentre.com+2steelconstruction.info+2northernarchitecture
.us+2
Alignment: Temporary bolts or lugs are used to align the column
segments during erection.
Bolts: While the primary load transfer is through bearing, bolts are used
to hold the members in position and resist any lateral forces.
Simplicity: This type of splice is simpler and quicker to fabricate and
erect compared to non-bearing splices.steelconstruction.info
Design Considerations
End Preparation: The ends of the column segments should be machined
or milled to ensure full bearing contact.
Bolt Placement: Bolts should be placed to resist any lateral forces and to
hold the column segments in position.
Division Plate: If used, the division plate should be welded to the column
to maintain alignment.structurescentre.com
Load Transfer: The splice must be designed to transfer at least 25% of
the maximum compressive force in the
column.steelconstruction.info+1structurescentre.com+1
📐 Typical Detailing Practices
Bolt Spacing: Bolt spacing and edge distances should comply with
relevant standards, such as BS EN 1993-1-
8.steelconstruction.info+4structurescentre.com+4structurescentre.com+4
Plate Dimensions: Plate dimensions should be chosen to ensure
adequate load transfer and alignment.
Temporary Lugs: Temporary lugs may be used to hold the column
segments in place during erection.
📊 Advantages
Cost-Effective: Requires fewer bolts and less complex
fabrication.steelconstruction.info+1northernarchitecture.us+1
Ease of Erection: Simplifies the erection process due to fewer
components.
Suitable for Low-Moment Regions: Ideal for locations where bending
moments are minimal.
⚠️Limitations
Lack of Moment Continuity: Does not provide continuity of bending
stiffness.structurescentre.com+4fgg-web.fgg.uni-
lj.si+4steelconstruction.info+4
Not Suitable for All Conditions: Not recommended for regions with
significant bending moments or where continuity is required.
