An Investigation of Plate Girder Web Splices

In the design of plate girders several types of web splices are in current use. Probably the most common is the type with one plate on either side of the web extending the full depth between the toes of the flange angles. This splice was investigated by the writers both for the condition of uniform rivet spacing and for that of nonuniform rivet spacing. The six-plate splice, with three plates on each side of the web between the toes of the flange angles, two for moment and one for shear, was also investigated. The other type considered was that in which the web is spliced for its full depth between the toes of the flange angles for shear and strap plates over the flange angles to splice for moment. In many cases fill plates are required under the strap plates. In most cases the cost of the splice increases with the number of pieces to be handled.