splicing a single span steel beam
splicing a single span steel beam
(OP)
Please, consider the following conditions.
As part of a mezzanine construction in an existing building I need a searies of W14X159 47.0'long beams on the 3rd floor.
A one splice per beam at 1/4 of its length would be acceptable by the contractor.
given the size of this section, what whould you prefer more a welded splice detail or the all bolted one.keep in mind that the top flange cannot be bolted and the splicing plate cannot be on top of the top flange so there will be no interference with the composite steel deck.
Thank you.
As part of a mezzanine construction in an existing building I need a searies of W14X159 47.0'long beams on the 3rd floor.
A one splice per beam at 1/4 of its length would be acceptable by the contractor.
given the size of this section, what whould you prefer more a welded splice detail or the all bolted one.keep in mind that the top flange cannot be bolted and the splicing plate cannot be on top of the top flange so there will be no interference with the composite steel deck.
Thank you.






RE: splicing a single span steel beam
I would use a welded splice because if the top flange can not be bolted, it will have to be welded any way.
The moment at the splice is relatively large (75% of the maximum moment). I would specify a non-destructive inspection (dye-penetration or magnetic particle) on those welds.
I assume the contractor wants the splice to be able to move the beam into position inside the existing building.
I would try to locate the splice as close to one support as possible. If, per example, the splice is located at 1/8 point of the span, the moment at the splice could be reduced to 44% of the maximum.
Hope this will help
AEF
RE: splicing a single span steel beam
Rod
RE: splicing a single span steel beam
I understand from Evelrod that if I used a full penetration weld all around then I will not need splicing plates any more. I think I can make the connection with splicing plates and 1/4" fillet welds all around.
but I just wonder which one would be more economical, since this connection is going to be used, and typical, on a large number of repetitive beams.
RE: splicing a single span steel beam
Rod
RE: splicing a single span steel beam
RE: splicing a single span steel beam
A bolted splice connection is much easier and less costly to erect in the field than a full pen splice. Also, a bolted connection doesnt need to be UT'd.