Crane Rail W-Beam Splice

[Skallagrim]

I'm getting ready to use up a bunch of beam shorts (both 12 x 30s and 16 x 26) to put up a crane system, it doesnt have to be all that pretty, but the top of the bottom flange must be ground smooth to allow the rollers to go over them without a bump, I've seen standards for Ship-lap splices, but what about the following (see pdf)

In advance of the point being raised that it would simply be easier & less time intensive to buy a full length beam as opposed to splicing several short ones, we are in effect attempting to use up old shorts (7-10' [girder span 22']) and we are using a bolted splice plate under the girder locations, where these splices are going to be are between spans & thus we must develop the full strength of the beam at the splices


First question, is there a standard as to the dimensions A and B
(B obviously you need to get above the k value)
(A I was thinking about half the height of the beam)

Second, is there an actual name for this joint like there is for ship-lap? personally I think it's a tongue and groove, but havent found it anywhere

Third, is this this a "legal" splice? I've seen it in older buildings without a backing bar, I was thinking Flanges with full pen welds & the web with a splice plate welded all the way around on both sides

Your thoughts & comments are much appreciated

 

[paddingtongreen]

No pdf!

Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

 

[Skallagrim]

*headdesk* Sorry, didn't fully understand the whole upload protocol on this site.

 

[hokie66]

If you provide complete penetration welds, you don't need the web plate. Just cut both sides straight, prepare the edges, butt weld in accordance with an approved technique.

 

[chicopee]

Splice plates and rails would be easier to install when you are up in the air.
Are rail joint bars available for crane rails?

 

[hokie66]

chicopee,
He's just trying to weld some short pieces together to make long pieces. Nothing to do with "up in the air" or rails.

 

[MikeHalloran]

To answer chicopee's question, Birmingham Rail, and I'm sure others, can supply crane rails pre-punched for splice plates, plus the splice plates and fasteners, and j-bolts for any beam or capped beam you care to specify.

... but in this case, the OP appears to be intending to use a hoist or crane traveling on the bottom flanges of the W beams, so no rails are needed.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[graybeach]

Not sure why you would make the web "tongue and groove" and weld splice plates all around on both sides of the web. With plates welded on like that, you could have some stringent stress range limitations depending on how many loading cycles the crane could see.