Column Splice in Steel Structures
A column splice is a connection provided in the length of a steel column to join two separate column segments together. Column splices are widely used in multi-storey buildings, industrial structures, towers, and bridge systems where the total column height exceeds the available rolling length of steel sections.
What is a Column Splice?
A column splice is a joint provided between two column sections to extend the overall height of a steel column. Since steel sections are manufactured only up to certain practical lengths, splices become necessary in tall structures.
Why Column Splices are Required?
- When required column height exceeds available steel section length.
- For transportation and erection convenience.
- To connect different column sizes in multi-storey buildings.
- To facilitate fabrication and site assembly.
- To transfer forces safely between column segments.
Situations Where Column Splices are Used
| Condition | Reason for Splice |
|---|---|
| Tall Steel Columns | Steel section length limitation |
| Multi-Storey Buildings | Different column sizes at different floors |
| Industrial Structures | Ease of fabrication and erection |
| Bridge Towers | Transportation limitations |
Specifications of Column Splice
- When compression member ends are machined for complete bearing, splice connections are mainly required to maintain alignment and resist tension due to bending.
- When column ends are not machined for full bearing, splice connections should be designed to transfer all forces acting on the column.
- Column splices are generally designed as short columns.
- Proper alignment of connected members is essential to avoid eccentric loading.
Types of Column Splices
| Type of Splice | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing Splice | Load transferred mainly through direct bearing between column ends |
| Non-Bearing Splice | Splice plates transfer the entire load |
| Bolted Splice | Uses bolts for connection |
| Welded Splice | Uses welding for force transfer |
1. Bearing Type Column Splice
In bearing type splices, the ends of the columns are machined to achieve full contact bearing. Most of the axial load is transferred through direct bearing between column ends.
Characteristics
- Requires accurate machining.
- Splice plates mainly resist bending and tension.
- Economical for heavily loaded columns.
- Less force transferred through bolts or welds.
2. Non-Bearing Type Column Splice
In non-bearing splices, the splice plates, bolts, or welds are designed to transfer the entire load from one column segment to another.
Characteristics
- No direct bearing between column ends.
- Entire load carried by splice connection.
- Requires stronger splice plates.
- Used where machining is not possible.
Typical Components of Column Splice
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Splice Plates | Transfer forces between column sections |
| Bolts / Welds | Provide connection strength |
| Column Ends | Transfer compression force |
| Stiffeners | Improve local strength and rigidity |
Typical Column Splice Diagram
Forces Acting on Column Splice
Column splice connections may be subjected to different types of forces depending on loading conditions.
| Force Type | Effect on Splice |
|---|---|
| Axial Compression | Main force transferred through splice |
| Bending Moment | Produces tension and compression in splice plates |
| Shear Force | Transferred through bolts or welds |
| Eccentric Loading | Causes additional bending effects |
Design Considerations for Column Splice
- Proper alignment of column sections.
- Adequate bolt or weld strength.
- Local buckling prevention.
- Load transfer efficiency.
- Ease of fabrication and erection.
- Compliance with IS 800:2007 provisions.
Advantages of Column Splices
- Allows construction of tall steel columns.
- Facilitates transportation and erection.
- Enables change in column size between floors.
- Improves fabrication flexibility.
- Economical construction method.
Disadvantages of Column Splices
| Disadvantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Additional Fabrication | Requires splice plates and fasteners |
| Alignment Issues | Poor alignment may create eccentric loading |
| Inspection Requirement | Connections require proper quality control |
| Additional Cost | Extra fabrication and erection cost |
Applications of Column Splices
- Multi-storey steel buildings
- Industrial structures
- Bridge towers
- Transmission towers
- Heavy steel frames
- High-rise structures
Conclusion
Column splices are essential connections in steel structures that enable construction of tall columns and efficient force transfer between column segments. Proper design of splice connections ensures stability, alignment, and structural safety. Understanding the specifications and design considerations of column splices is very important for safe and economical steel construction.
References
- IS 800:2007 – General Construction in Steel
- Steel Structures by N. Subramanian
- Limit State Design of Steel Structures by S.K. Duggal
- Design of Steel Structures by Ramchandra
- Structural Steel Design Manuals
Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Engineers should refer to the latest IS codes and professional engineering practices before performing actual structural design calculations.
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