HSS Insider – December 2025 – Rectangular HSS Bolted End-Plate Connections

December 2025 | Issue #40

This issue of HSS Insider continues our HSS splice design series with a focus on rectangular HSS bolted end-plate connections under bending. You’ll also find a detailed splice plate example with access hole detailing, a short video overview of common end-plate splice types, and related resources.

HSS Splice Design | Part 3: Rectangular HSS Bolted End-Plate Connections Under Bending Moment

This article presents practical design approaches for bolted end-plate connections in rectangular HSS members subjected to bending and combined axial-bending. It covers two-sided and four-sided configurations, key behavioral considerations, and a step-by-step example that illustrates how these connections can be designed efficiently and applied in practice.

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Bolted Splice Plate With Access Hole | Example

For splice plate connections of rectangular HSS members using standard bolts, access holes are often required to allow access inside the HSS so that the bolts can be properly torqued. This example outlines the practical design of a splice connection with an access hole and highlights design considerations to keep in mind.

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Video | End Plate Splice Types: Key Insights to Simplify Your HSS Designs

Several types of HSS end splices are available, each offering unique advantages. In this clip, we provide an overview of bolted end plate splices, discussing how they perform under compression or tension, the differences between bolting on two sides versus all around, considerations for prying action, and where to find code references and design examples.

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Related Resources

Round HSS Bolted End-Plate Connections Under Bending Moment

Did you know that when used in beams, Vierendeel frames and cantilever poles, bolted end‐plate connections to round HSS are subjected predominantly to bending? There is a well-developed connection design method for pure axial tension load cases in end plates. But under pure bending, a different connection design approach is necessary. Find out more when you check out the results of Dr. Jeffery Packer’s latest bolted-end plate connection tests for four-point bending, including a design example.

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HSS Reference Guide No. 3: HSS Column/Chord Splice Connections

Access our HSS Column and Chord Splices Reference Guide, featuring essential resources for HSS splice design. This comprehensive PDF includes design guides, technical articles, webinars, software/design tools and research papers – all with direct links for easy navigation.

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HSS Splice Design | Part 1: Rectangular Column Field Welded Moment Splices

Explore two practical examples of welded splice connection designs for HSS columns and chords – showcasing how PJP splices can deliver a more cost-effective alternative to CJP splices. Additionally, the article highlights an example of welded splice plates for HSS columns/chords under moment. Read more to gain knowledge of practical splice designs that can streamline fabrication and optimize project costs.

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HSS Splice Design | Part 2: Simplifying HSS Field Splices With One-Sided Bolting

One-sided bolting offers an efficient alternative to field welding, helping streamline erection and reduce labor in HSS splices. This article explores practical splice configurations, installation considerations, and key design factors unique to bolted HSS connections. 

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