Bolted HSS Splice Plate Connection Example

bolted hss splice plate connection example Bolted HSS Splice Plate Connection Example
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BOLTED SPLICE PLATE CONNECTION WITH ACCESS HOLE

This example will step through the design of a square HSS column or truss chord bolted splice plate connection with access holes in the HSS members.  The access hole in the HSS allows for access to the interior of the HSS for field installation of standard bolts. 

The access hole should be placed at a noncritical location. If there are two splice plates, the access hole should be placed in a wall without bolt holes. Access holes can be placed in only one HSS member if the opposite member shall utilize shop bolts.  Alternately, access holes can be placed in both members of a splice for full field installation.

Access holes shall have rounded corners to mitigate initiation of cracks. Although a round shape is used in this example, they are typically an oval shape.

It is not required to seal the access hole in the permanent condition, however, it can be sealed or reinforced if the HSS is exposed to the exterior or to develop the full strength of the member.

Slide illustrating an HSS bolted splice plate connection. Includes a bolt layout diagram showing the splice plate and access hole.
Slide illustrating an HSS bolted splice plate connection. Includes a bolt layout diagram showing the splice plate and access hole.
Slide showing key design parameters for an HSS 10×10×½ bolted splice plate connection. Bulleted list summarizes design checks and material properties. A line diagram illustrates the bolted splice with an access hole. Tables list HSS, plate, and bolt material grades.
Slide showing key design parameters for an HSS 10×10×½ bolted splice plate connection. Bulleted list summarizes design checks and material properties. A line diagram illustrates the bolted splice with an access hole. Tables list HSS, plate, and bolt material grades.
Slide outlining calculation steps for determining required bolts, splice plate size, and access hole size, with example computations.
Slide outlining calculation steps for determining required bolts, splice plate size, and access hole size, with example computations.
Slide showing splice plate sizing calculations, including plate tension and compression checks, alongside a diagram with bolt layout and plate dimensions.
Slide showing splice plate sizing calculations, including plate tension and compression checks, alongside a diagram with bolt layout and plate dimensions.
Slide showing bolt bearing and tearout calculations, with a bolt layout diagram and dimensioned splice detail.
Slide showing bolt bearing and tearout calculations, with a bolt layout diagram and dimensioned splice detail.
Slide presenting block shear calculations for the splice plate, shown alongside a diagram of the bolted splice with dimensions.
Slide presenting block shear calculations for the splice plate, shown alongside a diagram of the bolted splice with dimensions.
Slide showing HSS capacity check at the splice connection, including tension calculations and a diagram of the bolted splice with dimensions.
Slide showing HSS capacity check at the splice connection, including tension calculations and a diagram of the bolted splice with dimensions.
Slide showing HSS bolt bearing and tearout checks at the splice connection, with a dimensioned bolt layout diagram.
Slide showing HSS bolt bearing and tearout checks at the splice connection, with a dimensioned bolt layout diagram.
Slide showing HSS block shear calculations at the splice connection, alongside a dimensioned bolt and splice plate diagram.
Slide showing HSS block shear calculations at the splice connection, alongside a dimensioned bolt and splice plate diagram.
Slide showing access hole design calculations for a 6-inch diameter hole and cover plate, with a diagram illustrating hole dimensions and placement.
Slide showing access hole design calculations for a 6-inch diameter hole and cover plate, with a diagram illustrating hole dimensions and placement.
Slide showing weld size calculations for the access cover plate, with a diagram illustrating the access hole and weld layout.
Slide showing weld size calculations for the access cover plate, with a diagram illustrating the access hole and weld layout.

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