Example column bearing splice

Check the column splice shown in figure for the

given loading. All grade 43 steel. The columns
are prepared for full contact in bearing.
Loads as below:
Axial compressive load, Fc = 400kN (Fd) + 500kN (Fi)
Bending moment, M = 60kNm
Shear force, Fv = 45 kN

Assumption
The column splice is just above floor level (about 500mm above)
hence moment due to strut is considered insignificant
Code requirements
Splice should hold the connected members in place.
Centroidal axis of the splice should coincide with the centroidal
axis of the members.
Splice should provide continuity of stiffness about both axes and
resist any tension where bending is present.

Thickness of division plate, tdp

The splice is arranged for the transfer of compression by direct
bearing. Assuming a load dispersion of 450 from one column to
the other
2 1

+ 1 2
2
362 307.8

+ 15.4 20.7 = 21.8 mm
2
Where
D1 and T1 are the depth and flange thickness of the top column
Adopt tdp = 30mm

Check for tension in splice

Check for the presence of tension in the splice due to axial load
and bending moment.

<
2

400 307.8
=
= 61.6
2
2
= 140
Since >

, tension force is developed in the splice

The following checks are necessary upon development

of tension force in the splice :
1. Tensile capacity of flange cover plate
2. Shear capacity of bolt group connecting flange
cover plate to column flange.
3. Bearing capacity of flange cover plate connected to
column flange
4. Bearing capacity of flange cover plate connected to
column flange

1. Tensile capacity of flange cover plate

Ft P t
Ft = tensile force in the flange cover plate
Pt = tension capacity of the cover plate

=
+

2
=

140 103
307.8

400
2

= 255kN

Pt = pyAfp
Aft = effective area of flange cover plate
= KeApnet Apgross

Ke = 1.2 for Gr 43
Apgross = 305 x 10 = 3050 mm2
Apnet = Apgross - 2Dhtcp
= 3050 2 x26x 10
= 2530 mm2
ke Apnet = 1.2 x 2530 = 3036 mm2
Since ke Apnet < Apgross
Pt = 275 x 3026 = 835 kN
Ft (255 kN) < Pt (835 kN)
Tensile capacity of flange cover plate is ok

2. Shear capacity of bolt group connecting flange cover plate to

column flange
Due to presence of tension in the flange cover plate, HSFG bolts will be used
to eliminate bolt slip under serviceability loading

Use M24 general grade HSFG bolts in flange cover plates

Ft PSL
PSL = shear capacity of single bolts
= 1.1KsPo
Ks = 1.0 and = 0.45
Po = 207 kN
PsL = 1.1 x 1.0 x 0.45 x 207 = 102 kN
PSL = 6 x 102 = 612 kN
Since Ft < PSL
Shear capacity of bolt group is ok

3. Bearing capacity of flange cover plate connected to column

flange
Ft Pbg
Pbg = bearing capacity of the flange cover plate per bolt
Assume e = 45mm
1
=
3
= 24 x 10 x 825 (1/3)*(45 x 10 x 825)
= 198 kN > 124kN
Pbg = 124 kN
Pbg = 6 x 124 kN = 744 kN
Since Ft (255kN) < Pbg (744 kN)
Bearing capacity of the flange cover plate is OK