SkyCiv Beam Splice Connection Calculator

The calculator works on splices between W-shaped beams joined by bolted flange and web plates. It evaluates strong-axis moment, tension, compression and strong-axis shear from the properties of the beams and plates you enter.

Each check comes back as a capacity and a utility ratio, to AISC 360-16, in either ASD or LRFD.

A beam splice is a joint between two horizontal members, usually W-shaped or I-beams, that extends their combined length. Bolted flange plates and web plates hold the segments in line and carry load across the joint.

Splicing lets a long beam be fabricated and shipped in lengths that can actually be handled, then made continuous on site. It is common in multi-span building frames and in bridge construction, where the connection has to take axial force, bending moment and shear.

A bolted beam splice is built from four parts:

• W-shaped beams: the horizontal members carrying floor or roof load.
• Flange plates: bolted to the top and bottom flanges to carry bending moment.
• Web plates: bolted to the web to carry vertical shear.
• Bolts: the fasteners clamping the plates to the two beam segments.

The plates and bolts move moment, axial force and shear out of one beam segment and into the other, so the two behave as a single member.

Splices turn up wherever a beam is longer than what can be rolled, shipped or lifted in one piece:

• Long-span roof and floor systems that need the beam extended.
• Highway and railway bridges running continuous over piers.
• Industrial structures with long-run framing.
• Crane girders and heavy mechanical support systems.

• Transport and handling: a long beam can be fabricated in shorter sections and joined on site.
• Continuity: moment and axial load pass across the joint, so the spliced beam acts as one member.
• Range of actions: the same detail can be designed for moment, tension, compression and shear.
• Code checks: capacities follow AISC 360-16, in ASD or LRFD.

Enter the geometry and the design actions at the splice, then calculate. The inputs are:

• W-shaped beam properties: section dimensions and material for the beams either side of the splice.
• Flange plate details: thickness, width and material.
• Web plate details: thickness, height and material.
• Bolt specifications: type, diameter and arrangement.
• Design loads: strong-axis moment, tension, compression and strong-axis shear.

Press calculate and the tool returns a capacity and a utility ratio for each check, along with a detailed report you can keep with the design file.

The checks follow AISC 360-16 and run in either ASD or LRFD. Results come back as a utility ratio per check, so an overloaded plate or bolt group is obvious at a glance, and the report shows the capacity behind each number.

It runs in the browser, so there is nothing to install before you can size a splice.

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