This course from Chapter 14 of the FHWA Steel Bridge Design Handbook discusses the design of bolted field splices for girders in cases where the entire length of the girder cannot be fabricated, handled, shipped, or erected in one piece. The splices must be able to transmit shear and moment in the girder at the point of the splice. The factors that influence field splice design and layout, such as span layout, curvature, and girder properties, are presented. The volume also covers general design provisions, including flexural resistance provided by a bolted field splice at the Strength and Service limit states, as well as detailing considerations.

Topics:

• Introduction to Bolted Field Splices 
• Design Factors for Bolted Field Splices 
• Service Limit State Design of Bolted Field Splices 
• Strength Limit State Design of Bolted Field Splices 
• Bolted Field Splice Detailing Considerations 
• Development and Use of High-Strength Bolts 
• Determination of Slip Coefficient for High-Strength Bolts 
• Installation and Inspection of High-Strength Bolts 
• Fracture Control Plan for Bolted Field Splices 
• Evaluation and Repair of Bolted Field Splices.

Publication Source: FHWA 

Disclaimer: This course on Steel Bridge Design is based on FHWA non-restricted publications in the public domain, dating from 2015 to 2016. All subsequent versions of these courses have become proprietary under a "Rights Reserved" restriction by the AISC and are thus not available as public domain courseware. Design principles and methodologies used in this previous version remain relevant and up to date, as of late 2023. To view the latest versions, please visit the AISC download site at: https://www.aisc.org/nsba/design-and-estimation-resources/steel-bridge-design-handbook