Bolted Bridge Splice Design Guide

This practical design guide presents a methodology for the design of bolted field splices in steel bridge flexural members in accordance with CSA S6:25, Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. Developed specifically for Canadian practice, it adapts established splice design procedures using the notation, terminology, and SI units of CSA S6:25.

The guide covers the design of flange and web splice connections at the ultimate, serviceability, and fatigue limit states, including bolt selection and arrangement, splice plate design, bearing and block shear checks, slip-critical connections, and detailing considerations. Three complete worked examples demonstrate the application of the methodology to a continuous plate girder bridge, a simple-span bridge, and a horizontally curved box girder subject to torsional shear.

The publication also includes a sample construction drawing detail and suggested field-bolting notes to assist designers in carrying a splice connection from design calculations through to construction documentation.