Question

Which of the following is the reason for beams, plate girders and columns being spliced?

(a) full length is available from the mill

(b) for easy transportation

(c) for aesthetic appearance

(d) for frictional resistance

This question was addressed to me in unit test.

The above asked question is from Beam and Column Splices in chapter Bolted Connections of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) for easy transportation

The best I can explain: Rolled beams, plate girders and columns are spliced due to following reasons : (i)full length of the member may not be available from the mill, (ii)size of section which can be transported depends on size of truck, so for easy transportation, (iii)splice points may be used to camber the beam, (iv)when a change in section is required to fit variation in strength required along span of beam.