Innovations for Bolted RHS Column Splices

Two novel concepts, recently developed in North America, are presented for bolted splices between Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) column members. Single‐sided bolting through the RHS wall is performed, but using regular high‐strength bolts rather than “blind bolts”. The first concept employs nut‐holding devices, called “Shurikens”, that are pre‐installed on four splice plates fitted to the inside of the two RHS columns. The second innovation is a custom‐designed, hollow, cast steel insert – made of nut‐quality steel – that extends into both the upper and lower columns and has threaded holes to receive the inserted bolts, in lieu of nuts. This “internal plug” is a pre‐engineered solution, tailored to a particular RHS size, and requires no connection design. For both concepts, a bolted shear connection with little protruding steelwork is the result.