What is the process of removing a portion of the flanges at the end of a beam to allow connection to the web of a column called?

The process of removing a portion of the flanges at the end of a beam to allow connection to the web of a column is called coping. Coping involves cutting the flanges of the beam in a way that allows for a proper connection to the column's web, ensuring that the structural integrity is maintained while accommodating necessary connections. This technique is crucial in structural steelwork as it allows beams to fit closely against other structural elements, facilitating stronger loads and connections.

Welding refers to the process of joining metal parts together through melting and fusing them, but it does not specifically address the actions taken at the beam's flanges. Trimming generally involves cutting back or reducing material to achieve a desired size or fit, but it is less specific than coping when referring to the structural connections. Splicing involves connecting two separate members together, typically for the purpose of extending their length, which doesn't specifically apply to the removal of flanges for connection purposes. Therefore, coping is the precise term that correctly describes this specific operation.