The correct answer is: D. Axial and bending forces
The web splice of a plate girder is a connection between the webs of two plate girders. The forces acting on the web splice are axial forces and bending forces. The axial forces are due to the weight of the girder and the loads applied to it. The bending forces are due to the weight of the girder and the loads applied to it, as well as the bending moment caused by the loads.
Axial forces are forces that act along the length of an object. They can be either tensile or compressive forces. Tensile forces are forces that tend to stretch an object, while compressive forces are forces that tend to compress an object.
Bending forces are forces that act perpendicular to the length of an object. They can cause an object to bend or deform.
The web splice of a plate girder is a critical part of the girder. It must be able to withstand the axial and bending forces acting on it in order to ensure the safety of the girder.