"Whipped" out my copy of "The Shipbuilding Cyclopedia" and found this definition:
Frame, Web. A built up member consisting of a web plate to the edges of which single or double bars are riveted. They are placed several frame spaces apart with smaller frames in between. They extend from the tank top to the deck and between decks where extra strength is required. Where a web frame system is installed the intermediate frames may be smaller than for the ordinary framed ship. The web frame on account of its great depth is very stiff and it backs up the intermediate frames through intercostal girders running fore and aft between the frames.
After doing a little bit of research and studying the plans in some of the "Anatomy of the Ship" books, it seems that a web is just a hull frame whose "web" (the distance between the inner and outer flanges) is larger than a typical frame. My non-expert eye is assuming they're typically used in areas which either receive a beating in heavy seas, or need some extra reinforcement due to heavy items above.
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