1. Tension Members Chap. (3)
These are found predominantly as members of plane or space trusses (2D & 3D), as members in transmission towers and as wind bracing (single or double) for single story or high rise steel structures. Among the common shapes used as tension members:
Round bar Flat bar Angle Double angle Starred angle
Double
channel
Channel
Latticed
channels
W-section
(wide-flange)
S-section
(American
Standard)
Built-up box
sections
Cross-section of typical tension members.
T-1

2. Nominal Strength
The strength of a tension member is controlled by the lowest
of the following limiting states: T T
Net
Area (An)
Gross
Area (Ag)
Yielding of the Gross Area (Ag):
Fn = Fy Ag
Failure (Ultimate strength) on the Net Area (An):
Fn = Fu Ae
Where Ae = effective net Area = UAn
U = Reduction Coefficient.
C) Block Shear Failure through the end bolt: T
T-2

3. Net Area
A hole is drilled (or punched) by 1/16 inch greater then the normal diameter of the fastener (rivet or bolt). Hole punching causes some damage to the edges of the hole to the amount of 1/32 inch from each side.
Thus the normal hole diameter
T-3

4. Evaluation of Net Area Example (T1):
What is the net area An for the tension member
as shown in the figure?
(inches)
Standard Hole for a -in. diam bolt. T T
Solution:
Ag = 4(0.25) = 1.0 sq in.
Width to be deducted for hole
An = [Wg – (width for hole)] (thickness of plate)
T-4

5. Effect of staggered holes on Net Area :
For a group of staggered holes along the tension direction, one
must determine the line that produces smallest “Net Area”.
EFFECT OF STAGGERED HOLES ON NET AREA :- T s g A C p B T B A
Paths of failure
on net section
(a) (b)
In the above diagram:
p = Pitch or spacing along bolt line
s = Stagger Between two adjacent bolt lines
(usually s = P/2)
g = gage distance transverse to the loading.
In case (a) above : An = (Gross width – Σ hole dia.) . t
In case (b) above : An = (Gross width – Σ hole dia.+ Σ s2/4g) . t
T-5

6. Effect of staggered holes on Net Area :
Example (T2):
Determine the minimum net area of the plate shown in fig , assuming
in,-diam holes are located as shown:
Figure Example 3.4.1
T-6

7. Solution. According to LRFD and ASD-B2, the width used in deducing for
holes in the hole diameter plus 1/16 in., and the staggered length correction
Is (s2/4g).
1) Path AD (two holes) :
2) Path ABD (three holes; two staggers) :
3) Path ABC (three holes; two staggers) :
(controls)
T-7

8. Net Area for Angles : Angles:
When holes are staggered on two legs of an angle, the gage length (g) for use In the (s2/4g) expression is obtained by using length between the centers of the holes measured along the centerline of the angle thickness, i.e., the distance A-B in Fig: Thus the gage distance g is
Gage dimension for an angle
T-8

9. USUAL GUGES* FOR ANGLES, INCHES (FROM AISC MANUAL)
Every rolled angle has a standard value for the location of holes (i.e. gage distance ga and gb), depending on the length of the leg and the number of lines of holes. Table shows usual gages for angles as listed in the AISC Manual*.
T-9

10. Example on Net Area: Example (T3):
Determine the net area (An ) for the angle given in figure below
if holes are used?
*legs and thickness in mm.
9½”
Angle with legs shown *flattened* into one plane
T-10

11. Solutions. For net area calculation the angle may be visualized as being
flattened into a plate as shown in Figure above.
where D is the width to be deducted for the hole.
9.5"
1) Path AC:
An =
2) Path ABC:
An =
Since the smallest An is 3.75 sq in., that value governs.
T-11

12. EFFECTIVE NET AREA:
When some of the cross section (and not all the section) is
connected, we need to use effective net area concept :-
Ae = U An
where, U = Reduction Factor.
When all elements of the section are connected, U = 1.0.
T-12

13. For Welded Connections:-
When not all elements are connected.
Gusset
plate
i) Transverse Weld Connection:-
Ae = UA
U = 1.0
A = Area of connected part only 6” T
Angle
6x4x1/2
e.g. A = 6 x 1/2 = 3 in2
Weld
ii) Longitudinal Weld Connection :-
Gusset
plate
Ae = Ag U
U = for L  2 w
U = for 2w  L  1.5 w
U = for w  L  w T w
Angle
6x4x1/2 L
T-13

14. For Bolted Connections:-
In bolted connections, the reduction factor (U) is a function
of the eccentricity ( ) in the connection. x
Thus:-
Where: x
= distance between centroids of elements to
the plane of load transfer
L = Length of the connection in the direction of load.
(See Commentary C – B 3.1 & C – B 3.2)
T-14

15. Examples for x & L of connections:
Determination of for U.
LFRD Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, December 27, 1999
American Institute of Steel Construction
T-15

16. Alternate Values for (U) :-
(Commentary P16.1 – 177 AISC)
For bolted or riveted connections the following values
for (U) may be used:-
W, M or S Shapes with flange width ≥ 2/3 depth, and structural tees cut
from these shapes, provided connection to the flanges and has ≥ 3
fasteners per line in the direction of force, U = 0.90.
b) W,M or S Shapes where flanges width < 2/3 depth, and all other shapes,
that has no fewer than 3 fasteners per line, U = 0.85
c) All members having only two fasteners in the line of stress U = 0.75
For short tension members such as Gusset plates the effective net
area equals (An), but must not exceed 0.85 of the gross area (Ag).
T-16

17. Example on Effective Net Areas:
Example (T-4)
Calculate the Ae values of the following section:-
(i)
→ flange width (6.54”) > 2/3 x depth (8.0”)
→ Three bolts / line
U = 0.90
7/8 bolts W 8 x 28
Ag = 8.24 m2
An = gross area – hole area
= 8.24 – (2 x 1.0 hole) x web tk 0.285
= 7.68 in2
Ae = U·An = x = in2
(ii)
hole dia = 7/8
C 9 x 15
only 2 bolts / line, U = 0.75
Ag = 4.41 m2
An = 4.41 – (2 x 15/16) = in2
Ae = 0.75 x = in2
web tk
T-17

18. Alternative value of U = 0.85 (3 bolts / line)
(iii)
L 3 x 3 x 3/8 x
= 0.888
L = 6 in (3+3) x
3 3
¾ dia bolt x
U = /L = /6 = < 0.9
Ag = 2.11 in2
An = 2.11 – 1 x (3/4 + 1/8) x 3/8 = = in2
Ae = U·An = x = in2
Alternative value of U = 0.85 (3 bolts / line)
w 10 x 33
(iv)
7/8 dia. bolt
All sides connected
U = 1·0
Ag = 9.71 in2
An = 9.71 – 4 x 1.0 x – 2 x 1.0 x 0.290
= 9.71 – = in2
Ae = U·An = 7.39 in2
Holes
in flage
flage tk
hole
in web
web tk.
T-18

19. Block shear Fracture through Bolt Holes:
This third mode of failure is limited to thin plates. This failure is a combination of tearing (shear rupture) and of tensile yielding. It is uncommon, but the code provides on extra limit state of (LRFD J 4.3). It is usually checked after design is completed.
Gusset
Plate a c
Even as tension members are unlikely to be affected by their stiffness (L/r), it is recommended to limit the maximum slenderness ratio (L/r) for all tension members (except rods) to ≤ 300.
Max. slenderness = L/rmin ≤ 300
This is to prevent extra sagging and vibration due to wind.
Shaded area
may tear out b T
Failure by
tearing out
T-19

20. Design of Tension Members:
The general philosophy of LRFD method:
For tension members:
where
t = resistance reduction factor for tensile members
Tn = Nominal strength of the tensile members
Tu = Factored load on the tensile members.
The design strength tTn is the smaller of:
a) Yielding in the gross section;
t Tn = t Fy Ag = 0.9 Fy Ag
b) Fracture of the net section;
t Tn = t Fu Ae = 0.75 Fu Ae
This is to be followed by check of rupture strength (block shear failure),
and limitation of slenderness ratio ≤ 300.
T-20

21. Example of strength calculation (capacity)
Example (T-5):-
Find the maximum tensile capacity of a member consisting of 2Ls (6 x 4 x ½) can carry for two cases:
welded connection,
bolted connection
1" dia bolts
Fy = 60 ksi
Fu = 75 ksi. ½” 5½
2½” 2”
1¾”
T-21

22. Solution:- (a) welded Connection (b) Bolted Connection
Net area = gross area (all sides connected)
= 9.50 in2
Yielding  Ft = 0.9 Fy Ag = 0.9 x 60 x 9.50 = 513 k
Fracture  Ft = Fu Ae = 0.75 x 75 x 9.5 = 534 k
Thus tension capacity, t Tn = 513 k (yielding controls)
(b) Bolted Connection
Consider one L
‘An’ Calculation: Wg = gross width = – ½ = 9.5 in.
(cont.)
T-22

23. Straight section : wn = 9.5 – 2 x = 7.25 in.
(2.5+2–0.5)
Zig-Zag =
2½” 4”
1.75”
= 6.62 in. (Controls)
9½”
An = 6.62 x ½ = 3.31 in2 for one L
For 2Ls, An = 3.31 x 2 = 6.62 in2
All sides connected, U = 1.0, Ae = U.An = 6.62 in2
Calculation of t Tn :-
(i) Yielding: Fy Ag = 0.9 x 60 x 9.50 = 513 k
(ii) Fracture:0.75 Fu Ae = 0.75 x 75 x 6.62 = 372 k.
(thickness)
(fracture controls)
T-23

24. Design Procedure For Tension Members:-
Design is an interactive procedure (trial & error), as we do not have the final connection detail, so the selection is made, connection is detailed, and the member is checked again.
Proposed Design Procedure:-
Find required (Ag) from factored load
Find required (Ae) from factored load
Convert (Ae) to (Ag) by assuming connection detail.
From (ii) & (iii) chose largest (Ag) value
Find required (rmin) to satisfy slenderness
Select a section to satisfy (iv) and (v) above.
Detail the connection for the selected member.
Re-check the member again.
T-24

25. Example on Design of Tension Members:
Example (T-6):-
A tension member with a length of 5 feet 9 inches must resist a service dead load of 18 kips and a service live load of 52 kips. Select a member with a rectangular cross section. Use A36 steel and assume a connection with one line of 7/8-inch-diameter bolts.
Member length = 5.75 ft.
T-25

26. Solution:- Pu = 1.2 D + 1.6L = 1.2(18) + 1.6(52) = 104.8 kips
Because Ae = An for this member, the gross area corresponding to
the required net area is
Try t = 1 in.
Ag = (1) = in.2
T-26

27. Solution:- (Cont.) Answer:
Because > 3.235, the required gross area is in.2, and
Round to the nearest 1/8 inch and try a 1  3 ½ cross section.
Check the slenderness ratio:
Use a 3 ½  1 bar.
T-27
Answer:

28. Design Example:- Example (T-7):-
Select a single angle tension member to carry (40 kips DL) and (20 kips LL), member is (15)ft long and will be connected to any one leg by single line of 7/8” diameter bolts. Use A-36 steel.
Solution:
Step 1) Find Required (Tu):-
Tu = 1.2 DL LL Tu = 1.4 DL
= 1.2 x x or = 1.4 x 40
= = 80k = 56k
 Tu = 80k (Controls)
T-28

29. Step 2) Find required Ag & Ae:
Step 3) Convert (Ae) to (Ag):
Since connection to single leg, then use alternative
(U) value = 0.85 (more then 3 bolt in a line).
For single line 7/8” bolts ; Ag = An + (1)t = t = (Ag)2
T-29

30. Step 4) Find required rmin.
Step 5) Select angle:
By selecting (t) we get Ag & rmin
t (Ag)1 (Ag)2 1/ 3/ 1/
select t = 3/8”
(Ag)2 = in2
(Controls)
T-30

31. Step 6) Design the bolted connection: (chap. 4).
Selection
Ag = in2 > in OK
rmin = in > OK
Step 6) Design the bolted connection:
(chap. 4).
Step 7) Re-check the section.
T-31

32. Design Example:- Example (T-8):-
Select a pair of MC as shown to carry a factored ultimate load of 490 kips in tension. Assume connection as shown. Steel Fy = 50 ksi, Fu = 65 ksi (A572, grade 50) length = 30 ft.
10”
2MC
7/8” bolt
Tu = 490 k; per channel, Tu = 245 k
Required, (Ag)1 = 245 / 0.9 x 50 = 5.44 in2
Required, (Ae) = 245 / 0.75 x 65 = 5.03 in2
Required, (An) = = 5.03 in2
U = 1.0 (Well connected)
3. Assume that flange thickness ~ 0.5 in and web tk. ~ 0.3 in. (experience !)
An = (Ag)2 – 2 x 1.0 x 0.5 – 2 x 1.0 x 0.3
= (Ag)2 – 1.60
 (Ag)2 = An = = 6.63 in.
T-32
(controls)

33. y x Required. rmin = (as a buildup section)
Try MC 10 x 25 ; Ag = 7.35 in2 ; tw = 0.38 and tf = 0.575, rx = 3.87 in.
Check capacity
An = 7.35 – 2 x 1.0 x – 2 x 1.0 x 0.38
= 7.35 – = 5.44 in2.
Ae = 5.44 in2.
(i) Yielding Tn = 0.9 x 50 x (2 x 7.35) = k
(ii) Fracture Tn = 0.75 x 65 x (2 x 5.44) = k
Pn = k > 490 k OK
Use 2 MC 10 x 25
 rmin ≥ 1.2 x y
T-33

34. Tie Plates: For built-up members, tie plates are required to make the
members to behave as a single unit.
Between tie plates, each member behaves as a single.
Therefore, l/r between tie-plates corresponds to that for
a single member.
For single , rmin = ry ; ry = 1.0 in
(N.G.)
T-34

35. Therefore one tie-plate at middle must be used.
15'
Note:
Tie-Plates must be used at ends. See
Manual for min. sizes.
Length of tie-plate ≥ 2/3 (dist. between line of connection) = 8"
Thickness of tie-plate ≥ 1/50 (dist. between line of connection) = 1/2"
See LFRD D2. (P )
T-35