CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS

STEEL DESIGN

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Tension members are structural elements that are subjected to axial tensile forces. They are used in various types
of structures and include truss members, bracing for buildings and bridges, cables in suspended roof systems, and
cables in suspension and cable-stayed bridges.

The strength of the tension member is based on its cross-sectional area

The stress in an axially loaded tension member is given by

This reduced area is referred to as the net area, or net section, and the unreduced area is the gross area.

MODES OF FAILURE FOR TENSION

MEMBERS
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

NSCP 2015 – DESIGN CODE

3.2 TENSILE STRENGTH

A tension member can fail by reaching one of two limit states: excessive deformation(Fy) or fracture (Fu).
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

3.3 EFFECTIVE NET AREA

Of the several factors influencing the performance of a tension member, the manner in which it is connected is
the most important. A connection almost always weakens the member, and the measure of its influence is called
the joint efficiency. This factor is a function of the ductility of the material, fastener spacing, stress concentrations
at holes, fabrication procedure, and a phenomenon known as shear lag.
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

CATEGORY OF SHEAR LAG FACTOR U

Case 1: For any type of tension member except plates and round HSS with l ≥ 1.3D

where x = distance from centroid of connected area to the plane of the connection

l = length of the connection

 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

CASE 2: In general, U = 1.0 for plates, since the cross section has only one element and it is connected. There is
one exception for welded plates, however. If the member is connected with longitudinal welds on each side with
no transverse weld, the following values apply:

Case 3: Round HSS with l ≥ 1.3D

Case 4: Alternatives to Equation 3.1 for Single and Double Angles:

The following values may be used in lieu of Equation 3.1.

1. For four or more fasteners in the direction of loading, U = 0.80.

2. For three fasteners in the direction of loading, U = 0.60.
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

Case 5: Alternatives to Equation 3.1 for W, M, S, HP, or Tees Cut from These Shapes:

If the following conditions are satisfied, the corresponding values may be used in lieu of Equation 3.1

1. Connected through the flange with three or more fasteners in the direction of loading, with a width at
least 2 ⁄3 of the depth: U = 0.90.
2. Connected through the flange with three or more fasteners in the direction of loading, with a width less
than 2 ⁄3 of the depth: U = 0.85.
3. Connected through the web with four or more fasteners in the direction of loading: U = 0.70.

3.3 EFFECTIVE DIAMETER HOLE

This is the assumed hole (bolts and or rivets) diameter that will be drilled in the steel.
Say, a 16 mm diameter bolt is to be used for built up section determine EDH.
∅𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 = 16𝑚𝑚
∅ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 = 16𝑚𝑚 + 2𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑟 1/16"
1
∅𝑒𝑓𝑓. = 16𝑚𝑚 + (2𝑚𝑚 + 2𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑟 )"
8
∅𝑒𝑓𝑓. = ∅ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 + 2mm or (1/8)
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

EXAMPLE:

A double-angle shape is shown in the figure. The steel is A36, and the holes are for 12mm diameter bolts. Assume
that Ae = 0.75An.

a. Determine the design tensile strength for LRFD.

b. Determine the allowable strength for ASD.

2L 127 x 76 x 7.9 LLBB

PROPERTIES:

d = 76.2 mm
b= 127 mm
t = 7.94 mm
A36 steel (Fy = 248 Mpa & Fu = 400 Mpa)

Try This!
1. A single-angle tension member, L153 x 153 x 13 is connected to a gusset plate with 16mm diameter bolts
as shown in the figure. A 36 steel is used. Determine the design and allowable strength of the angle.
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

3.4 STAGGERED FASTENERS

If a tension member connection is made with bolts, the net area will be maximized if the fasteners are
placed in a single line. Sometimes space limitations, such as a limit on dimension a in Figure 3.14a,
necessitate using more than one line. If so, the reduction in cross-sectional area is minimized if the
fasteners are arranged in a staggered pattern, as shown. Sometimes staggered fasteners are required by
the geometry of a connection, such as the one shown in Figure 3.14b. In either case, any cross section
passing through holes will pass through fewer holes than if the fasteners are not staggered.

In short;

Note: All possible failure path must be solved

Solve all path and consider least area value

 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

EXAMPLE: An angle with staggered fasteners in each leg is shown in the figure. A36 steel is used, and holes are for
22mm diameter bolts. Determine the design and allowable strength of the member.

Try this: Determine the design and allowable strength for the A36 channel as shown in the figure. The are for
16mm diameter bolts. Use
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

3.5 BLOCK SHEAR STRENGTH

For certain connection configurations, a segment or “block” of material at the end of the member can
tear out. For example, the connection of the single-angle tension member shown in Figure 3.21 is
susceptible to this phenomenon, called block shear.
CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

EXAMPLE: Compute the block shear design and allowable strength of the tension members shown in the figure.
The bolts are 16mm diameter bolts and A36 steel is used.

Try this: Compute the block shear design and allowable strength of the tension member shown below. The bolts
are 20 mm diameter bolts and A36 steel is used.
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

DESIGN OF TENSION MEMBERS

The design of a tension member involves finding a member with adequate gross and net areas. If the member has a
bolted connection, the selection of a suitable cross section requires an accounting for the area lost because of
holes. For a member with a rectangular cross section, the calculations are relatively straightforward. If a rolled
shape is to be used, however, the area to be deducted cannot be predicted in advance because the member’s
thickness at the location of the holes is not known.

A secondary consideration in the design of tension members is slenderness. If a structural member has a small
cross section in relation to its length, it is said to be slender. A more precise measure is the slenderness ratio, L/r,
where L is the member length and r is the minimum radius of gyration of the cross-sectional area. The minimum
radius of gyration is the one corresponding to the minor principal axis of the cross section. This value is tabulated
for all rolled shapes in the properties tables.
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

EXAMPLE: A tension member with a length of 1.0 m must resist a service load of 90 KN and a service live load of
195 KN. Design a member with a rectangular cross section. Use A36 steel and bolt diameter of bolts 16mm. Use
LRFD and ASD.