Tension members can fail due to three modes:
1. Gross section yielding, where the entire cross-section yields
2. Net section yielding, where the reduced cross-section after subtracting holes yields
3. Block shear failure, which also occurs in welded connections along planes of shear and tension
The design strength is the minimum of the strengths from these three failure modes. Block shear is demonstrated using a failed gusset plate connection with failure planes around the weld. The problem determines the tensile strength of a plate connected to a gusset plate, calculating the strength based on gross section yielding, net section yielding, and block shear failure.
