STRUCTURAL STEEL DESIGN

Dr. Ammar A. Ali

𝑃𝑃𝑡𝑡 = 3.38(0.30)(58) + 1.313(0.50)(58) = 96.9 kips

For this member, Pt = 96.9 kips as controlled by block shear failure in the gusset plate.

Length Effects

Tension members do not suffer from the problems of instability and buckling that
compression members and beams do. Therefore, length plays a minor role. The ASD
specifications, section B7, suggests upper limits for the slenderness ratios of tension
members.

The recommended upper limit for slenderness ratio l / r is 300 for all tension members.

The recommended upper limit on l / r is preferred, but is not mandatory, and applies to
tension members other than steel rods and cables.

If the slenderness ratio is within the recommended limit, however, there will be some
resistance to undesirable vibrations as well as some resistance to bending and deformation
during shipping and erection handling.

Example:

For W8 × 24 tension member with 20 ft long, determine whether the member’s

slenderness ratio is within the ASD specifications recommendations.

Solution:

Maximum preferred l / r = 300. Calculate actual l / r. use the least radius of gyration.

𝑙𝑙 20(12)
= = 149 < 300 OK
𝑟𝑟 1.61

DESIGN OF TENSION MEMBERS

The design, or selection, of adequate tension members involves provision of the following:

1. Adequate gross area (Ag).

2. Adequate radius of gyration r to meet the preferred l / r limits.
3. Adequate net area (An or Ae).
4. Adequate block shear strength.
5. A cross-sectional shape such that the connections can be simple.

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