CE 37 A/L 1

PRINCIPLES OF STEEL DESIGN

Module 2: TENSION MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS

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Prepared by:
ENGR. JOBEL HYLES CABAHUG, CE
ENGR. VICTOR CZAR AUSTRIA, CE
Faculty, CE Department
College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology
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This page is left blank intentionally

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This module has the following sections and corresponding icons:

Title

It shows the specific topic of the module.

Overview

The topics in this module are included in this section.

Lecture proper
A brief debate on the lectures is given in this section. It helps you
explore new ideas and capabilities.

Practice problems
It involves questions or an expression that sets out the concepts
and wordings that you learned from real-life circumstances.

assessment
It is a job aimed at evaluating your mastery in acquiring learning
skills.

Supplementary knowledge
In this segment you will improve your awareness or experience
through the lectures as an additional practice.

Answer key

This contains answers to all activities in the module.

References

This is a list of all sources that this module uses for creation.
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Overview

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
 A professional course common to all civil engineering students designed to provide
fundamental concepts, principles and theories in the structural strength analysis and
design of steel elements in a structure.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
 Calculate the strength of structural steel members in axial loading, bending,
shear and torsion for various cross-sectional shapes in both elastic and plastic
conditions.
 Apply allowable strength and load-and-resistance factor design methods of steel
design.
 Calculate the strength of bolted/riveted and welded connections.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES:

 Formulate solutions on complex civil engineering problems by applying knowledge in

mathematics and science.
 Conduct research and experiment using techniques, skills and modern engineering tools
needed for civil engineering practice.
 Demonstrate professional and ethical obligation by designing a standard-setting
system, component or method to fulfill desirable needs under realistic constraints.
 Communicate effectively civil engineering activities with engineering and society at
large.

TIME FRAME:
<<<<<<<<<< This module can be covered in four (4) weeks. >>>>>>>>>
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COMBINED SHEAR AND TENSION

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME

Analyse and design an axial tension steel members and connections

EXAMPLES

1. Determine the adequacy of the fasteners in the figure when 22-mm diameter
A325 bolts are used in a bearing-type connection with threaded excluded from
shear planes. Assume the strength of column flange and the ST section does not
govern.
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SOLUTION:
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CONTINUATION

2. The connection shown in the figure below consist of 10 A490 bolts and is
attached to the column flange. The bolts are subject to shear and tension in a
bearing-type connection with no threads in the shear plane. Assume the strength
of column flange and the plate does not govern the strength.
a. Investigate the adequacy of the bolts if P = 300kN
b. Determine the safe value of P.
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SOLUTION:
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ECCENTRIC SHEAR

EXAMPLES

1. Determine the shear force on the most stressed fastener in the figure if P = 1000 kN.
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SOLUTION:
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CONTINUATION
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CONTINUATION

2. The gusset shown in the figure below is riveted to the column flange by 7 20-mm-
diamter rivet n single shear. Determine the stress in the most heavily-loaded bolt.
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SOLUTION:
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CONTINUATION
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WELDED CONNECTIONS

In welded connections, different elements are connected by heating their surfaces to

a plastic or fluid state. There may or may not be pressure, and there may or may not be a filler
material. Arc welding is the general term for many processes that uses electric energy in the
form of an electric arc to generate the heat necessary for welding.

Types of welding
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
In SMAW, the weld is protected by using an electrode covered with a layer of
mineral compound. Melting of this layer during the welding produces an inert gas
encompassing the weld area. This inert gas shields the weld by preventing the molten
metal from having contact with the surrounding air (see figure below). The protecting
layer of the electrode leaves a slag after the mold has cooled down. The slag can be
removed by peening and brushing.
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The electrode material is specified under various specifications and is given in

the table 2.2 – 1. The designations such as E60XX or E80XX indicated 60 ksi (415 MPa)
and 80 ksi (550 MPa), respectively for tensile strength F u. The E denoted electrode.
The X’s represents number indicating the usage of the electrode.

Submerge Arc Welding (SAW)

In SAW process, the arc is not visible because the surface of the weld and the
electric arc are covered by a blanket of granular fusible material to protect is from the
surrounding air. In this method, a bare metal electrode is used as filler material.
Compared with SMAW, SAW welds provide deeper penetrations. Also, SAW welds
show good ductility and corrosion resistance and high impact strength.

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

In this process the electrode is continuous wire that is fed from the coil through
the electrode holder. The shielding is entirely from an externally supplied gas or gas
mixture. The GMAW process using CO2 shielding is good for the lower carbon and low-
alloy steels which are used in buildings and bridges.
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Flux Cored Arc Welding

This process is similar to GMAW, except that the continuous fed filler metal
electrode is tubular and contains the flux material within its core. The core materials
provides the same functions as does coating in SMAW or the granular flux in SAW. This
process is useful procedure in the field welding in severe cold weather conditions as
well as to speed up high rise constructions.

Table 2.2 – 1 ELECTRODES USED FOR WELDINGS

ADVANTAGES OF WELDING
1. In welded connection, in general, fewer pieces are used. This will speed up the
detailing and fabrication process.
2. In welded connection, gusset and splices plates may be eliminated. Bolts or rivets
are not needed either. Thus the total weight of a welded steels structure is
somewhat less than that of the corresponding bolted structure.
3. Connecting unusual members (such as pipes) is easier by welding than by bolting.
4. Welding provides truly rigid joint and continuous structures.
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Forms of Welded Joints

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Common Types of Welds

Groove Welds
Groove welds can be used when the pieces to be connected can be lined up
in the same plane with small tolerances.

Two (2) types of groove welds

Fillet Welds
Fillet welds is the most popular among types of welding. Depending on the
direction of the applied load (see figure below) and the line of the fillet weld, fillet
welds are classified as longitudinal or transverse fillet weld. In longitudinal fillet
weld, the shear forces to be transferred is parallel to the weld line; in transverse fillet
weld, the force to be transmitted is perpendicular to the weld line.

Fillet welds can be either equal or unequal leg (see figure below). The
intersection point of the original faces of the steel elements being connected is
called the root of the weld. The surface of the weld should have slightly convexity.
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However in designing and analyzing the weld the convex surface was not taken into
consideration and theoretical flat surface is being assumed. The normal distance
between the root to the theoretical surface of the weld is called the throat of the
weld.

Throat t for equal leg:

𝑡 = 0.707𝑤
Throat t for unequal leg:
𝑤ℎ
𝑡=
√𝑤 2 + ℎ2

Effective Area of Fillet Welds

1. The effective area of fillet welds shall be taken as the effective length times the
effective throat thickness.
2. The effective length of fillet welds, except fillet welds in holes and slots, shall be
over-all length of full-size fillet including returns.
3. The effective throat thickness of a fillet weld shall be the shortest distance from
the root of the joint to the face of the diagrammatic weld, except that for fillet
welds made by the submerged arc process, the effective throat thickness shall be
taken equal to the leg size for 10 mm and smaller fillet welds, and equal to the
theoretical throat plus 3 mm for fillet welds larger than 10 mm.
4. For fillet welds in holes and slots, the effective length shall be the length of the
center line of the weld along the center of the plane through the throat. In case of
overlapping fillets, the effective area shall not exceed the nominal cross-sectional
area of the hole slot in the plane of the faying surface.
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Limitation of Fillet Welds

1. The minimum size of the fillet welds shall be shown in table 2.2 – 2. Minimum
weld size is dependent upon the thicker of the two parts joined, except that
the weld size need not exceed the thickness of the thinner part. For this
exception, particular care shall be taken to provide sufficient preheat for
soundness of the weld. Weld sizes larger than the thinner part joined are
permitted if required by calculated strength. In the as-welded condition, the
distance between the edge of the base metal and the toe of the weld may be
less than 1.6 mm provided the weld size is clearly verifiable.

Table 2.2 – 2 MINIMUM SIZE OF FILLET WELD

2. The maximum size of fillet welds that is permitted along edges of connected
parts shall be:
a.) Material less than 6 mm thick, not greater than the thickness of the
material.
b.) Material 6 mm or more in thickness, not greater than the thickness of the
material minus 1.6 mm, unless the weld is especially designated on the
drawings to be built out to obtain full-throat thickness.

3. The minimum effective length of the fillet welds designated on the basis of
strength shall be not less than 4 times the nominal size, or else the size of the
weld shall be considered not to exceed ¼ of its effective length. If longitudinal
fillet welds are used alone in end connections of flat bar tension members,
the length of each fillet welds shall not be less than the perpendicular
distance between them. The transverse spacing of longitudinal fillet welds
used in tension members shall not exceed 200 mm, unless the member is
designated on the basis of effective net area.

4. Intermittent fillet welds are permitted to transfer calculated stress across a

joint or faying surface when the strength required is less than that developed
by a continuous fillet weld of the smallest permitted size, and to join
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components of built-up members. The effective length of any segment of

intermittent fillet welding shall be not less than 4 times the weld size, with a
minimum of 38 mm.

5. In lap joints, the minimum lap shall be 5 times the thickness of the thinner
part joined, but not less than 25 mm. Lap joints joining plates or bars
subjected to axial stress shall be fillet welded along the end of both lapped
parts, except where the deflection of the lapped part is sufficiently restrained
to prevent opening of the joint under maximum loading.

6. Fillet welds holes or slots are permitted to transmit shear in lap joints or to
prevent the buckling or separation of lapped parts and to join components of
built-up members. Such fillet welds may overlap, subject to the provision of
the Code. Fillet welds in holes or slot are not to be considered plug or slot
welds.

7. Side or end fillet welds terminating at ends or sides, respectively, of parts of

members shall, wherever practicable, be returned continuously around the
corners for a distance not less than 2 times the nominal size of the weld. This
provision shall apply to side and top fillet welds connecting brackets, beam
seats and similar connections, on the plane about which bending moments
are computed. For framing angles and simple end-plate connections which
depend upon flexibility of the outstanding legs for connection flexibility, end
return shall not exceed four times the nominal size of the weld. Fillet welds
that occur on opposite sides of a common to both welds. End returns shall be
indicated on the design and detail drawings.

Capacity of equal-leg fillet weld

Load Capacity, 𝑃 = 𝐹𝑣 ∙ 0.707𝑤𝑙
𝐹𝑣 = 0.3𝐹𝑢
Where:
w = size of weld (leg)
L = total length of weld
Fv = allowable shearing stress of weld metal
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Table 2.2 – 3 ALLOWABLE WORKING STRENGTH OF EQUAL-LEG FILLET WELDS

Groove Welds
Groove welds are used to connect structural members that are aligned in the same
plane. If the groove weld is to transmit the full load of the members they join, the weld
should have the same length as the pieces joined. Such a groove weld is known as complete
penetration groove weld. When the joints are designed so that so that groove welds do not
extend completely through the thickness of the pieces joined, they are called partial
penetration groove welds.
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Effective Area of Groove Welds

1. The effective area of groove welds shall be considered as the effective length of
the weld times the effective throat thickness.
2. The effective length of the groove weld shall be the width of the part joined.
3. The effective throat thickness of a complete penetration groove weld shall be the
thickness of thinner part joined.
4. The effective throat thickness of a partial penetration groove weld shall be as
shown in table 2.2 – 4.
5. The effective thickness of a partial penetration groove weld shall be as shown in
table 2.2 – 4.
6. The effective throat thickness of a flare groove welds when flush to the surface
of a bar or 90o bend in formed section shall be as shown in table 2.2 – 5. Random
sections of production welds for each welding procedure, or such test sections as
may be required by design documents, shall be used to verify that the effective
throat is considered obtained.
7. Larger effective throat thickness than those in table 2.2 – 5 are permitted,
provided the fabricator can establish by qualification that he can consistently
provide such larger effective throat thickness. Qualification shall consist of
sectioning the weld normal to its axis, at mid-length and terminal ends. Such
sectioning shall be made on a number of combinations of material sizes
representative of the range to be used in the fabrication or as required by the
designer.

Table 2.2 – 4 EFFECTIVE THROAT THICKNESS OF PARTIAL-PENETRATION GROOVE WELDS

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Table 2.2 – 5 EFFECTIVE THROAT THICKNESS OF FLARE GROOVE WELDS

Limitation of groove welds

The minimum effective throat thickness of a partial-penetration groove weld shall be
as shown in table 2.2 – 6. Minimum effective throat thickness is determined by the thicker
of the two parts joined, except that the weld size need not exceed the thickness of the
thinnest part joined. For this exception, particular care shall be taken to provide sufficient
preheat for soundness of the weld.

Table 2.2 – 6 MINIMUM EFFECTIVE THROAT THICKNESS OF PARTIAL-

PENETRATION GROOVE WELDS
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Plug and Slot Welds

The principal use of plug and slot welds is to transmit shear in a lap joint when the
size of the connection limits the length available for fillet or edge welds. Slot and plug welds
are also useful in preventing overlapping arts from buckling.

Effective Area
The effective shearing area of plug and slot welds shall be considered as the nominal
cross-sectional area of the hole of slot in the plane of the raying surface.

Limitation of Plug and Slot welds

1. Plug or slot welds are permitted to transmit shear in lap joints or to prevent
buckling of lapped parts and to join component parts of a built-up members.
2. The diameter of the hole for a plug weld shall not be less than the thickness of
the part containing it plus 8 mm, rounded to the next larger odd 1.6 mm, nor
greater than the minimum diameter plus 3 mm or 2 ¼ times the thickness of the
weld.
3. The minimum center-to-center spacing of plug welds shall be four times the
diameter of the hole.
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4. The minimum spacing of lines of slot welds in a direction transverse to their

length shall be 4 times the width of the slot. The minimum center-to-center
spacing in a longitudinal direction of any line shall be 2 times the length of the
slot.
5. The length of slot weld shall not exceed 10 times the thickness of the weld. The
width of the slot shall be not less than the thickness of the part containing it plus
8 mm, nor shall it be larger than 2 ¼ times the thickness of the weld. The end
slots shall be semi-circular or shall have the corners rounded to a radius not less
than the thickness of the part containing it, except those ends which extends to
the edge of the part.
6. The thickness of plug or slots welds in material 16 mm or less in thickness shall
be equal to the thickness of the material. In material over 16 mm thick, the
thickness of the weld shall be at least ½ of the thickness of the material but not
less than 16 mm.
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Balanced Welded Group

Balancing the welds on a tension member connection

To avoid any eccentricity, the following equations must be satisfied.

𝑃 = 𝑃1 + 𝑃2 + 𝑃3

[∑ 𝑀𝑐𝑔 = 0] 𝑃1 𝑦1 + 𝑃3 𝑦3 = 𝑃2 𝑦2

Where:
P1, P2 and P3 are capabilities of each weld
If all these welds are equal-leg fillet and have the same size, the following equations may be
used;
𝑃 = 0.707𝑤𝐿𝐹𝑣
𝐿 = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 𝐿3
𝐿1 𝑦1 + 𝐿3 𝑦3 = 𝐿2 𝑦2
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Eccentrically Loaded Welded Connection

Direct load:
𝐹𝑥
𝑃𝐷𝑥 =
𝐿
𝐹𝑦
𝑃𝐷𝑦 =
𝐿

𝐿 = ∑ 𝐿 = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 𝐿3

Load due to moment:

𝑇 = 𝐹𝑥 𝑒𝑦 + 𝐹𝑦 𝑒𝑥
𝑇𝑦
𝑃𝑇𝑥 =
𝐽
𝐿2
𝐽 = ∑ 𝐿 [ + 𝑥𝐺2 + 𝑦𝐺2 ]
12
Total load per millimeter length of weld:
Total load,
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2
𝑃 = √(𝑃𝐷𝑥 + 𝑃𝑇𝑥 )2 + (𝑃𝐷𝑦 + 𝑃𝑇𝑦 )

Connection with shear and bending stresses

Illustrates a welded connection that must support both direct shear and bending moments.

Nominal shear stress;

𝑃
𝑓𝑣 =
𝐿𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
Nominal bending stress;
𝑀𝑐 𝑀 𝑃𝑒
𝑓𝑏 = = =
𝐼 𝑆 𝑆
The value of S is given in table 2.2 – 4
The resultant stress in N/mm is:

𝑅 = √𝑓𝑣2 + 𝑓𝑏2

Where:
*Le = effective weld size *Fv = allowable shearing stress of weld
metal
*te = 0.707t for equal-leg weld
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Sample calculation of properties of weld groups

*welds are treated as lines, thus treated as no (or zero) thickness.

Table 2.2 – 4 PROPERTIES OF WELD GROUPS

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EXAMPLES

1. A plate is lapped over and welded to a gusset plate as shown in the figure below.
a.) Determine the maximum force per millimeter of weld due to a moment alone
acting at the centroid of the weld group.
b.) Determine the maximum force per millimeter of weld due to the given load.

SOLUTION:
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CONTINUATION
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2. A double-angle truss member shown in the figure consist of two angles 125 mm x 88
mm x 10 mm thick with the 125 mm side welded to a gusset plate. The member is to
carry a total tensile force of 848 kN. Using 6-mm fillet weld with E60 electrode,
determine the length of each side fillet weld required for balanced condition. All
steels are A36 with Fy = 250 MPa.

SOLUTION:
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CONTINUATION

3. Compute the size of E70 fillet weld required for the shear and tension connection
shown in the figure under the following data: P = 200 kN, e = 50 mm, b = 150 mm,
and d = 200 mm. Assume the column and bracket plate does not control the
strength.
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SOLUTION
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Practice problems

1. Two steel plates, each 350 mm wide and 12 mm thick, are to be joined together
by welded lap splice, as shown in the figure. The electrode used for the weld has
a nominal strength of 550 MPa.
a. Determine the maximum weld size that can be used.
b. Determine the effective net area of the fillet weld using the maximum weld
size allowed by the code.
c. Determine the maximum load that can be resisted by the weld using the
maximum weld size allowed by the code.

2. A 100 mm x 100 mm x 10 mm is to be welded to a gusset plate as shown in the

figure. The angle carries a load of 185 kN applied along its centroidal axis. The
maximum size that the filler weld can be used is 8 mm and the allowable shear
stress of 94 MPa. Determine the length of the side welds if a transverse fillet weld
is added at the end of the angle.
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3. The bracket shown in the figure is welded on one side of a steel column with 800
mm of 6 mm fillet weld. Determine the maximum shear stress on the weld.

Supplementary knowledge

For additional information, you may visit and read the following articles and
journals:

 https://www.egr.msu.edu/~harichan/classes/ce405/chap6.pdf
 http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=127486
 https://app.aws.org/technical/d3/D1.1_2000_Section2_Design.pdf
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Answer key
The answer key will be given on the next module
Answer key for practice problem, module 2 part 1
1. P = 397.2 kN (governed by tension on net area along abce)
2. P = 238.849 (governed by shear rupture)
3. R = 812.889 kN (double shear)
R = 1237 kN (bearing on contact area)
R = 875.2 kN (Block shear)

<<<<<<<<<< STUDENTS’ GUIDE >>>>>>>>>>

3 correct answers: very good!!! You learned very well, keep it up!
2 correct answers: very good!!! A little practice will furnish your knowledge.
1 correct answer: good! Give more time to practice solving.
0 correct answers: Strive harder or ask your instructor for any clarifications.

References

1. DIT Gillesania (2006) Fundamentals of Structural steel design

2. William T. Segui (n.d.) Steel design 4th Ed.
3. Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) (2015) National
Structural Code of the Philippines
4. L.F. Geschwinder et al., (2017) Unified design of steel structures.
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Department of Civil Engineering

Second Floor, CEAT Faculty Office
Palawan State University – Main Campus
Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines 5300

Mobile: (+63) 927-569-7993

Email Address: jhcabahug@psu.palawan.edu.ph