BLOCK SHEAR

Introduction

• 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. It is
susceptible to this phenomenon, called block shear.
Introduction

• For the case illustrated, the shaded block would tend to fail by
shear along the longitudinal section ab and by tension on the
transverse section bc.
• For certain arrangements of bolts, block shear can also occur in
gusset plates. In this connection, block shear could occur in both
the gusset plate and the tension member. For the gusset plate,
tension failure would be along the transverse section df, and shear
failure would occur on two longitudinal surfaces, de and fg. Block
shear failure in the plate tension member would be tension on ik
and shear on both hi and jk.
Introduction
Introduction

• The model used in the AISC Specification assumes that failure

occurs by rupture (fracture) on the shear area and rupture on the
tension area. Both surfaces contribute to the total strength, and
the resistance to block shear will be the sum of the strengths of
the two surfaces. The shear rupture stress is taken as 60% of the
tensile ultimate stress, so the nominal strength in shear is
0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 and the nominal strength in tension is 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡 .
Where:
𝐴𝑛𝑣 = net area along the shear surface or surfaces
𝐴𝑛𝑡 = net area along the tension surface
Nominal Strength

• Nominal Strength if the tension stress is uniform (angles, plates,

and most coped beams) 𝑈𝑏𝑠 = 1.0
𝑅𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 + 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡
• Nominal Strength if the tension stress is nonuniform, 𝑈𝑏𝑠 = 0.5.
𝑅𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 + 0.5𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡
Nominal Strength (AISC Specification)

• The AISC Specification limits the 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 term to 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑔𝑣 .
𝑅𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑔𝑣 + 𝑈𝑏𝑠 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡

• and gives one equation to cover all cases as follows:

𝑅𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 + 𝑈𝑏𝑠 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡 ≤ 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑔𝑣 + 𝑈𝑏𝑠 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡

LRFD, ∅ = 0.75
ASD, Ω = 2.00
Critical Sections for Block Shear
Critical Sections for Block Shear
Example 1:

Compute the block shear strength of the tension member shown.

The holes are for 7 ⁄8-inch-diameter bolts, and A36 steel is used.
a. LRFD
b. ASD
Solution:
Example 2:

Determine the LRFD design strength and the ASD allowable strength
of the A36 (Fy = 36 ksi and Fu = 58 ksi) plates shown. Include block
shear strength in calculations.
Solution:
Solution:
Example 3:

Determine the LRFD design strength and the ASD allowable strength
of the W12 x 30 (Fy = 50 ksi and Fu = 65 ksi) shown. If 7/8 in bolts
are used in the connection. Include block shear strength in
calculations.
Solution:
Solution:
Example 4:

From the figure, an angular section 100 mm x 75 mm x 6.25 mm is

riveted by a 19 mm diameter rivets arranged as indicated. Assume
A36 steel Fy = 248 MPa and Fu = 400 MPa. Diameter of hole is 3 mm
greater than rivet diameter.
1. Determine the capacity of the section based on yielding of gross
area.
2. Determine the capacity of the section based on tensile of net
area.
3. Determine the capacity of the section based on block shear
failure.
Example 4:
Solution:
Solution:
Example 5: (CE Board Exam May 2015)

Two channels are joined together by eight 25-mm-diameter bolts. The

bolts spacing are x1 = 50 mm and y1 = 60 mm. The steel has Fy = 250 Mpa
and Fu = 400 Mpa.
Channel Properties: Area = 3644 mm2
Web Thickness = 12 mm
Allowable stresses of plate:
Tension on gross area = 0.6Fy
Tension on net area = 0.5Fu
Shear on net area = 0.3Fu
Diameter of hole = 27 mm
1. Determine the capacity of the section based on block shear.
Example 5: (CE Board Exam May 2015)
Solution:
Example 6:

A W10 x 12 A36 steel is used as tension member, 6-16 mm diameter

bolt is used to connect the member attached to each flange as
shown.
a. Determine its allowable strength based on yielding.
b. Determine its design strength based on rupture.
c. Determine its ultimate strength based on block shear.
Example 6:

Properties of W10x12
A = 2284 mm2
tf = 5.33 mm
tw = 4.83 mm
bf = 100.58 mm
d = 250.70 mm
Solution:
Solution: