QM Aligned Course Design Template

Course Name: CE 3130: Steel Structures Design

Module 03: Title (Tension Members - Block Shear, Design of Tension Members- Threaded
Rods and Cables)

Module Overview / Introduction (ST. 1 - 8)

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. (Segui, 2013)

Module Learning Objectives (ST. 2 & 8)

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Understanding the basic concepts associated to design of tension members and block shear
areas, and choice of member type.
2. Selection of the section of tension members in bolted connection or welded.
3. Determinate Slenderness ratio in a member.

Instructional Materials (ST. 4 & 8)

Lesson 1: The Structural Engineer must always take into consideration the following:

 Axial forces: Force acting along the length or perpendicular to the cross section of the
member also called axial load. (Beer – 1998)
 Slenderness: If a structural member has a small cross section in relation to its length, it
is said to be slender. (Segui – 2013)
 Cross Section: Cross sections of some of the more commonly used hot-rolled shapes.
The dimensions and designations of the standard available shapes are defined in the
ASTM standards. (Segui – 2013)
 Radius of Gyration: It is a measure of the average distance of the resistant section from
the center of gravity, given two sections of the same area, the one with the smallest
turning radius will present less torsional stiffness and also a worse behavior against
buckling. (Beer – 1998)

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

Subtheme 1.1: Block Shear:

The tension members are not always controlled by tension yielding, tension rupture or by
the strength of the bolts or welds with which they are connected. They may instead controlled by
block shear strength.
The failure of a member may occur along a path involving tension on one plane and shear
on a perpendicular plane, as shown in Figure 1. Where several possible block shear failures are
illustrated. It is possible for a “block” of steel to tear out. (Mc Cormac – 2012).

Figure 1. Block Shear (Mc Cormac, 2012)

For certain arrangements of bolts, block shear can also occur in gusset plates. Figure 2
shows a plate tension member connected to a gusset plate. In this connection, block shear could
occur in both the gusset plate and the tension member

Figure 2. Block Shear in gusset plate (Segui, 2013)

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019
 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 . (Segui, 2013)

This gives a nominal strength of:

𝑅𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 + 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡

The tensile stress is nonuniform when some rotation of the block is required for failure to occur.
For these cases:
𝑅𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 + 0.5𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡

The AISC Specification limits the 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 term 0.6𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔𝑣 , where:

0.6𝐹𝑦 = shear yield stress.

The AISC Specification (J4.3) states that the available strength 𝑅𝑛 for the block shear
rupture design strength is as follows:

𝑅𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 + 𝑈𝑏𝑠 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡 ≤ 0.6𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔𝑣 + 𝑈𝑏𝑠 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡 (AISC Equation J4-5)

Where:

𝐹𝑦 , 𝐹𝑢 = the specified minimum yield stress and tensile strength, respectively.

𝐴𝑔𝑣 = the gross area of the torn-out segment subject to shear.
𝐴𝑛𝑡 = the net area of the torn-out segment subject to tension
𝐴𝑛𝑣 = the net area of the torn-out segment subject to shear.
𝑈𝑏𝑠 = the value 1.0 when the tension stress is uniform (angles, gusset plates, and most coped
beams) and 𝑈𝑏𝑠 = 0.5 when the tension stress is nonuniform. A nonuniform case is illustrated in
the Commentary to the AISC Specification.

For LRFD, the resistance factor f is 0.75, and for ASD, the safety factor Ω is 2.00. Recall that
these are the factors used for the fracture—or rupture—limit state, and block shear is a rupture limit
state. (Segui – 2013)

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

Example 1. Compute the block shear strength of the tension member shown in the Figure. The
holes are for 7⁄8-inch-diameter bolts, and A36 steel is used.

a. Use LRFD.
b. Use ASD

The shear areas are:

3
𝐴𝑔𝑣 = (7.5) = 2.813 𝑖𝑛2 .
8
And a since there are 2.5 hole diameters,
3 7 1
𝐴𝑛𝑣 = [7.5 − 2.5 ( − )] = 1.875 𝑖𝑛2 .
8 8 8
The tension area is:
3 7 1
𝐴𝑛𝑡 = [1.5 − 0.5 ( − )] = 0.375 𝑖𝑛2 .
8 8 8
(the factor of 0.5 is used because there is one-half of a hole diameter in the tension section.)
Since the block shear will occur in an angle, 𝑈𝑏𝑠 =1.0, and form AISC Equation J4-5.
𝑅𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 + 𝑈𝑏𝑠 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡
𝑅𝑛 = 0.6(58)(1.875) + 1.0(58)(0.3750) = 87.00 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.

with an upper limit of:

0.6𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑣 + 𝑈𝑏𝑠 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑛𝑡 = 0.6(36)(2.813) + 1.0(58)(0.3750) = 82.51 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
The nominal block shear strength is therefore 82.51 kips.
Answer:

a. The design strength for LRFD is Ø𝑅𝑛 = 0.75(82.51) = 61.9 kips.

𝑅𝑛 82.51
b. The allowable strength for ASD is = = 41.3 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
Ω 2.00

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

Subtheme 1.2: Slenderness Design:
A tension member under a static loading does not involve stability considerations. But if
there is a change of live load stresses (dynamic loading), or if there is a transverse loading on the
member due to weight or wind, “flutter” can develop. If the member is too slender, this can become
a major problem and actually the design criterion itself. A restriction is made by limiting the
slenderness ratio, which is the ratio of the laterally unbraced length of the member to the least
radius of gyration of the cross section. (Kuzmanovic – 1977).
The AISC Specifications states that for tension members other than rods, the slenderness
ratio, 𝑙/𝑟, should not exceed:
For main members: 240
For bracing and other secondary members: 300

Example 2. Determine the maximum length recommended by the LRFD specification for a tension
1 5
member that has a cross section consisting of a single angle of 𝐿 = 5 x 3 𝑥
2 8

According Table 1-7 AISC Specification (Table 1.):

𝒓𝒙 = 1.56 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑔. 300

𝑳𝒎𝒂𝒙 = = 223.8 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑔. = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟕 𝒇𝒕.
𝒓𝒚 = 0.987 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑔. 0.746
𝒓𝒛 = 0.746 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑔. Answer= 𝟏𝟖. 𝟕 𝒇𝒕
𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏 = 𝑟𝑧 = 0.746 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑔.

Example 3. Determine the maximum length permitted by the AISC Specification for a tension
member whose cross section is a flat bar 1 x 6.
𝑏𝑡 3
𝐼= ; 𝐴 = 𝑏𝑡
12
𝑏𝑡 3
𝐼 √ 12
𝑟=√ = =
𝐴 𝑏𝑡

1
𝑡√ = 0.288 𝑡 ; 𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏
12
= 0.288(1)
= 0.288 𝑖𝑛.
𝐿 𝐿
= 240 = ;
𝑟 0.288 𝑡
𝐿 = 69 𝑖𝑛.
Table 1. Angles Properties (AISC Table 1-7)
Answer = 69 in.

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

Subtheme 1.3: Design of Tension Members:

The design of steel members is, in effect, a trial-and-error process, although tables such as
those given in the Steel Manual often enable us to directly select a desirable section. For a tension
member, we can estimate the area requires, select a section from the Manual providing the
corresponding area, and check the section’s strength. After this is done, it may be necessary to try
a slightly larger or perhaps smaller section and repeat the checking process. The goal of the design
process is to size members such that they are safe by satisfying the failure conditions listed in the
AISC Specification. The students must realize that this process is iterative and that there will be
some rounding up or down in the process of selecting the final section. The area needed for a
particular tension member can be estimated with the LFRD equations or the ASD equations, as
described next. (Mc Cormac – 2012).

The central problem of all member design, including tension member design, is to find a
cross section for which the required strength does not exceed the available strength.

For tension members designed by LRFD, the requirement is:

𝑃𝑢 ≤ Ø𝑡 𝑃𝑛 𝑜𝑟 Ø𝑡 𝑃𝑛 ≥ 𝑃𝑢
where 𝑃𝑢 is the sum of the factored loads. To prevent yielding:
𝑃𝑢
0.90𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 ≥ 𝑃𝑢 𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑔 ≥
0.90𝐹𝑦
To avoid fracture:
𝑃𝑢
0.75𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒 ≥ 𝑃𝑢 𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑒 ≥
0.75𝐹𝑢

For allowable strength design, if we use the allowable stress form, the requirement
corresponding to yielding is:
𝑃𝑎 ≤ 𝐹𝑡 𝐴𝑔
and the required gross area is:
𝑃𝑎 𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑔 ≥ 𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑔 ≥
𝐹𝑡 0.6𝐹𝑦
For the limit state of fracture, the required effective area is:
𝑃𝑎 𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑒 ≥ 𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑒 ≥
𝐹𝑡 0.5𝐹𝑢
The slenderness ratio limitation will be satisfied if:
𝑙
𝑟 ≥
300

Where 𝑟 is the minimum radius of gyration of the cross section and 𝑙 is the member length.

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

Example 3. Select a 30-ft-long W12 section of A992 steel to support a tensile service dead load
PD = 130 k. and a tensile service live load PL =110 k. As shown in the figure, the member is to have
two lines of bolts in each flange for 7/8-in bolts (at least three in a line 4 in on center).
𝑃𝑢 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.6𝐿 = 1.2 (130) + 1.6 (110)=332 k

𝑃𝑢 332 𝑘
a. 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑔 = = = 7.37 𝑖𝑛2 .
0.90𝐹𝑦 0.90(50 ksi)

𝑃𝑢
b. 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑔 = + 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠.
Ø𝑡 𝐹𝑢 𝑈

Assume that U = 0.85 (table D3.1) , and assume that thickness flange is about 0.380 in after looking at W12
sections in the LRFD Manual which have areas of 7.37 𝑖𝑛2 or more. U=0.85 was asummed since 𝑏𝑓 appears to
be less than 2/3 d.

332 𝑘 7 1
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑔 = + (4) ( 𝑖𝑛 + 𝑖𝑛) (0.380 𝑖𝑛) = 9.53 𝑖𝑛2 .
0.75(65 𝑘𝑠𝑖)(0.85) 8 8

a. Preferable minimum 𝒓:
𝑙 (12 𝑖𝑛/𝑓𝑡)(30 𝑓𝑡)
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑟 = = = 1.2 𝑖𝑛.
300 300
Try W12 x 36
(𝑨𝒈 = 10.3 𝑖𝑛2 , 𝒅 = 12.50 𝑖𝑛, 𝒃𝒇 = 6.56 𝑖𝑛, 𝒕𝒇 = 0.520 𝑖𝑛, 𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏 = 𝑟𝑦 = 1.54 𝑖𝑛. )

Checking

(a) Gross section yielding:

𝑃𝑎 = 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 = (50 𝑘𝑠𝑖)(10.3 𝑖𝑛2 ) = 515 𝑘.
With Ø𝑡 = 0.9
Ø𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = (0.9)(515 𝑘) = 463.5 > 332 𝒐𝒌

(b) Tensile rupture strength:

From Table D3.1 AISC Specification, Case 2.

𝑥̅ for half of W12 x 35 or, that is, a WT6 x 17.5 = 1.30 in.
L= (2)(4 in) = 8 in.
𝑥̅ 1.30 𝑖𝑛
𝑈 = (1 − ) = (1 − ) = 0.84
𝐿 8 𝑖𝑛
From Table D3.1 AISC Specification, Case 7.
2 2
U=0.85, since 𝒃𝒇 = 6.56 𝑖𝑛 < 3 𝑑=3 (12.50 𝑖𝑛) = 8.33 𝑖𝑛.

7 1
𝐴𝑛 = 10.3 𝑖𝑛2 − (4) ( 𝑖𝑛 + 𝑖𝑛) (0.520 𝑖𝑛) = 8.22 𝑖𝑛2 𝐴𝑛 = (0.85)(8.22 𝑖𝑛2 ) = 6.99 𝑖𝑛2
8 8
2
𝑃𝑛 = 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒 = (65 𝑘𝑠𝑖)(6.99 𝑖𝑛 ) = 454.2 𝑘. Ø𝑡 = 0.75 Ø𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = (0.75)(454.2 𝑘) = 340.7 𝑘 > 332 𝑘 𝒐𝒌

(c) Slenderness ratio:

𝑖𝑛
𝑙𝑦 12 𝑓𝑡 𝑥 30 𝑓𝑡
= = 234 < 300 𝒐𝒌
𝑟𝑦 1.54 𝑖𝑛

Answer: Use W12 x 35.

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

Subtheme 1.4: Threaded Rods and Cables:
Threaded Rods: When the end of a rod is to be threaded, an upset end is sometimes used. This
is an enlargement of the end in which the threads are to be cut. Threads reduce the cross-sectional
area, and upsetting the end produces a larger gross area to start with.
Standard upset ends with threads will actually have more net area in the threaded portion
than in the unthreaded part. Upset ends are relatively expensive, however, and in most cases
unnecessary (Segui-2013).
The effective cross-sectional area in the threaded portion of a rod is called the stress area
and is a function of the unthreaded diameter and the number of threads per inch.
The ratio of stress area to nominal area varies but has a lower bound of approximately 0.75.
The nominal tensile strength of the threaded rod can therefore be written as:

𝑃𝑛 = 𝐴𝑠 𝐹𝑢 = 0.75𝐴𝑏 𝐹𝑢
When: 𝐴𝑠 = 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎.
𝐴𝑏 = Nominal (unthreaded) area.

The AISC nominal tensile design stress for threaded rods, 𝐹𝑛𝑡 is given in AISC Table J3.2
and equals 0.75𝐹𝑢 . This is to be applied to the gross area of the rod 𝐴𝐷 , computed with tue
major thread that is, the diameter to the outer extremity of the thread. The area required for a
particular tensile load can then be calculated as follows:
𝑅𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛𝑡 𝐴𝐷 = 0.75𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝐷
𝑃𝑢 Ω𝑃𝑎
For LRFD Ø = 0.75 𝐴𝐷 ≥ ; For ASD Ω = 2.00 𝐴𝐷 ≥
Ø0.75𝐹𝑢 0.75𝐹𝑢

Example 4. Using the AISC Specification, select a standard threaded rod of A36 steel to support
a tensile working dead load of 10 k and a tensile working live load of 20 k.

For LRFD: 𝑃𝑢 = (1.2)(10 𝑘) + (1.6)(20 𝑘) = 𝟒𝟒 𝒌.

For ASD: 𝑃𝑎 = 10 k + 20 k = 𝟑𝟎 𝒌.
Ω𝑃𝑎 44 𝑘
𝐴𝐷 ≥ = = 1.35 𝑖𝑛2
0.75𝐹𝑢 (0.75)(0.75)(58 𝑘𝑠𝑖)
3
Try 1 𝑖𝑛 diameter rod from AISC Table 7-17 (Table 2)using the gross area of the rod 1.49 𝑖𝑛2 .
8
𝑅𝑛 = 0.75𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝐷 = (0.75)(58 𝑘𝑠𝑖)(1.49 𝑖𝑛2 ) = 64.8 𝑘.

For LFRD Ø=0.75 ; (0.75)(64.8 𝑘) = 48.6 𝑘 > 44 𝑘. 𝑶𝑲

𝑅 64.8 𝑘
For ASD Ω=2.00 ; 𝑛 = = 32.4 > 30 𝑘. 𝑶𝑲
Ω 2

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

Table 2. Threading Dimensions for High-Strength and Non-High-Strength Bolts (AISC Table 7-17)

Cables: A cable is defined as a flexible member in

tension that consists of one or more group of wires,
strands and ropes, placed in a helical way around
a central wire to produce a symmetrical section,
Normally used in suspended elements or bracing.
(Galambos – 1988). As Shown in Figure 4.
When slenderness is not a consideration,
rods with circular cross sections and cables are
often used as tension members (Segui-2013).
Figure 4. Wire Strand and Wire Rope
(Galambos – 1988)
Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019
Conclusion

 Shear block rupture is fundamentally a fracture phenomenon not one of yielding.

(Vinnakota-2006)
 The design of tension members is basically one of providing a member with a
sufficient cross-sectional area to resist the applied loads with an adequate factor
of safety against failure (Salmon-1980)
 Holes and threads in a member cause stress concentrations (nonuniforms
stresses). (Salmon-1980)
 Tension members that are too long may sag excessively due to their ows Weight.
In addition, they may also vibrate when subjected to wind forces as in an open
truss or when supporting vibrating equipment such as machines. (Salmon-1980).
 To avoid damage during handling and construction the members in tension
should not be too slender (Segui-2013).

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

Learning Activities and Learner Interactions
Activity 1.1 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the dimension of W-shape in the
tension member’s shown.

Students Instructions:

1) This activity is a multiple selection.

2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform

Question:

1. Select an 8-in. W-shape, ASTM A992, to carry a dead load of 30 kips and a live load of 90
kips in tension. The member is 25 ft long. Verify the member strength by both LRFD and
ASD with the bolted end connection shown. Verify that the member satisfies the
recommended slenderness limit. Assume that connection limit states do not govern.

A) W8 x 26
B) W8 x 21
C) W8 x 18
D) W8 x 15

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

Activity 1.2 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the the block shear rupture strength.

Students Instructions:

1) This activity is a multiple selection.

2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform

Question:

The A572 Grade 50 (𝐹𝑢 = 65 𝑘𝑠𝑖) tension members shown in the figure, is connected with
three ¾-in bolts. Determine the LRFD block shear rupture strength and the ASD allowable block
shear rupture strength of the member.

a) 162,57 k. (LRFD) – 108.5 K. (ASD)

b) 125,12 k. (LRFD) – 90.5 K. (ASD)
c) 145,80 k. (LRFD) – 111.27 K. (ASD)
d) 135,00 k. (LRFD) – 102.63 K. (ASD)

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

Activity 1.3 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the the block shear rupture strength.

Students Instructions:

1) This activity is a multiple selection.

2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform

Question:

A threaded rod is to be used as a bracing member that must resist a service tensile load of 2 kips
dead load and 6 kips live load. What size rod is required if A36 steel is used?

A) 1/2”
B) 9/16”
C) 5/8”
D) 3/4”

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019

References (ST. 4 & 8)

Required Resources:

Steel Design, Fifth Edition; William T. Segui – The University of Memphis, USA 2013.

Additional Resources:

Steel Structures, Behavior and LRFD. First Edition, S. Vinnakota, McGraw-Hill. USA 2006.

Steel Design for Estructural Engineers, Prentice Hall, Inc. First Edition, B Kuzmanovic – N. Willems.
1977.

Steel Structures – Design and Behavior, Harper & Row, Publishers, Second Ed. C. Salmon – J.
Johnson. 1980.

Structural Steel Design, Jack McCormac, S. Csernak, Prentice Hall – 2012 – 5 ed.

Basic Steel Design, Johnston, Lin, Galambos, Third Edition, Prentice Hall, USA 1988.

Version1.5_V10 2019_PUPR as of April 5_ 2019