CE401 Design of Steel Structures Module 2

MODULE 2

Tension members-Types of sections – net area- design of tension members- concept of shear
lag-use of lug angle-connections in tension members

1. TENSION MEMBERS

Tension members are linear members in which axial forces act so as to elongate (stretch) the member.
A rope, for example, is a tension member. Tension members carry loads most efficiently, since the
entire cross section is subjected to uniform stress. Unlike compression members, they do not fail by
buckling. Ties of trusses (Fig 1(a)), suspenders of cable stayed and suspension bridges (Fig.1(b)),
suspenders of buildings systems hung from a central core (Fig.4.1(c)) (such buildings are used in
earthquake prone zones as a way of minimising inertia forces on the structure), and sag rods of roof
purlins (Fig.1(d)) are other examples of tension members.

Fig.1: Tension Members in Structures

Tension members are also encountered as bracings used for the lateral load resistance. In X type
bracings (Fig.1(e)) the member which is under tension, due to lateral load acting in one direction,
undergoes compressive force, when the direction of the lateral load is changed and vice versa. Hence,
such members may have to be designed to resist tensile and compressive forces.

The tension members can have a variety of cross sections. The single angle and double angle sections
(Fig.2(a)) are used in light roof trusses as in industrial buildings. The tension members in bridge
trusses are made of channels or I sections (Fig.2(b) and (c)), acting individually or built-up. The
circular rods (Fig.2(d)) are used in bracings designed to resist loads in tension only. They buckle at

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CE401 Design of Steel Structures Module 2

very low compression and are not considered effective. Steel wire ropes are used as suspenders in
the cable suspended bridges and as main stays in the cable-stayed bridges.

Fig.2: Cross Sections of Tension Members

2. MODES OF FAILURE

The different modes of failure in tension members are:

i) Gross Section Yielding – Considerable deformation of member in longitudinal direction takes

place before it fractures making the structure unserviceable (as per Cl.6.2 of IS 800:2007).

ii) Net Section Rupture – Rupture occurs when the net cross-section of member reaches ultimate
stress (as per Cl.6.3 of IS 800:2007).

iii) Block Shear Failure – A segment of block material at the end of members shears out (as per
Cl.6.4 of IS 800:2007).

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CE401 Design of Steel Structures Module 2

3. SLENDERNESS RATIO (λ)

Unsupported Length
λ=
Least Radius of Gyration

4. DESIGN STEPS

Design strength of tension member is smaller of the above three failures. The following steps may
be followed:

1. Required gross area is also determined by

Tdg .γm0
Ag =
fy

2. Net area calculated is increased by 25-40% to compute gross cross-section area.

3. Choose a section.
4. Number of bolts per connection is calculated and are arranged in suitable pattern and net area
of section is determined.
5. Minimum tensile strength of the member is determined.
6. Check for slenderness ratio.

5. CONCEPT OF SHEAR LAG

The non-uniform stress distribution that occurs in a tension member adjacent to a connection, in
which all elements of the cross section are not directly connected, is commonly referred to as the
shear lag effect. In other words, it is a phenomenon in which the stiffer or rigid regions of the
structure or structural component attract more stresses to be unevenly distributed over the cross
section of the structure or structural component.

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CE401 Design of Steel Structures Module 2

6. USE OF LUG ANGLE

• Lug angle is small piece of angle used to connect outstand legs of the members to the gusset plate.
• The purpose of lug angle is to reduce the length of connection to the gusset plate and to reduce
shear lag effect.
• If lug angle is used then the unconnected length of main angle behave like a connected leg and
entire cross section area of the angle become effective in resisting tension. So if lug angle is used,
then efficiency of the tension member increases because it reduces shear lag effect.
• If lug angle is used the resultant reaction at bolt location 1 and 2 pass through CG of cross section.
Since action and reaction pass through CG of angle, stress and strain distribution are uniform
hence no shear lag.
• By using lug angles there will be saving in gusset plate, but it is upset by additional fasteners and
angle required. Hence nowadays it is not preferred.
• IS 800-2007 specifications for lug angles are given in Cl.10.12.

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