TENSION MEMBERS

Tension members are found in bridge and roof trusses , towers , bracing system , and in situations
where they are used as tie rods. The circular rod is the simples form of tension member but
connecting it to many structure appear to be a little bit difficult.
Other type of tension members
1. angles 5. Box section
2. double angle 6. wide flange
3. structural tee 7. s - shape
4. Flat bar 8. built- up section

Members consist of more than one section , such as built-up and box section should be tied together with
tie plate ( also called tie bars ) located at various interval or perforate cover plates serve to hold various
pieces in their correct position.

General Concept:
T
Areqd =
Ft
Allowable Tensile Stresses and Loads:

a tension member without holes or threads has a tensile strength ;

Fy
T= Ag = Ft Ag
S.F

When tension members have holes punch in them for rivets and bolts, then;
T = Ft An
Although the maximum strength of a member is often controlled by yielding strength at its net
section sometimes the gross section away from the holes may yield before the ultimate stress, F u , is
reached. This means that the actual failure may occur when the yield stress is reached on the gross
section.
So AISC specification provides that; (Working Stress Design ) or 2001 NSCP code
Ft = .60 Fy or .50 Fu
T=0.60Fy Ag or 0.50FUAe
For A36 steel , Fu = 58 ksi

Example of built up tension member.

Two C 12 x 30s 12 inches back to back as shown, have been

selected to support a 280 kips tensile load. The member is 30 ft
long ,consist of A 36 steel, and has one 7/8 in bolt through each
channel flange. Using the AISC specification and assuming that
Ct = 0.85 determine if the member is satisfactory.(using WSD)

Solution:
Using C 12 x 30s (A= 8.82 in2, tf =0.501 in.)

a) T= 0.60 Fy Ag = (0.60) (36)(2 x 8.82) = 381.0 k > 280 OK

b) Ct = 0.85
An =(2) (8.82) –4(1.0)(.501) =15.64 in2
T = 0.50Fu Ae + (0.50) (58) (.85)(15.64) = 385.5 k>280 OK

Slenderness ratio:
Ix = (2) (162) = 324 in4
Iy = (2)(5.14)+(2)(8.82)(5.33)2 =511 in4
 324
rx = = 4.29 in
17.64
l (30x12)
= =83.9 < 240 OK
r 4.29

The Limit State:

The basic limit state follows the standard form. The statement of the limit states and the
associated reduction factor and factor of safety are given :
LRFD ASD
𝑃𝑛
Pu ≤ φtPn ( Design strength) Pa ≤ Pa--- required strength ;
𝑃𝑛
–allowable strength
𝛺𝑡 𝛺𝑡

𝑃𝑢
Req'd Pn = ≤ Pn Req'd Pn = Pa Ωt ≤ Pn
φ𝑡
Resistance factor Load resistance factor
For yielding , φt = 0.90 Ωt = 1.67
For Fracture , φt = 0.75 Ωt = 2.00

𝑃𝑛 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔
Pu ≤ 0.90FyAg = = 0.60 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔
𝛺𝑡 1.67
𝑃𝑛 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔
Pu ≤ 0.75FuAe = = 0.50F𝑢𝐴𝑒
𝛺𝑡 2.00

The values of Pu and Pa are the LRFD and ASD factored loads, respectively, applied to the
member. In this case Pn is the nominal tensile strength of the member. Note that the
values for φt and Ωt are different in yielding and fracture state.

Net Areas
The term “ net cross-sectional area “ or simply “net area” refers to the gross cross-sectional area
of a member minus any holes, notche, or other indentation. Structural steels to be fabricated which is
connected with rivets or bolts the hole is usually punched 1/8” (3 mm) larger than diameter of the rivet
or bolt (AISC code), but if nominal bolt hole is given just add 1/16”(1.6mm). For 2015 NSCP code if
diameter of bolt is given add 4 mm for the diameter of its hole , or 2 mm if the given is the nominal bolt
hole. The connection of tension members should be arranged so that no eccentricity is present.

Effective Net Area;

A structural member is usually composed of several flat legs or elements joined together. The
simplest member is a plate which consists of only one element. An angle consists of two
elements. The familiar “I-beam” has five elements.
If all elements of a structural member has a fastener, then the formula for net area in
Section D can be used. However, some elements may not have a fastener. For instance,
W-sections, the web may have no fasteners. In such cases, the structural member is weaker
than the same structural member with fasteners on all elements. To account this weakness, the
net area is reduced by a reduction coefficient U which is less than or equal to unity. The
result is an effective net area Ae given by
Ae = U An (for bolted connection) or Ae = U Ag (for welded connection) , where U is the reduction factor due to shear slag
effect

EFFECTIVE NET STRESS

When a member other than a flat plate or bar is loaded in axial tension until failure occurs across
its net section its actual tensile failure stress will probably be less than the coupon tensile strength of
steel. This will normally be the case unless all the various element which make up the section are
connected so stress is transferred uniformly across the section. The reason for the reduced strength of
the member is the concentration of shear stress, called shear slag. in the vicinity of the connection. In
such a situation the flow of tensile stress between the full member cross section and the smaller
connected cross section is not 100 % effective. As a result the AISC (1.14.2.2) specifies that the
effective net area , Ae., of such a member is to be determined by multiplying its net area, An, by a
reduction coefficient, Ct , as follows.
Ae= CtAn or Ae=UAn
Effective Net Area
Type of members Minimum Special requirement Effective
Number of Net Area
Fasteners Ae
Per line
(a) full length tension
members having all cross-sectional elements connected to transmit
the tensile force 1 None An

(b) Short tension member fittings, such as splice plates, gusset plates, or An
beam-to column fittings 1 None But not to exceeding
0.85Ag
(c ) W , M , or rolled flangewidth 2
shapes 
3 sec tiondepth 3 0;90 An
Connection is to flange
or flanges
(d) structural tees cut from sections meeting requirements of (c) above
3 Connection is to 0;90 An
flange
or flanges
(e) W , M,or
S shapes not
meeting the
conditions of
3 none 0;85 An
(c ) , and
other
shapes,
including
built-up
sections ,
having
unconnected
segments
not in the
plane of the
loading

(f) All shapes in (c) ,(d) or (e) 2 none 0;75 An

Example 1):
In the figure shown, determine the net
area of the 3/8 in. plate. The plate is
connected at its end with two lines of
¾ inches bolt.

3 3 1 3
An =( )(8) –(2)( + ) ( ) = 2.34 in2
8 4 8 8

Example 2.)
1. A 6mm x 250 mm plate A36 steel is used as a tension member. It is connected to a gusset plate with four
16mm diameter bolt as shown. Assumed the that the effective area Ae equals the actual net area An .
a.) What is the design strength for LRFD?
b.) What is the allowable strength for ASD?

Solution: a)
For yielding of gross section; Ag = 250 (6) =1,500 mm2
 Then the nominal strength; Pn = FyAg = (248 MPa) (1,500) =372 KN
The design strength based in yielding ; Pu ≤ φtPn = 0.90(372) = 334.8 KN

For fracture of the net section:

An = Ag - Aholes = 1500- (6mm) (16+3mm)(2 holes) = 1272 mm2 = Ae
The nominal strength; Pn = FuAe = (400MPa)(1272 ) =508.8KN
The design strength based on fructure ; Pu ≤ φtPn = 0.75 (508.8) =381.65 KN
Answer a.) : The design strength for LRFD is the smaller value φtPn = 334.8 KN

b.)..What is the allowable strength for ASD?

𝑃𝑛 372.8
The allowable strength based in yielding ; Pu ≤ = = 223.233 KN
𝛺𝑡 1.67
𝑃𝑛 508.8
The allowable strength based on fructure ; Pu ≤ = = 254.400 KN
𝛺𝑡 2.00
Answer a.) : The allowable service load is the smaller value = 223.233 KN

Note: holes for the bolt is always bigger than diameter of bolt.If the nominal diameter of hole is given then add 1.6
mm (1/16”) of that hole or if not given the add 3mm(1/8”0) to the diameter of the bolt.

Example 3:
A single tension member , an L3½ x 3½ x 3/8 is connected to a gusset plate with 22 mm diameter
bolts as shown. A36 steel is used. The service loads are 156KN dead load and 67 KN live load.
Investigate this member for compliance with AISC Specification. Assumed that the effective net area is
85% of the computed net area.
a.) Use LRFD
b.) Used ASD

Solution:
Computing the nominal strengths. From the manual Ag= 2.5 in2 = 1,613 mm 2
d= 3½= 89 mm , t= 3/8” = 9.53 mm
Pn = FyAg = (248MPa)(1,613) = 400.024 KN

Computing the net section:

An = 1,613 – (9.53) (22+3mm) = 1,374.75 mm2
Ae = 0.85An = 0.85(1,374.75 = 1,168.538 mm2
Pn = FuAe = (400MPa)(1,168.538 ) =467.415 KN
a. Design strength based on yielding; φtPn = 0.90(400.024)= 360.02 KN
Design strength based on yielding; φtPn = 0.75(467.415)= 350.561 KN -governing

Solving for the controlling Load combination:

Combination 1: 1.4D = 1.4 (156 KN) = 218.4 KN
Combination 2: 1.2D + 1.6L = 1.2 (156 KN) + 1.6(67) = 294.4 KN
The bigger combination Pu = 294 KN will control
Answer: since Pu ≤ φtPn , (294 KN < 350.561 KN) , the member is satisfactory

b. Allowable strength ; for gross section

𝑃𝑛 400.024
= = 239.535 KN
𝛺𝑡 1.67

Allowable strength ; for net section

𝑃𝑛 467.415
= = 233.707 KN -governing
𝛺𝑡 2.00
 Pa = D+L = 156 + 67 = 223 KN
𝑃𝑛
Answer: since Pa ≤ , (223 KN < 233.7071 KN) , the member is satisfactory
𝛺𝑡

Effect of staggered holes

Should there be more than row of bolt or rivet holes in a member it is usually desirable to
stagger them in order to provide as large a net area as possible at any one section to resist the load.
To determine the critical net area considering the effect of the zigzag
s2
section using the expression where s is the longitudinal spacing (or pitch) of any hole and g is
4g
the traverse spacing

Example 1:
Determine the critical net area of the ½ -in thick plate
Shown, using the AISC specification . The holes are
for ¾ in bolt.

Solution
The net width for each case.

7
ABCD = 11 – (2)   = 9.25 in
8

 7   32 
ABCEF = 11 – (3)   + = 9.125 in (controls)
 8   ( 4)(3) 

 7   32 
ABEF = 11 – (2)   + = 9.625 in
 8   ( 4)(6) 

An = (9.125)( 1/2)=4.56

Example 2.

Determine the pitch which will give a net area DEFG equal to the
one along ABC. The holes is for 3/4 in bolt.

Solution:
7
ABC = 6 – (1)   = 5.125 in
8
 7   s2   s2 
DEFG = 6 –(2)   +  =4.25+  
 8   ( 4)(2)  8
 
But ; ABC = DEFG
 s2
5.125 = ; s =2.65 in
8

s2
The rule is merely an approximation or simplification of the complex stress variation which
4g
occurs in members with staggered arrangement of bolts and rivets. Steel specifications can only provide
minimum standards and designers will have to logically apply such information to complicated situation
which the specification could not cover in their attempts at brevity and simplicity.

Example 3:

Determine the net area of the W 12 x 16

Shown in the figure,
assuming the bolt holes are for
1-in bolts . Use AISC specification.

Solution:
From AISC handbook;
A = 4.71 in2 tw=0.220 in
d= 12 in
 1
ABDE = 4.71 – (2)  1  (0.220) = 4.21 in2
 8
 1  22 
ABCDE = 4.71 – (3)  1  (0.220)+(2)   (0.220) = 4.11 in2
 8  
 ( 4)(3) 

Example 4:

Determine the net area along the route

ABCDEF for the C 15 x 33.9 shown.
Holes are for 3/4 bolts.

Solution:

From the AISC handbook, the

Properties of channel C 15 x 33.9 are:
d= 15” , tf= 0.65” bf = 3.6 “, tw= 0.40 , A= 9.96 in 2

7 7  32 
App. Net area ABCDEF = 9.96- (2)   (0.65 )- (2)   (0.40)+   (0.40)
8 8  ( 4)(9) 
 
 32   0.65 + 0.40 
+(2)    = 8.736 in2
 ( 4)( 4.6)   2 
  

DESIGN OF TENSION MEMBERS

The designer has to consider in the design of tension member the following properties:
 1.compactness
2. dimension that fits into structure with reasonable relation to the
dimension of the member
3. connection as to many parts of the section as possible to minimize
slag.

Slenderness ratio of a member – is the ratio of its unsupported length to its least radius of gyration.

AISC recommendation for slenderness ratio;

For main members = 240
For bracing and other secondary members = 300

AASHTO recommendation for slenderness ratio

For main members = 220
For bracing and other secondary members = 240

Steps in the designing of tension members: (WSD)

1. Satisfy minimum gross area that must be at least equal to the following.
T
min A g =
0.60Fy

2. Satisfy the min value of Ae that must be at least

T
min Ae =
0.50Fu

And since Ae = Ct An the minimum value of An is

min A e T
min An = =
Ct 0.50Fu C t

T
min Ag = + estimated hole areas
0.50Fu C t

l actual un sup ported length

determine the trial, slenderness ratio, =
r recommende d slendernes s ratio
3. From that min Ag , and slenderness ratio , find a section you desired from the manual that has an
area not less than computed Ag , and determine the other important properties of the selected
section.

Example :

Select a W 12 section to resist a 390 k tensile load using A36 steel and the AISC specification. The
member is to be 30 ft. long and is to be connected through its flanges only with at least three 7/8 in. bolts
in each line. Assume that there can be as many as four bolt holes at any cross- section ( two in each
flange.).

Solution:
T 390
(a) min A g = = = 18.06 in2 (11,652 mm2 )
0.60Fy ( 0 . 60 )( 36 )

(a) Ct = 0.90 from the table of effective net area

Assume flanges are about 5/8 in (15.9 mm) thick after some study of the W 12 section in the
AISC manual
T
min Ag = + estimated hole areas
0.50Fu C t
 390 5
= + (4)(1.0)  = 17.44 in2 (11,252 mm2)
(0.50)(58)(0.90) 8
l 30x12l
c. min r= = =1.50 in (38.1 mm)
240 240
Axis - X Axis
W A d tw bf tf rt Ix Sx rx Iy Sy
Designation
kg/m mm2 mm mm mm mm mm ×103 mm4 ×103 mm3 mm ×103 mm4 ×103 mm3
W 12 × 79 117.74 14,968 314.50 11.90 306.80 18.70 84.07 275,545 1,752 135.68 89,906 586
W 12 × 72 107.08 13,613 311.20 10.90 305.80 17.00 83.57 248,490 1,597 135.11 81,165 531
W 12 × 65 96.93 12,323 307.80 9.90 304.80 15.40 83.31 221,851 1,442 134.18 72,424 475

W 12 × 58 86.27 10,968 309.60 9.10 254.30 16.30 69.09 197,710 1,277 134.26 44,537 350
W 12 × 53 79.16 10,064 306.30 8.80 253.90 14.60 68.83 176,898 1,155 132.58 39,875 314
W 12 × 50 74.60 9,484 309.60 9.40 205.20 16.30 55.12 163,995 1,059 131.50 23,434 228
W 12 × 45 66.99 8,516 306.30 8.50 204.30 14.60 54.61 145,681 951 130.79 20,812 204
W 12 × 40 59.88 7,613 303.30 7.50 203.30 13.10 54.36 129,032 851 130.19 18,356 181

Try W12 x 65( A=19.1 in2 , tf=.605 in , ry = 3.02 in )

Try W12 x 65 ( A=12,323 mm2 , tf=.15.4 mm , ry = 83.81 mm )
Investigation:
T= (0.60)(36)(19.1) = 412.6 k > 390 k OK
Ae = CtAn =0.90[19.1-4(1.0)(0.605)] = 15.01 in2
T= (0.50)(58)(15.01) = 435.3 k > 390 k OK
l 30x12l
= = 119 < 240 OK
r 3.02

Example2:

Design a 9 ft single angle tension member to support a total tensile load of 65.8 k. The member is to be
connected to one leg only with 7/8 in bolts ( at least three in a line) Assume that only one bolt is located
at any one cross section . Use the AISC specification and A 36 Steel.

T 65.8
(a) min A g = = = 3.05 in2
0.60Fy (0.60)(36)
b.) Ct = 0.85 from the table of effective net area
T
min An = + estimated hole areas
0.50Fu C t
65.8
min An = = 2.67 in2
0.50(58)(0.85)

𝑙 9 𝑥 12
c.) min r= = =0.45
240 240
From the manual ,the lightest angle that has an area of
A=3.05 is L5 x 3 ½ x 3/8 which has a least r =0.762 > 0.45.