CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS

STEEL DESIGN

Steel structures commonly consist of frames, cables and trusses, and plated structures. The bracing in the form of
diagonal members provides the lateral stiffness. For steel elements, generally, the standard shapes, which are
specified according to the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards, are used. The properties of
these elements are listed in the beginning of the manual of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
under Dimensions and Properties section. A common element is an I-shaped section having horizontal flanges
that are connected at the top and bottom of a vertical web. This type of section is classified into W, M, S, and HP
shapes, the difference in these shapes essentially being in the width and thickness of flanges. A typical
designation “W14 × 68” means a wide flange section having a nominal depth of 14 in. and a weight of 68 lb/ft. of
length.

The other standard shapes are channels (C and MC), angles (∟), and tees (WT, MT, and ST). Tubular shapes are
common for compression members. The rectangular and square sections are designated by the letters HSS along
with the outer dimensions and the wall thickness. The round tubing is designated as HSS round (for Grade 42) and
pipes (for Grade 35) along with the outer diameter and the wall thickness.

The structural shapes are available in many grades of steel classified according to the ASTM specifications. The
commonly used grades of steel for various structural shapes are listed:
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Tension members are structural elements that are subjected to axial tensile forces. They are used in various types
of structures and include truss members, bracing for buildings and bridges, cables in suspended roof systems, and
cables in suspension and cable-stayed bridges.

The strength of the tension member is based on its cross-sectional area.

The stress in an axially loaded tension member is given by

3.2 NOMINAL STRENGTH OF TENSION MEMBERS

A ductile steel member without holes and subjected to a tensile load can resist without fracture a load larger than
its gross sectional area times its yield stress because of its strain hardening. If on the other hand, we have a
tension member with bolt holes, it can possibly fail by fracture at the net section through the holes. This failure
load may very well be smaller than the load required to yield the gross section, apart from the holes. It is to be
realized that the potion of the member where we have a reduced cross-sectional area due to the Prescence of
the holes normally is very short compared with the total length of the member.

The presence of hole obviously increases the unit stress in a tension member, even if the hole is occupied by the
bolt. There is still less area of steel to which the load can be distributed, and there will be some concentration of
stress along the edges of the holes.
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

This reduced area is referred to as the net area, or net section, and the unreduced area is the gross area.

MODES OF FAILURE FOR TENSION

MEMBERS
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

NSCP 2015 – DESIGN CODE

3.2 TENSILE STRENGTH

A tension member can fail by reaching one of two limit states: excessive deformation(Fy) or fracture (Fu).
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

3.3 EFFECTIVE NET AREA

Of the several factors influencing the performance of a tension member, the manner in which it is connected is
the most important. A connection almost always weakens the member, and the measure of its influence is called
the joint efficiency. This factor is a function of the ductility of the material, fastener spacing, stress concentrations
at holes, fabrication procedure, and a phenomenon known as shear lag.
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

CATEGORY OF SHEAR LAG FACTOR U

Case 1: For any type of tension member except plates and round HSS with l ≥ 1.3D

where x = distance from centroid of connected area to the plane of the connection

l = length of the connection

 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

CASE 2: In general, U = 1.0 for plates, since the cross section has only one element and it is connected. There is
one exception for welded plates, however. If the member is connected with longitudinal welds on each side with
no transverse weld, the following values apply:

Case 3: Round HSS with l ≥ 1.3D

Case 4: Alternatives to Equation 3.1 for Single and Double Angles:

The following values may be used in lieu of Equation 3.1.

1. For four or more fasteners in the direction of loading, U = 0.80.

2. For three fasteners in the direction of loading, U = 0.60.

Case 5: Alternatives to Equation 3.1 for W, M, S, HP, or Tees Cut from These Shapes:
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

If the following conditions are satisfied, the corresponding values may be used in lieu of Equation 3.1

1. Connected through the flange with three or more fasteners in the direction of loading, with a width at
least 2 ⁄3 of the depth: U = 0.90.
2. Connected through the flange with three or more fasteners in the direction of loading, with a width less
than 2 ⁄3 of the depth: U = 0.85.
3. Connected through the web with four or more fasteners in the direction of loading: U = 0.70.

3.3 EFFECTIVE DIAMETER HOLE

This is the assumed hole (bolts and or rivets) diameter that will be drilled in the steel.
Say, a 16 mm diameter bolt is to be used for built up section determine EDH.
∅ bolt =16 mm
∅ h ole=16 mm+2 mm∨1 /16
1
∅ eff . =16 mm+(2 mm+2 mm∨ )
8
∅ eff . = ∅h ole + 2mm or (1/8)
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

EXAMPLE:

1. A 13 x 127 mm plate of A36 steel is used as a tension member. It is connected to a gusset plate with four
16mm-diameter bolts as shown in the figure. Determine the design and the allowable strength of the
member. (A36: Fy = 248 Mpa and Fu= 400 Mpa)

2. A wide flange, W250 x 42, will carry a 200 kN dead load and 150 kN live load. The diameter of the bolt is
16 mm and an A36 steel is used. Check the adequacy of this tension member. Use LRFD and ASD
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

3.4 STAGGERED FASTENERS

If a tension member connection is made with bolts, the net area will be maximized if the fasteners are
placed in a single line. Sometimes space limitations, such as a limit on dimension a in Figure 3.14a,
necessitate using more than one line. If so, the reduction in cross-sectional area is minimized if the
fasteners are arranged in a staggered pattern, as shown. Sometimes staggered fasteners are required by
the geometry of a connection, such as the one shown in Figure 3.14b. In either case, any cross section
passing through holes will pass through fewer holes than if the fasteners are not staggered.

If the amount of stagger is small enough, the influence of an offset hole may be felt by a nearby cross
section, and fracture along an inclined path such as abcd in Figure 3.14c is possible. In such a case, the
relationship f = P/A does not apply, and stresses on the inclined portion b–c are a combination of tensile
and shearing stresses. Several approximate methods have been proposed to account for the effects of
staggered holes. Cochrane (1922) proposed that when deducting the area corresponding to a staggered
hole, use a reduced diameter, given by

where d is the hole diameter, s is the stagger, or pitch, of the bolts (spacing in the direction of the load),
and g is the gage (transverse spacing).
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

In short;

 Staggered Connection for other structural steel shapes.

Note: All possible failure path must be solved

Solve all path and consider least area value

 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

Examples:
1. An angle bar L8x6x1/2 with staggered fasteners in each leg is shown in the figure. A36 steel is used, and holes
are for 7 ⁄8-inch-diameter bolts. Use Ag = 6.8 in2
a. Determine the design strength for LRFD.
b. Determine the allowable strength for ASD
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

EXAMPLE: An angle with staggered fasteners in each leg is shown in the figure. A36 steel is used, and holes are for
22mm diameter bolts. Determine the design and allowable strength of the member.

Try this: Determine the design and allowable strength for the A36 channel as shown in the figure. The are for
16mm diameter bolts. Use
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

3.5 BLOCK SHEAR STRENGTH

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 in Figure 3.21 is
susceptible to this phenomenon, called block shear.
CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

EXAMPLE: Compute the block shear design and allowable strength of the tension members shown in the figure.
The bolts are 16mm diameter bolts and A36 steel is used.

Try this: Compute the block shear design and allowable strength of the tension member shown below. The bolts
are 20 mm diameter bolts and A36 steel is used.
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

DESIGN OF TENSION MEMBERS

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.
 CHAPTER 3- TENSION MEMBERS
STEEL DESIGN

SEATWORK 03 : TENSION MEMBERS

1. A MC 9 x 18.7 with tf = 0.500” and tw = 0.353” , bf = 2.98” is to

be used to support service loads of LL= 96 kips, snow load = 52
kips, rain load = 48 kips and DL = 102 kips. If the tension
member is connected with nominal bolt hole diameter of 5/8"
inch. Prove the adequacy of the section in LRFD and ASD.
Consider block shear strength and A572 grade 50 steel. Fy =
50ksi, Fu = 65ksi

FINAL ANSWERS:
LRFD: ___________ ___ _____________ THEREFORE __________
ASD : ___________ ___ _____________ THEREFORE __________

2. A W12 x 30 (Fy = 50 ksi, Fu = 65 ksi) of 20 ft long is subjected to a

tensile force. The member is connected to a gusset plate with 7/8”
diameter bolt. Compute the total service load (live load and deadload,
including the weight of the member,) if deadload is member’s self-
weight less than twice of the live load. Consider all limit state in your
calculation
Ans: ( total service load in each limit state) – 5 pts each
a. ____________________
b. ____________________
c. ____________________
Ans: ( maximum total service load
the member could carry) – 25 pts.
d._____________________