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 rupture , 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 rupture 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

Tension Problem 1 :
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
Tension Members other failure : Block Shear , Shear of bolt
And bearing of bolt holes
Given the following data of the tension connection shown:
Using A36 steel , Fy =248 MPa Fu = 400 MPa
Deadload PD = 450 KN.
Bolt diameter = 22 mm
Determine the Live load that can be carried by the member.

NSCP 2001 useful related code:

504.2.1 The allowable stress Ft shall not exceed o.06 Fy on the
Gross area nor 0.50 Fu on the effective net area. In addition, pin
Connected members shall meet the requirements of section
Section 504.4.1 at the pinhole.

502.3.2 The width of a bolt or rivets holes shall be taken

As 1.6 mm greater than nominal dimension.

Using NSCP 2001:

Gross area: Ag =350(22) =7,700 mm2
P = 0.60 FyAg = 0.60(248)(7700) = 1145.76 KN

Considering Net (effective area)

An = ⟮350 – 3(24+1.6)⟯(22) = 6,010.4 mm2
Ae = UAn but for this problem the total load is
uniformly distributed such that U=1
P = 0.50 FuAe = 0.50(400)(6010.4) = 1202.08 KN

For Block shear NSCP 2001:

510.5 Allowable shear Rupture
510.5.1 at a beam end connections where the top flange is
coped, and in similar situation where failure might occur by
shear along a plane through the fasteners, or by a combination
of shear along a fasteners plus tension along a perpendicular
plane:
Fp = 0.30 Fu (Acting on the net shear area Av)
Fp = 0.50 Fu (Acting on the net tension area A t)

1st possible failure:

At =⟮200-2(24+1.6)⟯ (22) = 3273.6 mm2
Av =⟮190-2.5(24+1.6)⟯ (22)(2) =5544mm2
P=0.50 FuAt + 0.30 FuAv
P=0.50 (400)(3273.6) + 0.30(400)(5544)
P = 1,320 KN

2nd possible failure:

At =⟮275-2.5(24+1.6)⟯ (22) = 4642 mm2
Av =⟮190-2.5(24+1.6)⟯ (22) =2772mm2
P=0.50 FuAt + 0.30 FuAv
P=0.50 (400)(4642) + 0.30(400)(2772)
P = 1,261.04 KN

Safe P = 1145.76 KN ← from gross area

P = PD + PL ≤1145.76 (note PD= 450 KN)
PL ≤ 695.76 KN

Using NSCP 2015 : Using LRFD

Tensile yielding : Ф = 0.90
Gross area: Ag =350(22) =7,700 mm2
Rn = FyAg =(248)(7700) = 1909.6 KN
Ф Rn = 0.90 (1909.6 KN) =718.64 KN (designed strength)

Tensile rupture: Rn = FuAe (Ф = 0.75)

In computing the net area for tension and shear the width of the bolt holes shall be taken 2 mm greater than
the nominal dimension of the hole. and Ae ≤ 0.85 Ag

Ae = UAn but for this problem the total load is

uniformly distributed such that U=1 ; therefore, Ae= 5984 mm2 ≤ 0.85 Ag ok.
Rn = FuAe =(400)(5984) = 2393.6 KN
Ф Rn = 0.75 (2393.6 KN) = 1795.2 KN

BLOCK SHEAR STRENGTH:

Rn = 0.60FuAnv + UbsFuAnt ≤ 0.60FyAgv + UbsFuAnt
Agv = gross area subject to shear
Ant = net area subject to tension
Anv = net area subject to shear

1st possible failure:

Where tension stress is uniform Ubs = 1 otherwise , It’s 0.50
Ant = (200 – 2(24+2))(22) = 3256 mm2
Anv = ⟮190 – 2.5(24+2)⟯(22)(2) = 5500 mm2
Agv = 190 (22)(2) = 8360 mm2

Rn1 = 0.60FuAnv + UbsFuAnt

Rn1 = 0.60(400)(5500) + (1)(400)(3256) = 2622.4 KN

Rn2 = 0.60FyAgv + UbsFuAnt

Rn2 = 0.60(248)(8360) + (1)(400)(3256) = 2546.37 KN

2nd possible failure:

Where tension stress is uniform Ubs = 1 otherwise , It’s 0.50
Ant = (275 – 2.5(24+2))(22) = 4620 mm2
Anv = ⟮190 – 2.5(24+2)⟯(22) = 2750 mm2
Agv = 190 (22) = 4180mm2

Rn1 = 0.60FuAnv + UbsFuAnt

Rn1 = 0.60(400)(2750) + (1)(400)(4620) = 2508 KN

Rn2 = 0.60FyAgv + UbsFuAnt

Rn2 = 0.60(248)(4180) + (1)(400)(4620) = 2470 KN (governing result)
Ф Rn = 0.75 (2470 KN) = 1852.5 KN

Summary :
Tension Yielding = 1718.64 KN (governing result)
Tension rupture = 1795.20 KN
Tension due to block shear = 1852.5 KN
Ru =1.2 PD + 1.6 PL ≤ Ф Rn
1.2 (450) + 1.6 PL ≤ 1718.64
PL =736.65 KN

2) The W150 x 24 tension member is connected as shown.

All steel is A36 steel. The bolts are A325 bolts with threaded
From shear planes (Fnv=467 MPa)

Given:
Bolt diameter, db =16 mm
Hole diameter, dh = 18 mm
Gusset plate thickness , tg= 12 mm
Fy =248 MPa ; Fu= 400 MPa
s1=40 mm ; s2= 80 mm ; s3= 30 mm

Properties of W150 x 24:

A= 3060 mm2
d=160 mm
bf =102 mm
tf= 10.3 mm
tw= 6.6 mm

Compute the design and allowable strength of the member

based on all possible mode of failure.

504.1 Slenderness Limitation

There is no maximum slenderness limit for design of members in tension.
User Note: For members designed on the basis of tension the slenderness ratio L/r preferable should not exceed
300.This not apply to rods or hanger in tension.

504.2 Tensile strength;

𝑃
The design tensile strength ФPn and allowable tensile strength 𝑛 of tension member shall be lower value
𝛺
Obtained according to the limit states of tensile yielding in the cross-section and the tensile rupture in the net
section.

Tensile yielding in the cross-section

Pn = Fy Ag

LRFD: Ф = 0.90 , ASD: 𝛺 = 1.67

Tensile rupture in the net section

Pn = FuAe
LRFD: Ф = 0.75 , ASD: 𝛺 = 2.00

Tensile yielding in the cross-section

Pn = Fy Ag ; Ag = A= 3060 mm2
Pn = (248) (3060) = 758.88 KN
Design strength; ФPn = 0.90 (758.88 KN) = 682.992 KN (LRFD)
Pu = 1.2PD + 1.6PL where Pu ≤ ФPn

𝑃𝑛 758.88
Allowable strength ; = = 454.419 KN (ASD)
𝛺 1.67
𝑃𝑛
P = PD + PL where P ≤
𝛺
Net area rupture of W-section :
An = 3060 – 4(18+2)(10.3) = 2236 mm2
Determine the value of shear lag factor, from the table consider case 7: 2/3 of d = 2/3(160)=106.667>bf
Therefore use U= 0.85
Ae = 0.85 (2236) = 1900.6 mm2
Pn = FuAe = 400(1900.6) = 760.24 KN
Design strength; ФPn = 0.75 (760.24 KN) = 570.18 KN (LRFD)
𝑃𝑛 760.24
Allowable strength ; = = 380.12 KN (ASD)
𝛺 2.00
For Bolt Shear strength:
Fnv = 457 MPa
LRFD: Ф = 0.75 , ASD: 𝛺 = 2.00
𝜋
Area of bolt , Ab= (16)2 = 201.062 mm2
4
Rn = (457)(201.062) 12 = 1102.624 KN ←nominal capacity of the bolts

Design strength; ФPn = 0.75 (1102.624 KN) = 826.968 KN (LRFD)

𝑃𝑛 1102.624
Allowable strength ; = = 551.312 KN (ASD)
𝛺 2.00

Based on Bearing at bolt holes in the flange of W-section.

Assuming that the deformation at the bolt hole at service load
Is not a design consideration.

a.)..When the deformation of bolt hole service is a design consideration.

Rn = 1.2LctFu ≤ 2.4dbtFu

b.)..When the deformation of bolt hole service is not a design consideration.

Rn = 1.5LctFu ≤ 3.0dbtFu

db = nominal bolt diameter

Lc ← clear distance, in the direction of load ,between the
edge of the hole and edge of adjacent hole or edge of material.
t = thickness of the connected part.
Lc1 = S1 – dh/2 = 31 mm
Lc2 = S2 – dh = 62 mm
t= tf =10.3 mm

1.5Lc1tFu = 1.5(31)(10.3)(400) = 191.58 KN ≤ 3.0dbtFu = 3.0(16)(10.3)(400) = 197.76 KN

1.5Lc2tFu = 1.5(62)(10.3)(400) = 383.16 KN > 3.0dbtFu therefore use 197.76 KN
Rn =1.5LctFu + 3.0dbtFu
Rn =⟮1.5LctFu + 2(3.0dbtFu)⟯4 = ⟮(191.58) + 2( 197.76)⟯4 = 2,348.4 KN
Design strength; ФPn = 0.75 (2348.4 KN) = 1761.3 KN (LRFD)
𝑃𝑛 2348.4
Allowable strength ; = = 1174.2 KN (ASD)
𝛺 2.00

For block shear of W-section:

Rn = 0.60FuAnv + UbsFuAnt ≤ 0.60FyAgv + UbsFuAnt
possible failure:
Where tension stress is uniform Ubs = 1 otherwise , It’s 0.50
Ant = (S3 – 0.5de)(tf)(4)
Ant = (30 – 0.5(20))(10.3)(4) = 824 mm2
Agv = (40+2(80))(10.3) (4) = 8240 mm2
Anv = Agv – 2.5det(4)
Anv = 8240 – 2.5(20)(10.3)(4) = 6180 mm2.
Rn1 = 0.60FuAnv + UbsFuAnt
Rn1 = 0.60(400)(6180) + (1)(400)(824) = 1812.8 KN

Rn2 = 0.60FyAgv + UbsFuAnt

Rn2 = 0.60(248)(8240) + (1)(400)(824) = 1555.712 KN
Design strength; ФPn = 0.75 (1555.712 KN) = 1166.784 KN (LRFD)
𝑃 1555.712
Allowable strength ; 𝑛 = = 777.856 KN (ASD)
𝛺 2.00
For block shear of Gusset plate:
Rn = 0.60FuAnv + UbsFuAnt ≤ 0.60FyAgv + UbsFuAnt

Where tension stress is uniform Ubs = 1 otherwise , It’s 0.50

Ant = (S4 – de)(tf)(2)
Ant = (102-2(30) – (20))(12)(2) = 528 mm2
Agv = (40+2(80))(12) (4) = 9600 mm2
Anv = Agv – 2.5det(4)
Anv = 9600 – 2.5(20)(12)(4) = 7200 mm2.

Rn1 = 0.60FuAnv + UbsFuAnt

Rn1 = 0.60(400)(7200) + (1)(400)(528) = 1,939.2 KN

Rn2 = 0.60FyAgv + UbsFuAnt

Rn2 = 0.60(248)(9600) + (1)(400)(528) = 1,639.68 KN
Design strength; ФPn = 0.75 (1639.68 KN) = 1229.76 KN (LRFD)
𝑃 1639.68
Allowable strength ; 𝛺𝑛 = 2.00 = 819.84 KN (ASD)

Ae= CtAn or 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

DESIGN OF TENSION MEMBER
Given: L = 1.0 m , Fy =248 MPa , Fu = 400 MPa.
Dead Load = 85 KN , Live Load = 200 KN , bolt diameter = 16 mm

For LRFD: For ASD:

Pu = 1.2 (85) + 1.6 ( 200) = 422 KN P a = (85) + ( 200) = 280 KN

Tensile yielding in the cross-section

LRFD: Ф = 0.90 ASD: 𝛺 = 1.67
𝛺𝑃𝑎 (1.67)(280,000)
Pn = Fy Ag or Pu = 0.90FyAg Ag= = = 1,885.48 mm2
𝐹𝑦 248
422x103 = 0.90(248) Ag
Ag = 1890.68 mm2

Tensile rupture in the net section

LRFD: Ф = 0.75 ASD: 𝛺 = 2.00
𝛺𝑃𝑎 (2.0)(280,000)
Pn = FuAe or Pu = 0.75FuAe Ae = = =1,400 mm2
𝐹𝑢
422 = 0.75(400)Ae
Ae = 1386.667 mm2

Try plate with thickness , t=12 mm Try plate with thickness , t=12 mm

1890.68 = (12 ) w 1885.48 = (12 ) w

w = 155 mm say use 160 mm w = 157.12 mm say use 160 mm

Actual gross area Ag = 160(12)= 1,920 mm2 Actual gross area Ag = 160(12)= 1,920 mm2

Assume u=1 because it is a flat plate . Ae =An

An = Ag – n(dia.of hole)t
1386.667 = 1920 -n(16+4) (12)
n =2.2 say 2 holes.
Investigation:
𝑃𝑛 (248)(1920)
Actual net area, An = 1920-2(20)(12) = 1,440 mm2 Pa= =
𝛺 1.67
Investigation: Pa=285.126 KN > 280 KN safe
Pn = FyAg or Pu = 0.90FyAg
Pu = 0.90(248)( 1,920 )
Pu = 428.544 KN > 422 KN ok. safe
𝑃𝑛 (400)(1440)
Pa= =
𝛺 2.0
Pn = FuAe or Pu = 0.75FuAe Pa=288 KN > 280 KN safe
Pu = 0.75(400)( 1,440 )
Pu = 432 KN 422 KN ok. safe
For the number of bolts based on Bolt Shear strength:
𝑃𝑛 𝐹𝑣 (𝐴𝑁)
Fnv = 457 MPa Pa= =
𝛺 2.0
𝜋 2 𝜋
Area of bolt , Ab= (16) Area of bolt , A= (16)2 = 201 mm2
4 4
457 (201)𝑁
280 KN = 2.0
𝜋
422 KN =0.75 (457) (16)2 nb N = 6.096 say 7 pcs.
4
nb = 6.12 say 7 pcs. of bolts