Chapter 3: Analysis and Design of Tension Members

Topic Outcomes
At the end of this chapter the students should be able to:
1. Determine the nominal strengths of tension members
using LRFD and ASD method
2. Understand the concept of net area and effective net area
for bolted and welded tension members
3. Understand the effect of staggered holes in bolted tension
members
4. Determine the block shear strength of tension members
5. Learn and apply the procedures of designing tension
members using LRFD and ASD design specifications
Topic Outline

 Introduction
 Analysis of Tension Members
 Nominal Strength of Tension Members
 Net and Effective Net Area
 Staggered Fasteners
 Block Shear Strength
 Design of Tension Members
 Threaded Rods And Cables
 Tension Members In Roof Trusses
 Pin-connected Members
Introduction

 Tension members are structural elements that are subjected to

axial tensile forces
 Structural application/use
 Truss members
 Bracing for buildings and bridges
 Cables in suspended roof systems
 Cables in suspension and cable-stayed bridges
 Any cross-sectional configuration may be used, because for any
given material, the only determinant of strength of a tension
member is cross-sectional area
 Typical Cross-section used for Tension Members
 Presence of holes in a member will influence the stress
at a cross-section through the hole
 At these locations the cross-sectional area will be
reduced by an amount equal to the area removed by
the holes
 Tension members are frequently connected at their
ends with bolts
 Gusset Plate – a connection element whose purpose
is to transfer the load from the member to a support
or to another member (see figure)
 Ag = (1/2) (8) = 4 in2

An = 4 – (2)(1/2) (7/8) = 3.12 in2

 Typical Design problem – to select a member
with sufficient cross-sectional area to resist the
load
 Analysis Problem – a review of a given member
where in the strength is computed and compared
with the load
 In general, analysis is a direct procedure but
design is an iterative process and may require
some trial and error.
Analysis of Tension Member

 Tensile Strength
 Tension member can fail by reaching of two limit
states:
 Excessive Deformation
 Fracture
 To prevent excessive deformation, initiated by yielding,
the load on the gross section must be small enough
that the stress on the gross section is less than the
yield stress Fy
 To prevent fracture, the stress on the net section must
be less than the tensile strength Fu
 In each case the stress P/A must be less than the
limiting stress F
 Ae = Effective net Area
 Ag = Gross Area
 LRFD: In Load and Resistance Factor Design,
the factored tensile load is compared to the
design strength. The design strength is the
resistance factor times the nominal strength
Ru ≤ Φ Rn
Pu ≤ Φ Pn
where: Pu = governing combination of factored
loads
 Resistance Factor
For yielding, Φt = 0.90
For fracture, Φt = 0.75
 Limit States:
Pu ≤ 0.90 Fy Ag
Pu ≤ 0.75 Fu Ae

The smaller of these is the design strength of the

member
 ASD: In Allowable Strength Design, the total service load is
compared to the allowable strength (allowable load).

Pa ≤ Pn/Ωn

where: Pa = required strength (applied load)

Pn/Ωn = allowable strength

 For yielding of the gross area, Ωt = 1.67

Pn/Ωt = Fy Ag / 1.67 = 0.60 Fy Ag

 For fracture of the net area, Ωt = 2.0

Pn/Ωt = Fu Ae / 2.0 = 0.50 Fu Ae
Sample Problem 1

1. A ½ “ x 5” plate of A36 steel is used as a tension

member. It is connected to a gusset plate with
four – 5/8” diameter bolts. Assume Ae = An :
a. What is the design strength for LRFD?
b. What is the allowable strength for ASD?
Solution

 For A36 steel: Fy = 36 ksi ; Fu = 58 ksi

 For yielding of the gross section;
Ag = (5)(1/2) = 2.5 in2

 Nominal Strength:
Pn = Fy * Ag = (36) (2.5) = 90 kips
 For fracture of the net section;
diam. hole = diam. Bolt +1/8”
Ae = An = Ag – Aholes = 2.5 - (1/2)(3/4)(2)= 1.75 in2

 Nominal Strength:
Pn = Fu * Ae = (58) (1.75) = 101.5 kips

a. Design strength for LRFD

 Based on yielding: Φt Pn = 0.9 (90) = 81 kips
 Based on fracture: Φt Pn = 0.75(101.5) = 76.1 kips

 The design strength for LRFD is the smaller value

Φt Pn = 76.1 kips
b. Allowable strength for ASD
 Based on yielding: Pn/Ωt = (90)/1.67 = 53.9 kips
 Based on fracture: Pn/Ωt = (101.5)/2.0 = 50.8 kips

 The allowable service load for ASD is the smaller value

Pn/Ωt = 50.8 kips
Sample Problem 2

2. A single–angle tension member L89x89x9.5 is

connected to a gusset plate with 22mm diam. bolt as
shown. A36 steel is used. (Fy = 250 Mpa; Fu = 400
Mpa). The service loads are 156 kN dead load and
67kN live load. Investigate this member for
compliance to AISC specifications. Assume that
effective net area is 85% of the computed net area.
a. Use LRFD
b. Use ASD
L89x89x9.5mm
Solution

 L89x89x9.5; Ag = 1600 mm2

 For A36 steel: Fy = 250 MPa ; Fu = 400 Mpa

 Nominal Strength:
Pn = Fy * Ag = (250) (1600) x 10-3 = 400 kN
 For fracture of the net section;
diam. hole = diam. Bolt +3mm = 22+3 = 25mm
Ae = 0.85An
Ae = 0.85 [1600 –(25)(9.5)(1)] = 1158.125 mm2

 Nominal Strength:
Pn = Fu * Ae = (400)(1158.125)x10-3 = 463.25 kN
a. Design strength for LRFD
 Based on yielding: ΦtPn = 0.9 (400) = 360 kN
 Based on fracture: ΦtPn = 0.75(463.25)
= 347.43 kN

 The design strength for LRFD is the smaller value

Φt Pn = 347.43 kN
 Factored Load: When only dead load and live load present,
load combination with a chance of controlling are
combinations 1 and 2
 Combination 1: Pu = 1.4 D = 1.4 * 156 = 218.4 kN
 Combination 2: Pu = 1.2D +1.6L
= 1.2(156) +1.6 (67)
= 294.4 kN (controls)

Since Pu < Φ Pn, the member is satisfactory

b. Allowable strength for ASD
 Based on yielding: Pn/Ωt = (400)/1.67 = 239.52 kN
 Based on fracture: Pn/Ωt = (463.25)/2.0 = 231.625 kN
 The allowable service load for ASD is the smaller value
Pn/Ωt = 231.625 kN
 Allowable Load: When only dead load and live load
present, load combination 2 will always control
 Combination 2: Pa = D +L = 156 +67 = 223 kN

Since Pa < Pn/Ωt, the member is satisfactory

Sample Problem 3

Notation: LLBB – Long Legs Back to Back

SLBB – Short Legs Back to Back
Solution

 Approach: Consider one angle and double the result

 For A36 steel: Fy = 36 ksi; Fu = 58 ksi
 For L5x3x5/16; Ag = 2.41 in2

 Nominal Strength:
Pn = Fy * Ag = (36) (2.41) = 86.76 kips
 For fracture of the net section;
diam. hole = diam. Bolt +1/8” = ½ +1/8 = 5/8
An = 2.41 – (5/16)(5/8)(2) = 2.019 in2
Ae = 0.75An = 0.75 (2.019) =1.514 in2

 Nominal Strength:
Pn = Fu * Ae = (58) (1.514) = 87.81 kips
a. Design strength for LRFD
 Based on yielding: Φt Pn = 0.9 (86.76) =
78.08 kips
 Based on fracture: Φt Pn = 0.75(87.81) =
65.68 kips (controls)

 The design strength for 2-L5x3x5/16 using LRFD

is 2(65.68) = 132 kips
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.
 Shear lag occurs when some elements of the cross section are
not connected, as when only one leg of an angle is bolted to a
gusset plate, as shown
 The consequence of this partial connection is that the
connected element becomes overloaded and the unconnected
part is not fully stressed.
 Bolted Connections, the Effective Net Area Ae
Ae = An U
Welded Connections, the Effective Area
Ae = Ag U

where: U = reduction factor (Shear Lag Factor)

Shear Lag Factors for Connections to Tension Members
Determination
of Length, l
Sample Illustrations

1. Case 1 – general condition for plates (U = 1.0)

2. Case 2
3. Case 3 – load is transmitted by
transverse weld only

4. Case 4 – load is transmitted by

longitudinal weld only
5. Case 5 – Round HSS
6. Case 6 – Rectangular HSS
7. Case 7 – W, M, S or HP Shape
8. Case 8 – Single or Double Angles
Sample Problem 1

Determine the effective net area for the tension member

shown
Solution:

Ae = An U;
Sample Problem 2

Determine the LRFD design strength and ASD allowable design

tensile strength for a W10X45 with two lines of 19mm diam. bolts
in each flange using A572 Grade 50 steel, with Fy = 345 MPa and
Fu = 450MPa and the AISC Specifications. There are assumed to
be at least three bolts in each line 100mm on center and the bolts
are not staggered with respect to each other.
Properties of W10x45:
Ag = 8581 mm2; d = 256.5mm
bf = 203.7mm tf = 15.7mm
Properties of WT5x22.5:
x = 23.04mm (y in ASEP Steel Handbook)
Solution

 For A572 steel: Fy = 345 MPa ; Fu = 450 Mpa

 Properties of W10x45:
Ag = 8581 mm2; d = 256.5mm
bf = 203.7mm tf = 15.7mm
 Properties of WT5x22.5:
x = 23.04mm (y in ASEP Steel Handbook)

 Nominal Strength:
Pn = Fy * Ag = (345) (8581) x 10-3 = 2960.445 kN
 For fracture of the net section;
diam. hole = diam. Bolt +3mm = 19+3 = 22mm
An = [8581 –(22)(15.7)(4)] = 7199.4 mm2
Ae = An * U

 Case 2: U = 1- x/L
U = 0.885

 L = 2(100)
L = 200mm
 x = 23.04mm
 bf/d = 203.7/256.5 = 0.794 > 2/3;
Case 7; U = 0.90 (use larger U)

 Ae = An * U = (0.90)(7199.4 mm2)
 Ae = 6479.46 mm2

 Nominal Strength:
Pn = Fu * Ae = (450)(6479.46) x 10-3 = 2915.757 kN
a. Design Strength for LRFD
 Based on yielding: ΦtPn = 0.9(2960.445)
ΦtPn = 2664.4 kN
 Based on fracture: ΦtPn =0.75(2915.757)
=2186.81kN (controls)

 The design strength for W10x45 using LRFD is

2186.81 kN
b. Allowable strength for ASD
 Based on yielding: Pn/Ωt = (2960.445)/1.67 =
1772.72 kN
 Based on fracture: Pn/Ωt = (2915.757)/2.0 =
1457.878 kN

 The allowable service load for ASD is the smaller

value
Pn/Ωt = 1457.878 kN
Sample Problem 3

The 1x6in plate shown is connected to a 1x10in plate with

longitudinal fillet welds to transfer a tensile load. Determine the
LRFD design tensile strength and the ASD allowable tensile
strength of the member if Fy = 50 ksi and Fu = 65 ksi
 Sample Problem 4

Compute the LRFD design tensile strength and the ASD

allowable tensile strength of the angle shown. It is welded
on the end (transverse) and sides (longitudinal) on the 8 in
leg only Fy = 50 ksi and Fu = 70 ksi
Staggered Fasteners
 When the cross-section contains rows of holes,
the critical section will occur along one of the
rows, either along a straight path or in zigzag
pattern
 AISC Specification adopts the approximate
solution proposed by V. Cochrane (1992) for
tension members with staggered hole
arrangement
 Approximate Solution by Cochrane
(1992)
1. Consider all possible paths along a chain of
hole
2. Deduct the effective hole diameter for each
hole along the path. The effective hole
diameter based on specs is
3. For each or every change in direction from
one hole to the next hole, add the
quantity S2/4g
 Wnet = Wg - hole +  [S2/4g ]

An = (Wnet)(t)

where:
s = pitch or longitudinal spacing between
adjacent holes along the chain
g = gage distance or transverse spacing
between two holes
 General Rule in Investigating for the Critical
Section
1. The transverse section having the greatest
number of holes should be checked first
2. Follow this by checking every zigzag line that
has more holes than the initially checked
section
Note: The method will not accommodate failure
patterns with lines parallel to the applied load
Sample Problem 1

1. Determine the net area of the 250mm x 12mm-thk

plates shown if the holes are for 22mm round bolts.

A E
F
B
G
C
D H
 Solution

 Given:
o Diameter of Hole = 22 +3 = 25mm

Transverse Section (ABCD or EFGH):

wn = Wg - hole
= 250 – 2(25)
wn = 200mm

Path EFBCD
wn = Wg - hole +  [S2/4g ] ; S = 80mm; g = 60mm
wn = 250 – 3(25) + (80)2/4(60)
wn = 201.67mm
Path EFBGCD

wn = Wg - hole +  [S2/4g ] ; S = 80mm; g = 60mm

wn = 250 – 4(25) + 3[(80)2/4(60)]
wn = 230mm

Therefore most critical net width, wn = 200mm

An = wn (tp)
= (200)(12)
An = 2400 mm2
 Sample Problem 2

Determine the maximum

factored load that can be
applied in tension to the
angle shown. The angle is
ASTM A36; it is connected
with four 3⁄4-in. diameter
bolts.Neglect block shear.
 The design strength for LRFD is the smaller value
Φt Pn = Pu = 104 kips
 BLOCK SHEAR

• The LRFD design strength and the ASD allowable

strength of 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 be 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
• Block shear is a tearing or rupture failure
and not a yielding situation
• Combined shear and tension failure
• The AISC Specification (J4.3) states that the
available strength Rn for the block shear
nominal strength is as follows:
• where:

• Ubs = reduction factor

= 1.0 (uniform tensile stress distribution)
= 0.5 (non-uniform tensile stress distribution)
Sample Problem 1

The A572 Grade 50 (Fu = 65 ksi) tension member

shown is connected with three ¾” bolts.
Determine the LRFD block shear rupture strength
and the ASD allowable block shear rupture
strength of the member. Also calculate the LRFD
design tensile strength and the ASD allowable
tensile strength of the member.
Solution:
Sample Problem 2

Determine the LRFD

design strength and the
ASD allowable strength of
the A36 plates shown in
Fig. Include block shear
strength in the
calculations. Fy = 36 ksi,
Fu = 58 ksi
 Sample Problem 3

Determine the LRFD tensile

design strength and the
ASD allowable tensile
strength of the W12 x 30
(Fy = 50 ksi, Fu = 65 ksi)
shown if 7/8” bolts are
used in the connection.
Include block shear
calculation for the flanges.
Solution
Design of Tension Members

• The design of tension member involves finding a

member with adequate gross and net areas.
• Resulting members should have the following
properties:
1. Compactness
2. Dimensions that fit into the structure with
reasonable relation to the dimensions of the other
members of the structure
3. Connections to as many parts of the sections as
possible to minimize shear lag
• The choice of the member type is often affected
by the type of connection used for the structure:
a. Bolted Connections – tension member consisting
of angles, channels, W or S sections
 Allowance is made for holes
b. Welded Connections – plates, channels or
structural tees
 No holes have to be added to the net areas
• A secondary consideration in the design of
tension members is slenderness
 Slenderness ratio – ratio of the unsupported length
of the member to its least radius of gyration
 Purpose of limitation of slenderness ratio for
tensions members is to ensure the use of sections
with stiffness sufficient to prevent undesirable lateral
deflections or vibrations
 Although tension members are not subject to
buckling under normal load, stress reversal may
occur during shipping, erection and due to wind or
earthquake loads
• Limits on Slenderness ratio L/r
 AISC Section D.1 L/r ≤ 300
 AASHTO
 Main tension member: L/r ≤ 200
- one in which stresses result from dead and/or live
loads
 Secondary tension member: L/r ≤ 240
- used to brace structures or to reduce the
unsupported braced length of other members
• If the LRFD equations are used, the design strength of
a tension member is the least of t Fy Ag , t Fu Ae or its
block shear strength. In addition, the slenderness ratio
should, preferably not exceed 300
1. To satisfy the first of these
expressions, the minimum
gross area must be at least
equal to

2. To satisfy the second of these

expressions, the minimum Ae
must be at least
3. The third expression can be evaluated, once a trial
section has been selected and other parameters
related to block shear strength are known
4. Maximum Slenderness ratio L/r is 300
𝐿
Min r =
300
It is undesirable to consider a section whose least r
is less than this value (the minimum radius of
gyration is the one corresponding to the minor
principal axis of the cross section)
Pu = factored load forces (LRFD)
Pa = result of application of load combination for ASD
design
 Sample Design Problem 1

Select a 30-ft long W12 section of A572 steel to support a

tensile service load PD = 130k and a tensile service load PL =
110k. As shown in figure member is to have two line of bolts in
each flange for 7/8-in bolts (at least three in a line 4-in on
centers)
Trial Section
Checking
Sample Design Problem 2

Select a 9-ft long single angle tension member A36 steel to support a
dead tensile working load of 30k and a live tensile working load of 40k.
The member is to be connected to one leg only with 7/8-in bolts (at least
4 in a line 3” o.c.) Assume that only one bolt is to be located at any one
cross-section.

Solution
 THREADED RODS AND CABLES

• When slenderness is not a consideration, rods

with circular sections and cables are often used
as tension members. The distinction between the
two is that rods are solid and cables are made
from individual strands wound together in
ropelike manner.
• Rods and cables are frequently used in
suspended roof system and as hangers or
suspension
members in bridges
• Also used in bracing system
• When the end of the rod is to be threaded, an
upset end is sometimes used
Typical Rod and Cable
Connection
 Nominal Strength of Threaded Rod:
Ab = Ω Pa / 0.75 Fu
 Sample Design Problem

1. 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 of the rod is
required if A36 steel is used?
a. LRFD
b. ASD
Ab = Ω Pa / 0.75 Fu
Ab = 2 (8) / 0.75 (58)
Ab = 0.3678 in2
 Tension Members In Roof Trusses

• Trusses – used as main supporting elements roof

systems in buildings
• Roof trusses are normally spaced uniformly along
the length of the building tied together by
longitudinal beam called purlins and by x-bracing
• Purlins – ideally located at the truss joints so that
truss can be treated as pin-connected structure
loaded only at the joints
• Tension members in roof trusses
include some truss members and
sag rods
• Sag rods are used to provide
lateral support for the purlins (to
prevent sag in the direction parallel
to a sloping roof due to vertically
applied loads.
• They are designed to support the
component of roof loads parallel to
the roof
 Sample Design Problem

Fink trusses spaced at 20’ on centers support W6x12

purlins as shown. The purlins are supported at their
midpoints by sag rods. Use A36 steel and design the sag
rods and the tie rod at the ridge for the following service
loads:
metal deck = 2 psf; built up roof = 5 psf
snow = 18 psf of horizontal projection of roof
purlin weight = 12 lb/ft
Solution

Calculate the Loads:

Tributary width for each sag rod = 20/2 = 10 ft
T.A. for deck and built up roof = 10 (46.6) = 466 ft2
Dead load (deck and roof) = (2+5) (466) = 3262 lb
Total wt. purlin = 12 (10)(9) = 1080 lb
D = 3262 + 1080 = 4342 lb
T.A. for snow load = 10(45) = 450 ft2
S = 18 (450) = 8100
Ab = Ω Pa / 0.75 Fu
Ab = 2 (3.203) / 0.75 (58)
Ab = 0.1473 in2

Therefore use a 5/8-in diameter threaded rod

with 11 threads per inch
 Ab = Ω Pa / 0.75 Fu
Ab = 2 (3.317) / 0.75 (58)
Ab = 0.1525 in2

Therefore use a 5/8-in diameter threaded rod

with 11 threads per inch
Sample Design Problem (Truss Member)

Select a structural tee for the bottom chord of the

Warren roof truss shown. The trusses and welded and
spaced at 20 ft. Assume that the bottom chord
connection is made with 9-in long longitudinal welds at
the flange. Use A572 steel and the following load data
(wind not considered):
Solution
ΣME = 0
19.29 (20) – 2.479(20)
– 4.802 (15+10+5)
– 4 FIJ = 0

FIJ = 48.04 kips