CENG417

Chapter-2
Design of tension Member

2.1 Uses, types and design considerations

2.1.1 Uses and types
A tension member transmits a direct axial pull between two points in a structural frame. A rope
supporting a load or cables in a suspension bridge are obvious examples. In building frames,
tension members occur as:

(1) tension chords and internal ties in trusses;

(2) tension bracing members;

(3) hangers supporting floor beams.

Examples of these members are shown in Figure 2.1.

The main sections used for tension members are:

(1) open sections such as angles, channels, tees, joists, universal beams and columns;
(2) closed sections. Circular, square and rectangular hollow sections;

(3) compound and built-up sections. Double angles and double channels are common
compound sections used in trusses. Built-up sections are used in bridge trusses.

Round bars, flats and cables can also be used for tension members where there is no reversal of
load. These elements as well as single angles are used in cross bracing, where the tension diagonal
only is effective in carrying a load, as shown in Figure 2.1(d). Common tension member sections
are shown in Figure 2.2.

2.1.2 Design considerations

Theoretically, the tension member is the most efficient structural element, but its efficiency may be
seriously affected by the following factors:

(1) The end connections. For example, bolt holes reduce the member section.

(2) The member may be subject to reversal of load, in which case it is liable to buckle
because a tension member is more slender than a compression member.
(e)

Hangers supporting floor beam (f) Suspension bridge

Figure 2.1 Tension members in buildings and bridge

(3) Many tension members must also resist moment as well as axial load. The moment is due to
eccentricity in the end connections or to lateral load on the member.

2.2 End connections

Some common end connections for tension members are shown in Figures 2.3(a) and (b).
Comments on the various types are:
(1) Bolt or threaded bar. The strength is determined by the tensile area at the threads.
 (2) Single angle connected through one leg. The outstanding leg is not fully effective, and if
bolts are used the connected leg is also weakened by the bolt hole.

(a)

Rolled and formed sections

(b)

Compound and built-up sections

Figure 2.2 Tension member sections

Figure 2.3 End connections and splices

Full-strength joints can be made by welding. Examples occur in lattice girders made from hollow
sections. However, for ease of erection, most site joints are bolted, and welding is normally
confined to shop joints.

Site splices are needed to connect together large trusses that have been fabricated in sections for
convenience in transport. Shop splices are needed in long members or where the member section
changes. Examples of bolted and welded splices in tension members are shown in Figures 2.2(c)
and (d).
2.3 Structural behaviour of tension members

2.3.1 Direct tension

The tension member behaves in the same way as a tensile test specimen. In the elastic region:

Tensile stress ft  P , P
A P
Elongation   PL
AE L

where P is the load on the member, A the area of cross section, L the length and E the modulus of
elasticity of the member.

2.4 Design of tension members

2.4.1 Axially loaded tension members with hole

Removal of material may be expected to have a weakening effect one might expect that failure
would normally occur at the smallest net section, i.e. across the line of holes AA in following
Figure 2.4.

Fig. 2.4 Tearing at a line of holes

The tension capacity is given in Section 4.6.1 of BS 5950: Part 1. This is:
Pt  Ae p y

in which Ae is the sum of the effective net areas ae of all the elements of the cross-section,
determined from section 3.4.3, but not more than 1.2 times the total net area An.

From Section 3.4.3, the effective area of each element of a member is given by:

Ae = Ke× net area (An) where holes occur ≤ gross area (Ag)

Ke = 1.2 for grade S275

Ke = 1.1 for grade S355
Ke = 1.0 for grade S460

(Net area, An = gross area less holes. =Ag  dt ; where d= diameter of the hole & t =thickness of
the member)

Tests show that holes do not reduce the capacity of a member in tension provided that the ratio of
net area to gross area is greater than the ratio of yield strength to ultimate strength.
Net area An with Staggered holes (Cl. 3.4.4.3)

Fig. 2.5 Plate with staggered holes

Example 1.

A flat bar 200 mm wide  25 mm thick is to be used as a tie. Erection considerations require that
the bar be constructed from two lengths connected together with a lap splice using six M20 bolts as
shown in Figure. Calculate the tensile strength of the bar assuming S275 steel.

50 mm
T 100 mm T

50 mm
A
T
T

Solution:
Clearance between bolt and hole is 2 mm i.e. hole diameter is 22 mm.

Gross section of the plate, Ag =20025=5000 mm2

Net section area along A-A, An =2002522225=3900 mm2 Cl. 3.4.3

For S275 steel , Ke = 1.2 Cl. 3.4.3

Steel effective area Ae = KeAn= 1.23900=4680 mm2 < Ag=5000 mm2 Cl. 3.4.3

The thickness of the plate is 25 mm, therefore, py =265 MPa (Table 9)

The tension capacity, Pt=2654680 =1240200 N = 1240.2 kN Cl. 4.6.1
Example 2: Repeat Example 1 for the new arrangement of holes shown in following Figure.

Zig-zag failure mode for staggered holes

Solution:

Definition of gauge ɡ and staggered pitch Sp

Clearance between bolt and hole is 2 mm i.e. hole diameter is 22 mm.

Net section along AB, An= 20025  22225+ 90225/(4100) = 4406.25 mm2 Cl. 3.4.4.3

For S275 steel, Ke = 1.2 Cl. 3.4.3

Effective area is therefore 1.24406=5287 mm2 > Ag =5000 mm2

Therefore, Ae =5000 mm2 Cl. 4.6.1

The thickness of the plate is 25 mm, therefore, py =265 MPa (Table 9)

The tension capacity, Pt=2655000 = 1325000 N = 1325 kN Cl. 4.6.1

Thus staggering the holes results in a situation where design is governed by the condition of yield
of the gross section with no loss of efficiency.

2.4.2 Members with eccentric connections

If members are connected eccentric to their axes, the resulting moments should generally be
allowed for in accordance with section 4.8.2 (BS 5950). However, angles, channels or T-sections
with eccentric end connections may be treated as axially loaded by using the reduced tension
capacity given in section 4.6.3 (BS5950).
2.4.2.1 Simple tension members

(1) Single angles, channels or T-section members connected through one leg (Fig. 2.6)

These may be designed in accordance with Section 4.6.3 of

the code as axially loaded members with an effective area
(see Figure 2.3(b)):

For bolted connection: Pt  p y ( Ae  0.5a2 )

For welded connection: Pt  p y ( Ag  0.3a2 )

Fig. 2.6 gusset plate and Angle connection through one leg

where a2 = (Ag – a1),

Ag = gross cross-sectional area
a1 = gross area of the connected element, taken as the product of its thickness and the overall
leg width for an angle, the overall depth for a channel or the flange width for a T-section.

For example, for the following angle

a1 = At , if long leg is connected

=Bt, if short leg is connected

The effective net area of the section Ae is given by:

For bolted sections, Ae = ae1 + ae2 but ≤ 1.2(an1 + an2) 4.6.1/3.4.3

where: ae1 = Ke an1 but ≤ a1

ae2 = Ke an2 but ≤ a2
an1 = a1 – area of bolt holes in connected leg
an2 = a2
Ag = Gross area of single angle 3.4.3
Ke = 1.2 for grade S275
= 1.1 for grade S355 3.4.3
=1.0 for grade S460

(2) Double angles, channels or T-section members

For bolted connection:
Pt  p y  Ae  0.25a2  , For a gusset between the angles
Pt  p y  Ae  0.5a2  , For a gusset on the back of the angles

gusset on the back of the angles gusset between the angles

For welded connection: Pt  p y  Ag  0.15a2  , For a gusset between the angles
Pt  p y  Ag  0.3a2  , For a gusset on the back of the angles

Note: Ag, Ae and a2 for two angles or channels.

2.5 Summary of design procedure

1. Select section and grade of steel.

2. Determine the gross area.
3. Calculate the net area. Cl. 3.4.2
4. Calculate the effective area. Cl. 3.4.3
5. Calculate the tension capacity:
6. For axially loaded members, calculate the tension capacity using the effective area. Cl. 4.6.1
7. For simple members with eccentric connections, calculate the tension capacity based on a
reduced effective area. Cl. 4.6.3
8. For members subject to combined tension and bending, check the adequacy under combined
loading. Cl 4.6.2 & Cl. 4.8.2
2.6 Design examples

3. Angle connected through one leg

Design a single angle to carry a dead load of 70 kN and an imposed load of 35 kN.

Solution:

Figure 2.4 Single angle connected through one leg

(1) Bolted connection

Factored load = (1.4 × 70) + (1.6 × 35) = 154 kN.

Try 80 × 60 × 7 angle connected through the long leg, as shown in Figure 2.4(a). The bolt hole is
22 mm diameter for 20 mm diameter bolts. Steel grade is S275.

From properties table

Gross area of the angle, Ag =938 mm2; Length of long leg =80 mm, thickness, t =7 mm

As t = 7mm < 16mm  py = 275N/mm2 Table 9

a1 = gross area of connected leg =80×7=560 mm2 Cl. 4.6.3.1

a2 = area of unconnected leg =Ag a1 =938  560 = 378 mm2 Cl. 4.6.3.1

Calculation of Ae Cl. 4.6.1

Net area of connected leg, a1n = 560-227=406 mm2
For S275 steel, Ke =1.2 Cl. 3.4.3
Effective area for connected leg, ae1 = Ke a1n = 1.2406=487.2 mm2 <a1
Effective net area of the angle, Ae = ae1+ ae2 = 487.2+378 =865.2 mm2
[Effective area of unconnected leg ae2=1.2a2 a2 ]
Tension capacity: Pt = py(Ae − 0.5a2) = 275(865.2 − 0.5 × 378)/103 Cl. 4.6.3.1
= 186 kN.
Capacity of the angle Pt > Ultimate load (154 kN)
The angle is satisfactory.
(2) Welded connection

Try 75 × 50 × 6 L connected through the long leg (see Figure 2.4(b)):

From section properties table,

Ag = 719 mm2 ; long leg length=75 mm; thickness, t=6 mm
As t= 6 mm < 16 mm; py =275 N/mm2 Table 9

a1 = 75 × 6 = 450 mm2, Cl. 4.6.3.1

a2 = Ag  a1 = 719 450 =269 mm2 Cl. 4.6.3.1

Tension capacity:

Pt = py(Ag − 0.3a2) = 275(719 − 0.3 × 269)/103 = 175 kN. Cl. 4.6.3.1

Capacity of the angle Pt > Ultimate load (154 kN)

The angle is satisfactory.

Example 4: Design a single angle tie for the member AB shown.

Tensile force in member AB

Dead load = 122kN
Imposed load = 220kN
Total = 342kN

Material: Use Steel Grade S355

Connections: a) Welded
b) Bolted

Solution:

Factored load
F = (1.4  122) + (1.6  220) = 523 kN Table 2

a) Welded connections

Try 125  75  10 connected by long leg. Code allows angle section with
eccentric loading to be treated with a reduced tension capacity as given
in Clause 4.6.3. Cl. 4.6.2

From section properties table,

Gross area Ag = 1910 mm2; length of long leg = 125 mm; thickness, t =10 mm
Thickness, t =10 mm < 16 mm; Design strength, py = 355N/mm2 Table 9
Area for reduced tension capacity Cl. 4.6.3.1
a1 = 125  10 = 1250mm2
a2 = Ag a1 = 1910  1250 = 660 mm2

Tension capacity Pt = py (Ag  0.3a2) Cl. 4.6.3.1

Pt = 355(1910  0.3  660) = 607 kN > Applied load 523 kN, OK
Use 1257510 steel grade S355

b) Bolted connections
Try 150 75  10 connected by long leg and steel grade is S355. Code allows angle section
with eccentric loading to be treated with a reduced tension capacity as given in Clause 4.6.3

From section properties table,

Gross area, Ag = 2170 mm2; length of long leg=150 mm; thickness, t= 10 mm
As t = 10mm < 16mm ⇒ py = 355 N/mm2 Table 9

Area for reduced tension capacity Cl. 4.6.3.1

Area of connected leg, a1 = 15010 = 1500 mm2

Area of unconnected leg: a2 = Ag  a1 = 2170  1500

= 670 mm2

Net area of the connected leg, a1n= 15002410 =1260 mm2

Effective area for connected leg, ae1 = Ke a1n Cl. 3.4.3
= 1.11260=1386 mm2 < a1
[Effective area of unconnected leg ae2=1.2a2  a2 ;
in this case, ae2 = a2]
Effective area of the angle, Ae = ae1+ ae2
= 1386+670 =2056 mm2 < Ag
Pt = py(Ae  0.5a2) Cl. 4.6.3.1
= 355(20560.5670) N = 611103 N= 611 kN > Ultimate load 523 kN, OK

Use 150 75  10 steel grade S355

Problem 5:
Design a double angle tie for the member AB in Problem 4. Assume the use of double angles,
connected back to back through a 8 mm gusset. Assume welded connections.

Solution:

Code allows angle section with eccentric loading to be treated

with a reduced tension capacity as given in Clause 4.6.3.
Try 2  (75  50  8), connected through long leg.

From properties table,

Gross -sectional area of one angle = 941 mm2
Long leg length =75 mm, thickness, t=8 mm

Area for reduced tension capacity for Single angle: Cl. 4.6.3.2
Gross area of connected leg, a1 = 758 = 600 mm2
Area of unconnected leg , a2 = Ag  a1 = 941  600 = 341 mm2

For double angle:

Ag = 2 941 = 1882 mm2
A2 = 2341= 682 mm2
Pt = py (Ag  0.15a2) =355 (1882 0.15682) Cl. 4.6.3.2
= 632103 N = 632 kN > applied load 523 kN, OK

Use 2  (75  50  8) steel grade S355

Note: The two angles must be connected at regular intervals.

Example 6

A 200 x 200 x 16 mm angle section in grade S275 is to be used as a tie. (i) Firstly the connection
will be made by a welded gusset plate and (ii) secondly by two M24 bolts in a line across the width
of the member. Determine the tension capacity in each case.

Solution:
200 mm

200 mm
200 mm 200 mm
(i) Angle connected by welding (ii) Angle connected by bolts

From section tables: Ag = 61.8 cm2 ; Leg length = 200 mm, thickness, t=16 mm

Tmax is  16 mm; therefore py = 275 N/mm2. Table 9

Determine a1 and a2,

Area for connected leg a1 = 200  16 = 3200 mm2 Cl. 4.6.3.1

Area for unconnected leg a2 = 6180 – 3200 = 2980 mm2. Cl. 4.6.3.1

(i) Connection using a welded gusset

Tension capacity from Clause 4.6.3.1

Pt  p y  Ag  0.3a2  = 275 (6180 – 0.3  2980 ) 10–3 = 1454 kN Cl. 4.6.3.1

(ii) Connection using bolts.

Area for reduced tension capacity Cl. 4.6.3.1

For the connected leg, the net area an1 is given by

an1  a1  2  Dh  t  3200  2  26 16  2368 mm 2 Cl. 3.4.3
ae1  K e an1 but  ag  1.2  2368  3200  2842 mm 2
Here, ae2 =Kean2 > a2 ; Therefore, ae2=a2
Effective area for reduced tension capacity, Cl. 4.6.1
Ae  ae1  ae 2  2842  2980  5822 mm 2
Tension capacity Cl. 4.6.3.1

Pt  p y  Ae  0.5a2   275  5822  0.5  2980 103 =1191 kN