Prepared by;

Gabriel I. Gamana, CE, M.Sc.

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Tension Members
3.0 Compression Members
Table of Contents 4.0 Beams
5.0 Beam-Columns
Steel Design 6.0 Connections

Engr. Gabriel Gamana, M.Sc.

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2.1 Introduction

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Tensile Strength
2.0 Tension 2.3 Effective Area
2.4 Staggered Fasteners
Members 2.5 Block Shear
2.6 Design of Tension Members

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 Prepared by;
Gabriel I. Gamana, CE, M.Sc.

2.1 Introduction 2.1 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.
• Any cross-sectional configuration may be used, because for
any given material, the only determinant of the strength of a
tension member is the cross-sectional area.
• The stress in an axially loaded tension member is given by
𝜎 = 𝑃/𝐴 where P is the magnitude of the load and A is the
cross-sectional area (the area normal to the load).
• The stress as given by this equation is exact, provided that
the cross section under consideration is not adjacent to the
point of application of the load, where the distribution of stress
is not uniform.

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2.2 Tensile Strength 2.2 Tensile Strength

A tension member can fail by reaching one of two limit states: • The design strength is the resistance factor (LRFD) times the
excessive deformation or fracture. To prevent excessive nominal strength is;
deformation, initiated by yielding, the load on the gross section 𝑃 ≤ 𝜙𝑃
must be small enough that the stress on the gross section is less 𝑃 ≤ 0.90𝐹 𝐴 , 𝑌𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
than the yield stress Fy. To prevent fracture, the stress on the
𝑃 ≤ 0.75𝐹 𝐴 , 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
net section must be less than the tensile strength Fu.
• In allowable strength design (ASD), the total service load is
• The nominal strength in yielding is;
compared to the allowable strength;
𝑃 =𝐹𝐴
𝑃
• The nominal strength in fracture is; 𝑃 ≤
Ω
𝑃 =𝐹𝐴
𝑃
𝑃 ≤ ≤ 0.60𝐹 𝐴 , 𝑌𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
1.67
𝑃
𝑃 ≤ ≤ 0.50𝐹 𝐴 , 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
2.00
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 Prepared by;
Gabriel I. Gamana, CE, M.Sc.

2.2 Tensile Strength 2.2 Tensile Strength

Where: 𝐹 = Yield Strength of Steel Problem 2-1
= A36; 𝐹 = 36 𝑘𝑠𝑖, A50; 𝐹 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖 A ½ × 5 in. plate of A36 steel is used as a tension member. It is
connected to a gusset plate with four 5/8-inch-diameter bolts as
𝐹 = Ultimate strength of Steel
shown in figure. Assume that the effective net area Ae equals the
= A36; 𝐹 = 58 𝑘𝑠𝑖, A50; 𝐹 = 65 𝑘𝑠𝑖 actual net area An. What is the design strength for LRFD and
𝐴 = Area gross of steel ASD?
𝐴 = Effective net area of steel
𝑈 = Reduction coefficient or shear lag factor
𝑑 = Hole diameter
=𝑑 + 3 𝑚𝑚
=𝑑 + 𝑖𝑛

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2.2 Tensile Strength 2.3 Effective Area

Problem 2-2
A single-angle tension member, an L 3½ × 3½ × 3/8, is
connected to a gusset plate with 7Ú8-inch-diameter bolts as
shown in figure. A36 steel is used. The service loads are 35 kips
dead load and 15 kips live load. Assume that the effective net
area is 85% of the computed net area. Investigate this member
for compliance with the AISC Specification. Use LRFD and ASD.
𝐴 = 2.50 𝑖𝑛

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 Prepared by;
Gabriel I. Gamana, CE, M.Sc.

2.3 Effective Area 2.3 Effective Area

• Several factors influencing the performance of a tension 𝐴 = 𝑈𝐴
member, the manner in which it is connected is the most For bolted splice plates or gusset plates connecting tension
important. A connection almost always weakens the member, members 𝐴 = 𝐴 ≤ 0.85𝐴
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. All contribute to
reducing the effectiveness of the member, but shear lag is the
most important.

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2.3 Effective Area 2.3 Effective Area

Shear Lag Factors for Connections to Tension Members

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 Prepared by;
Gabriel I. Gamana, CE, M.Sc.

2.3 Effective Area 2.3 Effective Area

Problem 2-3
W8x21, A50 steel is to carry a dead load of 30 kips and a live
load of 90 kips in tension. The member is 25 ft long. Verify the
member strength by both LRFD and ASD with the bolted end
connection shown. Verify that the member satisfies the
recommended slenderness limit. 𝐴 = 6.16 𝑖𝑛 , 𝑏 = 5.27 𝑖𝑛 ,
𝑡 = 0.40 𝑖𝑛 , 𝑑 = 8.28 𝑖𝑛 , 𝑟 = 1.26 𝑖𝑛 , 𝑦 = 0.831 (𝑓𝑜𝑟
𝑊𝑇4𝑥10.50)

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2.3 Effective Area 2.3 Effective Area

Problem 2-4
Verify, by both ASD and LRFD, the strength of an L4×4×½, A36
steel, with one line of (4) ¾ in. diameter bolts in standard holes.
The member carries a dead load of 20 kips and a live load of 60
kips in tension. Calculate at what length this tension member
would cease to satisfy the recommended slenderness limit. 𝐴 =
3.75 𝑖𝑛 , 𝑟 = 0.776 𝑖𝑛, 𝑦 = 𝑥̅ = 1.18 𝑖𝑛
Problem 2-5
A WT6×20, A50 steel, member has a length of 30 ft and carries
a dead load of 40 kips and a live load of 120 kips in tension.
Assume the end connection is fillet welded and has a length of
16 in. Verify the member strength by both LRFD and ASD.
Assume that the gusset plate and the weld have been checked
and are satisfactory. 𝐴 = 5.84 𝑖𝑛 , 𝑟 = 1.57 𝑖𝑛, 𝑦 = 𝑥̅ = 1.09 𝑖𝑛

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 Prepared by;
Gabriel I. Gamana, CE, M.Sc.

2.3 Effective Area 2.4 Staggered Fasteners

Problem 2-6
A 2L4×4×½ (3/8-in. separation), ASTM A36, has one line of (8)
¾-in. diameter bolts in standard holes and is 25 ft in length. The
double angle is carrying a dead load of 40 kips and a live load of
120 kips in tension. Verify the strength by both LRFD and ASD.
𝐴 = 3.75 𝑖𝑛 , 𝑟 = 1.21 𝑖𝑛, 𝑟 = 1.83 𝑖𝑛, 𝑥̅ = 1.18 𝑖𝑛
• 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
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.

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2.4 Staggered Fasteners 2.4 Staggered Fasteners

The AISC Specification, uses this approach, but in a modified Problem 2-7
form. If the net area is treated as the product of a thickness
times a net width. See figure below. A 14 in. wide and ½ in. thick plate subject to
𝑠 tensile loading has staggered holes as shown. Compute Ae
𝑤 =𝑤 − 𝑑+
4𝑔

where; 𝑤 = net width

𝑤 = gross width
𝑑 = hole diameter
𝑠 = stagger or pitch (spacing parallel to the load)
𝑔 = gage (spacing perpendicular to the load)
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 Prepared by;
Gabriel I. Gamana, CE, M.Sc.

2.4 Staggered Fasteners 2.4 Staggered Fasteners

Problem 2-8
An angle with staggered fasteners in each leg is shown in figure.
A36 steel is used, and holes are for 7Ú8-inch-diameter bolts.
Determine the design strength using LRFD and ASD. 𝐴 =
6.80 𝑖𝑛 .
Problem 2-9
Determine the net area along route ABCDEF for the C15 x 33.90
(𝐴 = 10.00 𝑖𝑛 ) shown in figure. Hole are for ¾ in. bolts.

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2.5 Block Shear 2.5 Block Shear

• 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 is susceptible to this phenomenon, called block shear.
• For the case illustrated, the shaded block would tend to fail by
shear along the longitudinal section ab and by tension on the
transverse section bc.
• The model used in the AISC Specification assumes that
failure occurs by rupture (fracture) on the shear area and
rupture on the tension area. Both surfaces contribute to the
total strength, and the resistance to block shear will be the
sum of the strengths of the two surfaces.
• The shear rupture stress is taken as 60% of the tensile
ultimate stress, so the nominal strength in shear is 0.6𝐹 𝐴
and the nominal strength in tension is 𝐹 𝐴
𝑅 = 0.6𝐹 𝐴 +𝑈 𝐹 𝐴
𝑅 ≤ 0.6𝐹 𝐴 +𝑈 𝐹 𝐴
For LRFD 𝑅 ≤ 0.75𝑅
For ASD 𝑅 ≤ 0.5𝑅

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2.5 Block Shear
Where: 𝐴 = net area along shear surface
𝐴 = gross area along shear surface
𝐴 = net area along tension surface
𝑈 = 1.0 when tension stress is uniform
0.5 when tension stress is non-uniform
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2.5 Block Shear
Problem 2-11
The single 200 mm x 10 mm steel plate is connected to 12
mm—thick steel plate by four 16 mm diameter rivets as shown in
figure. The Steel is ASTM A36 with Fy = 248 MPa and Fu = 400
MPa. Determine the value of P in all possible modes of failure
and safe value of P that the connection can resist.
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Prepared by;
Gabriel I. Gamana, CE, M.Sc.
2.5 Block Shear
Problem 2-10
Compute the block shear strength of the tension member shown
in figure. The holes are for 7Ú8-inch-diameter bolts, and A36 steel
is used.
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2.6 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.
• 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.
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 Prepared by;
Gabriel I. Gamana, CE, M.Sc.

2.6 Design of Tension Members 2.6 Design of Tension Members

• Although slenderness is critical to the strength of a Problem 2-12
compression member, it is inconsequential for a tension Select an unequal-leg angle tension member 15 feet long to
member. In many situations, however, it is good practice to resist a service dead load of 35 kips and a service live load of 70
limit the slenderness of tension members. If the axial load in a kips. Use A36 steel. The connection is shown in figure.
slender tension member is removed and small transverse
loads are applied, undesirable vibrations or deflections might
occur. These conditions could occur, for example, in a slack
bracing rod subjected to wind loads. For this reason, the user
note in AISC D1 suggests a maximum slenderness ratio of
300.
• It is only a recommended value because slenderness has no
structural significance for tension members, and the limit may
be exceeded when special circumstances warrant it. This limit
does not apply to cables, and the user note explicitly excludes
rods.
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2.6 Design of Tension Members 2.6 Design of Tension Members

Problem 2-13
Select a 30-ft long W12 section (lightest) of A992 steel (Fy = 50
ksi and Fu = 65 ksi) to support a tensile service dead load 130k
and a tensile service live load 110k. As shown in figure the
member is to have two lines of bolts in each flange for 7/8 in
bolts
Problem 2-14
The two C12 x 30 as shown in the figure have been selected to
support a dead tensile load of 120k and a 240k live tensile load.
The member is 30 ft long, consist of A36 steel and has one line
of there 7/8-in bolts in each channel flange 3 in on center. Using
the AISC specification, determine whether the member is
satisfactory.

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