SHEAR LAG

FACTOR
SHEAR LAG FACTOR, U
• Shear lag is a concept used to account for uneven stress
distribution in connected members where some but not
all of their elements (flange, web, leg, etc.) are
connected. 
SHEAR LAG FACTOR, U
For Bolted Connections
In bolted connections, the reduction factor (U) is a function
of the eccentricity ( ) in the connection.
Thus:- x
U  1
L
Where:
x = distance between centroids of elements to
the plane of load transfer

L = Length of the connection in the direction of load.

Determination of x for U.
SHEAR LAG FACTOR, U
For Welded Connections Gusset
plate
When not all elements are connected.
a. Transverse Weld Connection:- 6”
T
Ae = UA
U = 1.0 Angle
A = Area of connected part only 6x4x1/2 Weld
e.g. A = 6 x 1/2 = 3 in2
Gusset
b. Longitudinal Weld Connection :- plate
Ae = Ag U
w
U = 1.0 for L  2 w T

U = 0.87 for 2w  L  1.5 w

Angle
U = 0.75 for 1.5w  L  w 6x4x1/2 L
TRANSVERSE & LONGITUDINAL WELD
LONGITUDINAL WELD CONNECTION
EXAMPLE 1
The tension member is an L 4 x 4 x 3/8 in. made from A36 steel. It is
connected to a gusset plate with 5/8 in. diameter bolts, as shown in Figure
below. The spacing between the bolts is 3 in. center-to-center. Determine
the shear lag factor.
EXAMPLE 2
Determine the shear lag factor.
 END OF
PRESENTATION