DESIGN OF STEEL STRUCTURES

Al-Mustaqbal University College

Chapter Two: Tension Members

AISC manual / Chapter D
2.1 General
Defined are structural elements that subjected to axial tensile forces along their
longitudinal axis such as truss members, bracing for buildings and bridges, cables
in suspension bridge, bars and rods.

2.2 Design Methods for Structural Steel Members

Two design methods are acceptable for deigning structural steel members and
connections:
1. Allowable Strength Design. (ASD).
2. Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD)
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DESIGN OF STEEL STRUCTURES............................................................... Tension Members

2.2.1 ASD Design Method

The mean properties of this method:
1. Older but still use
2. Use service level loads (actual loads) to structure:
𝑷𝒂 = 𝑷𝑳 + 𝑷𝑫
3. The actual stress
𝑷𝒂
𝒇𝒕 =
𝑨𝒈

where:

𝑓𝑡 : The actual tension stress, ksi.

𝑃𝑎: Applied tensile force, kips

𝐴𝑔 : the gross sectional area, 𝑖𝑛2

4. Use factor of safety Ω Omega, where:
𝑁𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑃𝑛 )
𝐴𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑃𝑎) ≤
𝛺
a) Based on the Yielding in the gross section (𝑨𝒈 ), Allowable strength:
𝑃𝑛
= 𝐹𝑡 𝐴𝑔 = 0.6 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔
𝛺
Here 𝜴 = 1.67 (factor of safety)

𝑭𝒚 = Minimum yield stress. (AISC Table (2-3), (2-4))

b) Based on the Fracture on the effective section (𝑨𝒆 ), Allowable strength:

𝑃𝑛
= 𝐹𝑡 𝐴𝑒 = 0.5 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒
𝛺
Here 𝜴 = 2 (factor of safety)
𝑭𝒖: Minimum tensile stress. (AISC Tables (2-3), (2-4))
𝑨𝒆 : Effective area of the tension member. 𝐴𝑒 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴𝑛
𝐴𝑛 : Net area of the tension member
𝑈: shear lag factor

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2.2.2 Load and Resisting Factor Design (LRFD)

The mean properties of this method:
1. More recent and common
2. Use Ultimate loads:
𝑷𝒖 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝑷𝑳 + 𝟏. 𝟐𝑷𝑫

3. The actual stress

𝑷𝒖
𝒇𝒕 =
𝑨𝒈

4. Use factor of safety ∅ Phi, where:

𝑈𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ(𝑃𝑢 ) ≤ ∅ × 𝑁𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ(𝑃𝑛 )

a) Based on the Yielding in the gross section (𝑨𝒈 ), Ultimate strength:

∅𝑃𝑛 = ∅ 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔
Here ∅ = 0.9 (factor of safety)

b) Based on the Fracture on the effective section (𝑨𝒆 ), Ultimate strength:

∅𝑃𝑛 = ∅𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒
Here ∅ = 0.75 (factor of safety)

2.3 How to Calculate Gross Area, Net Area and Effective Area

a) Gross Area (𝑨𝒈):

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b) Net Area (𝑨𝒏 )

The net area is described as follows:
𝒔𝟐
𝑨𝒏 = 𝑨𝒈 − 𝒏 𝒅𝒉 𝒕 + ∑ 𝒕
𝟒𝒈
𝟏
𝒅𝒉 = 𝒅𝒃 +
𝟖
where:
𝒅𝒉 : hole diameter
𝒅𝒃 : bolt diameter
t: thickness
 From Figure the net area through the line ABDE calculate as follow:
𝑨𝒏 = 𝑨𝒈 − 𝒏 𝒅𝒉 𝒕
𝒔𝟐
 To calculate the net area through the line ABCDE, another term ( 𝑡) is added
𝟒𝒈

to the above equation and became as following:

𝒔𝟐
𝑨𝒏 = 𝑨𝒈 − 𝒏 𝒅𝒉 𝒕 + ∑ 𝒕
𝟒𝒈
Where:
s: Longitudinal center to center spacing between two consecutive holes.
g: Transverse center to center spacing between two consecutive holes.

Staggered connections in sections:

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c) Effective area (𝐴𝑒 ):

When the section has many parts (like angles, channels and W, M and S
sections), and the connection attached not to all these parts, shear lag phenomena
will reduce the strength capacity of the section. This reduction factor introduces by
AISC manual (section D3.3 Part 16 Page 28) Table D3.1.

The effective area of a tension member is described as follows:

 For bolted connections, the effective net area is,
𝐴𝑒 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴𝑛
 For welded connections, effective area is,
𝐴𝑒 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴𝑔
Where:
U = Shear lag factor, is determined as shown in AISC Table D3.1.

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Measurement of Connection Centroid:

𝑥̅ : connection eccentricity, in. It is the distance from the center of the section to the
place of attachment obtained from the code.

ℓ: length of connection, in.

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For Examples:

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Example No.1: A plate of dimensions ( × 8) 𝑖𝑛 made from A36 steel is used as a
2
7
tension member. It is connected to a gusset plate with four ( 𝑖𝑛) in diameter bolts
8
as shown in Figure.
A) What is the allowable strength for ASD?
B) What is the design strength for LRFD?

Solve:
Steel and section properties:
𝐹𝑦 = 36 𝑘𝑠𝑖, 𝐹𝑢 = 58 𝑘𝑠𝑖 (from Table 2-4)
𝐴𝑔 = ½ × 8 = 4 𝑖𝑛2
a) ASD method
From gross area:
𝑃𝑛 ⁄𝛺 = 0.6 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 = 0.6 × 36 × 4 = 86.4 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
From effective area:
𝑃𝑛 ⁄𝛺 = 0.5 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒
𝐴𝑒 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴𝑛 , 𝑈 = 1
7 1 1
𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡 = 4 − 2 × ( + ) × = 3 𝑖𝑛2
8 8 2
𝑃𝑛 ⁄𝛺 = 0.5 × 58 × 3 = 87 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
Choose small value 𝑃𝑎 = 86.4 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

b) LRFD method
From gross area:

∅ 𝑃𝑛 = 0.9 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 = 0.9 × 36 × 4 = 129.6 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

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From net area:

∅𝑃𝑛 = 0.75 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒 = 0.75 × 58 × 3 = 130.5 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

Choose ∅ 𝑃𝑛 = 129.6 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

Example No.2: Determine the effective area for the single angle shown in Figure.
The holes are made for 5/8 in diameter bolts.

Solve:
Section Properties:
1 2
1′′
𝐿6 × 6 × : 𝐴𝑔 = 5.77 𝑖𝑛 , 𝑡 = , 𝑥̅ = 1.67′′
2 2
𝐴𝑒 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴𝑛

𝑈 = 0.6 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑒 8 (𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐷3.1)

𝑥̅
𝑈 =1− 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑒 2
ℓ
1.67
𝑈 =1− = 0.722
3+3

Use the larger U which is 0.722

𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡

5 1 1
𝐴𝑛 = 5.77 − 2 × ( + ) × = 5.02 𝑖𝑛2
8 8 2

𝐴𝑒 = 5.02 × 0.722 = 3.624 𝑖𝑛2

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Example No.3: Consider the welded single angle 𝐿6 × 6 × tension member made
2

from A36 steel shown below. Calculate the tension design strength.

Solve:
1) Steel and Section Properties

𝐴36: 𝐹𝑦 = 36 𝑘𝑠𝑖, 𝐹𝑢 = 58 𝑘𝑠𝑖 (𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 2 − 3)

1 2
1′′
𝐿6 × 6 × : 𝐴𝑔 = 5.77 𝑖𝑛 , 𝑡 = , 𝑥̅ = 1.67′′
2 2
2) Design strength

𝑃𝑢 ≤ ∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛

From gross area:

∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.9 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 = 0.9 × 36 × 5.77 = 186.95 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

From effective area:

∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.75 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒
𝑥̅
For welded: 𝐴𝑒 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴𝑔, 𝑈 =1− 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑒 2
ℓ
1.67
𝑈 =1− = 0.696 ≈ 0.7
5.5
or

ℓ = 5.5, 𝑤=6 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑒 4

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1.5𝑤 = 9 ≥ ℓ ≥ 𝑤 = 6 ∴ 𝑈 = 0.75

Use large value 𝑈 = 0.75

𝐴𝑒 = 0.75 × 5.77 = 4.33

∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.75 × 58 × 4.33 = 188.36 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

Example No. 4: Compute the smallest net area for the plate shown in Figure. The
holes are (1′′) diameter bolts. Plate thickness is (3⁄4 ′′).

Solve:
3
𝐴𝑔 = 16 × = 12 𝑖𝑛2
4

Path 1:

𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡

1 3
𝐴𝑛 = 12 − 2 × (1 + ) × = 10.313 𝑖𝑛2
8 4

Path 2:

𝑠2
𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡 + ∑ 𝑡
4𝑔

1 3 32 3
𝐴𝑛 = 12 − 3 × (1 + ) × + (2 )×
8 4 4×5 4

𝐴𝑛 = 12 − 2.531 + 0.675
= 10.14 𝑖𝑛2 (𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍)

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Example No. 5: A 𝑊10×19 is connected by 8 bolts in webs arranged in two rows

as shown in Figure if the section is made from A992, and loaded by tension force
(Dead load= 70 kips, Live load= 100 kips). Check the adequacy of the section by
using LRFD method. The holes are made for (5/8) 𝑖𝑛 diameter bolts.

Solve:
1) Steel and Section Properties

𝐹𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖, 𝐹𝑢 = 65 𝑘𝑠𝑖 (𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 2 − 3)

𝐴𝑔 = 5.62 𝑖𝑛2 , 𝑡𝑤 = 0.25 𝑖𝑛

2) Ultimate Applied Load

𝑃𝑢 = 1.2 𝑃𝐷 + 1.6 𝑃𝐿 = 1.2 × 70 + 1.6 × 100 = 244 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

3) Design strength

𝑃𝑢 ≤ ∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛

From gross area:

∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.9 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 = 0.9 × 50 × 5.62 = 252.9 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 > 244 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 ∴ 𝒐𝒌

From effective area:

∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.75 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒

𝐴𝑒 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴𝑛, 𝑈 = 0.7 (𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑒 7) 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐷3.1

5 1
𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡 = 5.62 − 2 ( + ) × 0.25
8 8
= 5.245 𝑖𝑛2
𝐴𝑒 = 0.7 × 5.245 = 3.6715 𝑖𝑛2

∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.75 × 65 × 3.6715 = 178.99 < 244 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 ∴ 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒌

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1
Example No. 6: A single angle (𝐿 8 × 6 × ) with staggered fastener in each leg
2

as shown in figure. A36 steel is used and holes with (7⁄8 𝑖𝑛) bolts diameter.
A) What is the allowable strength for ASD?
B) What is the design strength for LRFD?

Solve:
Steel and Section Properties
𝐹𝑦 = 36 𝑘𝑠𝑖, 𝐹𝑢 = 58 𝑘𝑠𝑖, 𝐴𝑔 = 6.75 𝑖𝑛2
Based on gross area:
A) ASD
𝑃𝑛
= 0.6 ∗ 𝐹𝑦 ∗ 𝐴𝑔 = 0.6 ∗ 36 ∗ 6.75 = 145.8 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
𝛺𝑡
B) LRFD
∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.9 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 = 0.9 ∗ 36 ∗ 6.75 = 218.7 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

Based on net area:

Path 1 (abdf):
𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡
7 1 1
𝐴𝑛 = 6.75 − 2 ( + ) × = 5.75 𝑖𝑛2
8 8 2

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Path 2 (abcdf):
𝑠2
𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡 + ∑ 𝑡
4𝑔
7 1 1 1.52 1.52 1
𝐴𝑛 = 6.75 − 3 ( + ) × + ( + )×
8 8 2 4 × 2.25 4 × 4.75 2
𝐴𝑛 = 5.43 𝑖𝑛2
Path 3 (abcdeg):
𝑠2
𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡 + ∑ 𝑡
4𝑔

7 1 1 1.52 1.52 1.52 1

𝐴𝑛 = 6.75 − 4 ( + ) × + ( + + )×
8 8 2 4 × 2.25 4 × 4.75 4 × 3 2

𝐴𝑛 = 5.03 𝑖𝑛2 (𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍)

Path 4 (abdeg):
𝑠2
𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡 + ∑ 𝑡
4𝑔
7 1 1 1.52 1
𝐴𝑛 = 6.75 − 3 × ( + ) × + ( )×
8 8 2 4×3 2
𝐴𝑛 = 5.34 𝑖𝑛2

A) ASD
𝑃𝑛⁄𝛺𝑡 = 0.5 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒
𝐴𝑒 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴𝑛, 𝑈=1
𝑃𝑛⁄𝛺𝑡 = 0.5 × 58 × 5.03 = 145.87 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
B) LRFD
∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.75 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒 = 0.75 ∗ 58 ∗ 5.03 = 218.8 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

For safe design, we choose the lowest value which is:

𝟏𝟒𝟓. 𝟖 𝒌𝒊𝒑𝒔 by using ASD Method

𝟐𝟏𝟖. 𝟕 𝒌𝒊𝒑s by using LRFD Method

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Example No. 7: A double angle shape is shown in Figure. The steel is A36, and the
holes are for 1⁄2 ′′ diameter bolts. Assume that 𝐴𝑒 = 0.75 𝐴𝑛 .
a. Determine the design tensile strength for LRFD.
b. Determine the allowable strength for ASD.

Solve:
: double angle‫ هنالك طريقتين لحل مسائل ال‬:‫مالحظة‬
‫ ومضاعفة كل النتائج كما في المثال‬single angle ‫اعتبارها زاوية واحدة‬: ‫الطريقة األولى‬
.‫اعتبارها شكلين منذ البداية‬: ‫الطريقة الثانية‬
‫ من ناحية المساحة وإلى آخره يتم إيجادها من الكود مباشرة‬double angle ‫في كلتا الحالتين خواص‬
Steel and Section Properties

𝐹𝑦 = 36 𝑘𝑠𝑖, 𝐹𝑢 = 58 𝑘𝑠𝑖 (𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 2 − 3), 𝐴𝑔 = 2.41 𝑖𝑛2

a. The design tensile strength for LRFD:

From gross area:

∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.9 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 = 0.9 × 36 × 2 × 2.41 = 156.168 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

From effective area:

∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.75 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒
𝐴𝑒 = 0.75 𝐴𝑛 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞
1 1 5
𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡 = 2.41 − 2 × ( + ) × = 2.02 𝑖𝑛2
2 8 16
𝐴𝑒 = 0.75 × 2.02 = 1.515 𝑖𝑛2
∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 0.75 × 58 × 2 × 1.515 = 131.805 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥

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b. The allowable strength for ASD:

From gross area:
𝑃𝑛
= 0.6 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 = 0.6 × 36 × 2 × 2.41 = 104.11 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
𝛺𝑡
From effective area:
𝑃𝑛
= 0.5 𝐹𝑢 𝐴𝑒
𝛺𝑡
𝐴𝑒 = 0.75 𝐴𝑛 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞
1 1 5
𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑛 𝑑ℎ 𝑡 = 2.41 − 2 × ( + ) × = 2.02 𝑖𝑛2
2 8 16
𝐴𝑒 = 0.75 × 2.02 = 1.515 𝑖𝑛2
𝑃𝑛
= 0.5 × 58 × 2 × 1.515 = 87.87 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥
𝛺𝑡

Problem:
1. Determine the smallest net area for the sections shown. The holes are for 5/8“
diameter bolts.

𝑨𝒏𝒔: 𝐴𝑛 = 3.30 𝑖𝑛2

2. A single - channel tension member, a C15×33.9, is connected to a gusset plate
with 3/4“diameter bolts as shown in Figure below. Determine the maximum
tensile strength by using LRFD method and A36 steel material.

𝑨𝒏𝒔: ∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 324 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

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3. A W-shape member (W12×53) has connected by two rows of (𝟒∅𝟏") diameter

bolts in each flange as shown in Figure below. Determine the maximum tensile
strength by using LRFD method and A992 steel material.

𝑨𝒏𝒔: ∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 570.37 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

4. Double steel angles (2 L6×4×5/16) using A242 steel subjected to tensile load.
Holes are for bolt diameter 7/8". Determine:
a) The tension reduction factor U.
b) The ultimate tensile load Pu using LRFD method.

𝑨𝒏𝒔: 𝑈 = 0.771, ∅𝑡 𝑃𝑛 = 194.67 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

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