CENG
453‐ Design of Steel and Timber Structures Chapter 2‐ Tension Members
2. Tension Members
A tension member transmits a direct axial pull between two points in a structural frame. They can be
connected either by welding or bolting. In building frames, tension members occur as:
1. tension chords and internal ties in trusses;
2. tension bracing members;
3. hangers supporting floor beams.
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.
2.1 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.
2.2 Design of tension members
Resistance of tension members can be computed on the basis of either gross area or effective area.
2.2.1 Plates
Ag f y 0.9 Ae f u
N pt , Rd = or N u , Rd =
γ m1 γ m2
Where: Ag is the gross cross sectional area
Ae is the effective cross sectional area
γm1 =1.1 and γm2 =1.25
Instructor: Abrham Gebre Page 1
CENG 453‐ Design of Steel and Timber Structures Chapter 2‐ Tension Members
The gross and net area is calculated as follows:
Ag = bt
S2
An = (b − nd + ∑ )t
4g
Where: b=the width of the plate
t =the thickness of the plate
d=the diameter of the hole
S =staggered distance b/n of fasteners
g= gauge is the distance transverse to the loading direction
n= number of holes per section
The allowance shall be taken as 0.25S2t/P but not more than 0.6St.
2.2.2 Angles connected by bolts
Where: L=L1+L2-t and g=g1+g2-t
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CENG 453‐ Design of Steel and Timber Structures Chapter 2‐ Tension Members
Design strength of angles connected by one leg
i) with one bolt
2(e2 − 0.5d )tf u
N u , Rd =
γ m2
ii) with two bolts
β 2 Anet f u β2=0.4 for P < 2.5d, β2=0.7 for P > 5d
N u , Rd =
γ m2
iii) with three or more bolts
β A f
N u , Rd = 3 net u β3=0.4 for P < 2.5d, β2=0.7 for P > 5d
γ m2
Where: β2 and β3 are reduction factors dependent on the pitch
If P is between 2.5P and 5P, use linear interpolation
2.3 Edge Spacing and spacing of holes
Where: b, t, d, g and S are as defined earlier
P= pitch is the distance in a row of fasteners
e1 and e2 are edge distances
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CENG 453‐ Design of Steel and Timber Structures Chapter 2‐ Tension Members
Edge distances (e1 and e2 ) Hole distances (p and g)
For a rolled, machine flame
1.25d
Min. edge cut, sawn or planned edge Min. hole distance
2.5d
distances For sheared or hand flame (p)
1.4d
cut edge and any end
Max. hole distance
Max. edge 12t or 14t or
e1 and e2 (p) in unstiffened
distances 150mm 200mm
plates
2.4 Allowances for holes
The followings are the diameter of bolts and their allowances for holes.
Diameter of the bolt (Ф) Ф < 14 14< Ф <27 Ф >27
Diameter of the hole (d) Ф+1 Ф+2 Ф+3
2.5 Effective Net Area
When tension members have a profile consisting of elements where the tensile load is transmitted at the
end of the member by connecting to some but not all of the elements, the total net area may not be
effective. To account non-uniformity of stress the effective area concept is used (It is reduced by a
certain percentage)
2.6 Stiffness criteria
Although stability is not a criterion in the design of tension members, it is required to limit their length
so that they are not too flexible. This is set by limiting the L/r ratio, where L is the effective
unsupported length and r is the radius of gyration.
Table 2.1: Limits for tension members according to EBCS-3, 1995
Members L/r limits
Main members 180
Lateral bracing and secondary members 250
Members subject to stress reversed (due to WL, EQ,…) -
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