DESIGN OF TENSION

MEMBERS
Prepared by :
SHAMILAH BINTI ANUDAI@ANUAR
INTRODUCTION
 Tension members are structural element that are subjected to axial tensile
forces. Example :
→ trusses members

→ Cable system in cable-stayed or suspension bridges

→ Bracing in frames system

→ transmission or communication towers

Types of Tension Members
 Consist of two main shapes :-
A) Single structural shapes such as angle section, channel section, I-section, Tee
section, Box section and Tubular section
- More economical
- Generally used in tower and trusses
B) Double angle members
- More rigid as compared with single angle members
- Generally used in roof trusses
- Eg : built up channel, built up I-section
- Generally interconnected at regular intervals and act as one integral
members
Steel Sections

Circular rod
L shape (angle) T shape (Tee) I-shape
Built up plate and angle
shape (double plane
Double angle Double channel truss)
 DESIGN OF TENSION MEMBERS

 The resistance of tension members is covered in clause 6.2.3.

The deign tensile force is denoted as Nt.Ed (axial design effect).

 In Eurocode 3, design tensile resistance Nt,Rd is limited either by

yielding of the gross cross-tension (to prevent excessive
deformation of the member) or ultimate failure of the net
cross-section (at holes for fasteners) whichever is the lesser.

 Angle with welded end connections
Clause 4.13 of EN 1993 1-3 states that for an
equal or unequal angle welded along its larger
leg, the effective area = gross area.
The gross cross-section area of an equivalent
equal-leg angle of leg size equal to that of the
smaller for an unequal-leg angle connected by
its smaller leg.
 Angle connected by a single row of

bolts

** Values of reduction factors β2 and β3 can be found in Table

3.8:
 Summary of Tension member design steps


Summary of Tension member design
steps (cont’)

Summary of Tension member design
steps (cont’)
6. The design tensile resistance is the lesser of the value of Npl,Rd and Nu,Rd
7. Carry out the tension check :
 WORKED EXAMPLE 1
Consider the member AB of the steel truss indicated in Figure 1 below is subjected
to the maximum design tension force is 220 kN. The member consists of an unequal
angle of 60 x 40 x 6 L of steel grade S275. Check the capacity of the tension
member if the ends of the member are ;
(a) connected by two bolts of 20 mm nominal diameter
(b) welded with grade 42 electrode

(a) Bolted joint (b) Welded joint

 WORKED EXAMPLE 2
 Figure below shows a two dimensional plane truss. Design the
compression ,member using steel grade S275. A plane truss is
arranged with all purlins on its nodes. With the following data :-
 - Spacing between trusses =5m
 - Corrugated steel roofing = 0.1 kN/m2
 - lighting and insulation = 0.15 kN/m2
 - self weight of purlins = 0.05 kN/m2
 - self weight of trusses Top chord = 0.1 kN/m2
 -imposed load on plan
Purlins
= 0.75 kN/m2
6.324 m
2m

Bottom
chord 12 m