Tension members are structural elements that are designed to carry axial tensile loads. They experience stretching forces that subject their entire cross-section to uniform stress. Common examples include ropes, ties in trusses, and suspenders in bridges. Tension members are most efficient load carriers. They are susceptible to three potential failure modes: gross section yielding, net section rupture, and block shear failure. The design strength of a tension member is the lowest value of its strength under these three failure modes.

1. DESIGN OF TENSION MEMBERS

2. INTRODUCTION
• Tension members are linear members in
which axial forces act so as to elongate
(stretch) the member.
• A rope, for example, is a tension member.
• Tension members carry loads most efficiently,
since the entire cross section is subjected to
uniform stress

3. • Ties of trusses , suspenders of cable stayed and
suspension bridges.

4. Cross sections of Tension Members

5. Modes of Failure
The different modes of failure in tension members are
1. Gross section yielding
2. Net section rupture
3. Block shear failure
The strength of tension members under the different
modes are failure, i.e.,
design strength due to yielding of gross section, Tdg,
rupture of critical section, Tdn
and block shear Tdb are first determined.
The design strength of a member under axial tension, Td,
is the lowest of the above three values.

6. Gross section yielding

7. Net section Rupture

8. Net section rupture in single angles

11. Block shear failure

14. Design strength due to block shear in
bolted connections

20. Design strength due to block shear in
welded connections
• The block shear strength, Tdb, shall be checked
for welded connections by taking an
appropriate section in the member around the
end weld, which can shear off as a block.