Section D2/Tensile Strength of Members
AISC 360-22 Section D2 covers the two limit states for tension member design: yielding on the gross section and rupture on the effective net section.
The design tensile strength of a member is the lower of two limit states. For tensile yielding on the gross section: Pn = Fy x Ag, with phi = 0.90 (LRFD) or omega = 1.67 (ASD). For tensile rupture on the effective net section: Pn = Fu x Ae, with phi = 0.75 (LRFD) or omega = 2.00 (ASD). The effective net area Ae equals the net area An multiplied by the shear lag factor U from Table D3.1. The net area An is the gross area minus the material removed for bolt holes, with each standard bolt hole taken as the bolt diameter plus 1/8 inch for the hole plus 1/16 inch for damage, totaling the bolt diameter plus 3/16 inch. For staggered bolt patterns, the net width is calculated using the s-squared over 4g rule from Section B4.3b.
Why this section exists
Tension members carry axial pull forces in trusses, bracing systems, and hangers. Two distinct failure modes must be checked: the entire cross section can yield (stretch permanently) under sustained load, or the reduced cross section at bolt holes can fracture. The different resistance factors (0.90 vs 0.75) reflect the consequences of each failure mode: yielding is ductile with warning, while rupture is sudden and brittle. The shear lag factor U accounts for connections that do not engage the full cross section, such as a channel connected only through its web or an angle connected by one leg.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers verify that both limit states are checked for every tension member. They check that bolt hole deductions use the correct hole size (bolt diameter + 3/16 inch). They verify the shear lag factor U from Table D3.1 based on the connection configuration. For members connected through bolted connections they confirm net area deductions, and for welded connections they check the effective net area based on weld length and member geometry. They also check slenderness (L/r), which is limited to 300 for tension members per Section D1.