ABSTRACT
You are likely familiar with tension forces. In our common experience, they are present in ropes, cables, and chains. They act to stretch a member along its length. In structures, we find tension forces in bracing, hangers, trusses, and beams and columns of lateral systems.
This chapter provides the basics of tension member design. It looks at yielding of the gross cross-section, and net section rupture of a member with holes in it. It also introduces key detailing requirements. The chapter ends with an in-depth example of a drag strut in a lateral frame.
