Angles in Eccentric Tension

Abstract

American, British, and Canadian specifications for the effective diameter of bolt hole, effective net area, and ultimate strength of bolted steel single angles connected by one leg and subjected to axial tension are reviewed. The load-carrying capacities computed according to AASHTO, AISC-LRFD, ASCE, BS 5950:1985 and CAN3-S16.1-M84 are compared with the available test data. It is concluded that: (1) In the case of unequal leg angles, consideration should be given as to whether the long leg is connected or long leg is out; (2) for certain combinations of end distance, edge distance, and pitch, block shear mode of failure may govern instead of net section failure; and (3) the specifications give unduly conservative values for ultimate strengths of angles if end connections are made by close tolerance bolts (fitted bolts).