Atension member is a structural element designed to carry loads primarily throughtensile forces, meaning it is subjected to stretching rather than compression or bending. These members are integral components in engineering and architectural structures, such astrusses,bridges, towers, and suspension systems, where they provide stability, distribute loads, and resist deformation. Typically made from high-strength materials like steel,wire ropes, or composites, tension members are valued for their efficiency in transferring forces along their length while maintaining lightweight and durable construction. Their design and performance are crucial in ensuring the safety and functionality of structures subjected to dynamic and static loads.

Designers typically adhere to standardised design codes when specifying tension members, which are critical components of structural systems. In the United States, theSteel Construction Manual published by theAmerican Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) is the primary reference for structural steel design, while in Europe, the design is guided by theEurocodes published by theComité Européen de Normalisation (CEN).^[1][2] These codes provide comprehensive guidelines to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of tension member designs. Other similar design codes are: GB 50017 in China, IS 800 in India and AS 4100 in Australia.^[3][4][5]

The design of tension members requires careful analysis of potential failure modes, specifically yielding (excessive deformation) and fracture, which are referred to as limit states. The governing limit state is the one that results in the lowest design strength, as it dictates the member's capacity and prevents structural failure.

There are two primary methods for evaluating the capacity of a structure and its components to withstand applied loads:Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) and Allowable Stress Design, sometimes referred to asPermissible Stress Design. This section provides an overview of calculations using the LRFD method for tension members in steel structures.

According to the Australian code,^[5] the nominal section capacity of a tension member is the lesser of -

${\displaystyle N_t=A_g{f}_y}$ and;

${\displaystyle N_t=0.85k_t{A}_n{f}_u}$

Where:

${\displaystyle A_g}$ = gross area of the cross-section;

${\displaystyle f_y}$ = yield stress used in design;

${\displaystyle k_t}$= correction factor for the distribution of forces;

${\displaystyle A_n}$= net area of cross-section, obtained by deducting from the gross area the cross sectional the area of all penetrations and holes, including fastener holes; and

${\displaystyle f_u}$= tensile strength used in design.

The strength of a tension member is satisfactory when -

${\displaystyle N^{\ast }\le \varphi N_t}$

Where:

${\displaystyle N^{\ast }}$ = design axial force; and

${\displaystyle \varphi }$ = capacity factor, which is 0.9 for tension members.

There are similar formulas in the AISC and CEN codes.^[1][2]

Astructural analysis orfinite element analysis is conducted to determine the design axial force ($N^{\ast }$) the tension members of a structure. These calculations are performed for a series of load combinations applied to the structure, as specified by the relevant design code. The following tables show some example load combinations from different codes. (Note that it is important to ensure that the design factors and load cases used in a design are consistently applied from a single code. Mixing factors or load cases from different codes within the same analysis can lead to inaccuracies and non-compliance with design standards.)

• Compression member
• Tensile structure
• Guy-wire

• Arches and vaults