2.2 Fracture limit state

Introduction to fracture

The limit state of fracture must be considered in tension members to prevent failure from breaking. "To prevent fracture, thestress on the net section must be less than the tensile strength $F_u$ ."

Equations for fracture

The resistance factor is smaller for fracture than it was for yielding because failure in fracture is more sudden and seriousthan in yielding. Here the design strength of the tension members is ${\phi }_t{P}_n$ where:

• $A_e$ = effective net area, ${in.}^2$
• $F_u$ = specified minimum tensile stress, ksi