Slenderness of a tension member

Dear Colleagues,

The AISC code limits the slenderness for both compression and tension members.
Which value we should consider for buckling factor K of lambda=k*l/r for calculate the slenderness ratio of a tension member, taking account that the values of K was stablished for members under compression load under some combinations of external supports? Should we use 0.5 teorical(0.65 Recommended for fixed-fixed ends) for all cases?

Thanks,

Marx Pio

 

[Taro]

The effective length factor, K, does not apply to the slenderness ratio recommendation for tension members. See AISC specification section B7. In other words, use K=1 for all cases in tension.

 

[JAE]

Yes,

And additionally: AISC does not mandate the limit on the slenderness ratio, but rather recommends a limit. They use the word "preferably".

 

[ishvaaag]

Agree in determining the slenderness on actual length for members in tension, or take K=1.

... and the preferably is preferable, will the member some day enter in -even marginal- compression?. I think they degraded it to preferably because otherwise the cable or tensors practice would become too much in evidence.