Shear Lag in Rectangular Hollow Structural Sections Tension Members: Comparison of Design Equations to Test Data

Shear lag reduces the fracture capacity of steel tension members if some, but not all, elements of the cross section transfer force at the connection. Axially loaded rectangular hollow structural sections (HSS) are commonly connected by slotting two walls and inserting a plate into the slot. The AISC Load and resistance factor design specification for steel hollow structural sections has equations to account for shear lag in slotted HSS connections. The equations are based on tests on open structural shapes. This study compares the AISC equations to the available data from previous tests and finite element models to determine whether the equations are valid for rectangular HSS members. The results of four research projects were compared to the AISC equations. The AISC equations were found reasonably accurate and generally conservative.