What is slenderness ratio of a tension member?

The least radius of gyration of its cross-section and the ratio of the length of a column is known as Slenderness ratio. It is denoted by lambda. For classifying various columns in short/intermediate/long as well as finding out the design load it is used.

Subjected to axial tensile forces Tension members are structural elements. Bracing for buildings and bridges, truss members, and cables in suspended roof systems are few examples of tension members.

The ratio of unsupported length to least radius of gyration is known as Slenderness ratio of the tension member. In order to prevent undesirable lateral movement or excessive vibration, this limiting slenderness ratio is required. For a tension member, due to loads other than wind or seismic forces the maximum effective slenderness ratio in which stress reversal occurs is 180.

In roof truss or a bracing member, the maximum effective slenderness ratio for a member is normally acting as a tie. When subject to stress reversal resulting from the action of wind or earthquake forces is 350 and it is not considered.

The IS code is used for limits specified for slenderness ratio which is not applicable to cables. For angle sections, built-up sections, and circular sections these are applicable.