Problem $3-$ Tension Members and Welded Connections $(25$ marks$)$

A tension member splice is made with $\frac{3}{16}-$

inch E$70$ fillet welds and each side of the

splice is welded as shown in Figure. The inner

member is a plate $PL\frac{1}{2}6$ and each outer

member is a plate $2PL\frac{5}{16}3.$ These

members are made of $A36$ steel with $F_y=36$

ksi and $F_u=58$ksi. The length of the weld is

$3-$inch for both transverse and longitudinal

welds.

$($a$)$ Determine the design strength of the tension members by considering the limit states of

gross section yielding, net section fracture, weld shear strength, and base metal shear

strength for the longitudinal welds $(20$ marks$)$

$($b$)$ Using the result $($a$),$ determine the maximum service load $P$ that can be applied if the live

load$-$to$-$dead load ratio is $3\mathrm{.}0.(5$ marks$).$

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