D3Effective net area

The gross area, $A_{g}$, and net area, $A_{n}$, of tension members shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section B4.3.

The effective net area of tension members shall be determined as

(D3-1)

where $U$, the shear lag factor, is determined as shown in Table D3.1.

For open cross sections such as W, M, S, C, or HP shapes, WT s, STs, and single and double angles, the shear lag factor, $U$, need not be less than the ratio of the gross area of the connected element(s) to the member gross area. This provision does not apply to closed sections, such as HSS, nor to plates.