The shear lag phenomenon in tension members has been researched and studied by many previous scholars. This thesis is an experimental study of the influence of eccentricity on shear lag effects in welded connections. Eight 3"x1/2" plate sections and twelve 3"x3"x1/2" angle sections with longitudinally welded end connections were experimentally tested in tension. The connection length and the weld configuration were varied in order to investigate the effects. Out of the twenty specimens, five failed by gross section fracture, three failed by net section fracture, and twelve failed through the welds. Experimental shear lag factors were determined for each specimen as the ratio of the maximum test load to the rupture strength.;Current AISC (2010) provisions for end connected plate material present several limitations: only plates are considered, both edges of the plate must be welded, the longitudinal welds on each side of the plate must be of equal length, and the length of the welds must be equal to or greater than the distance between the welds (Fortney and Thornton, 2012). Fortney and Thornton (2012) addressed these limitations and provided two recommendations to calculate the shear lag factor in longitudinally welded end connected members.;The experimental shear lag factor for each specimen was compared to a theoretical value calculated using the current AISC (2010) provisions and the two recommendations provided by Fortney and Thornton (2012). Fortney and Thornton's (2012) Recommendation No. 2 provided the best prediction of the shear lag factor.
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