Question

Which of the following statement is correct?

(a) strength of members with punched holes is less than members with drilled holes

(b) strength of members with drilled holes is less than members with punched holes

(c) strength of members with punched holes is greater than members with drilled holes

(d) strength of members with punched holes is equal to members with drilled holes

The question was asked in a national level competition.

This is a very interesting question from Angles Under Tension and Factors affecting Strength in section Design of Tension Members of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) strength of members with punched holes is less than members with drilled holes

The explanation: Strength of members with punched holes may be 10-15% less than the members with drilled holes. This is due to strain hardening effect of material around punched holes and consequent loss of ductility.