Question

Lug angles are ____

(a) additional angles used to reduce joint length

(b) additional angles used to increase joint length

(c) additional angles used for aesthetic appearance

(d) additional angles used for seismic resistance

I have been asked this question in a national level competition.

The query is from Lug Angles, Splices & Gusset Plates in portion Design of Tension Members of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) additional angles used to reduce joint length

The best I can explain: When tension member is subjected to heavy load, the number of bolts or length of welds required for making connection becomes large, it results in uneconomical size of gusset plates. In such situations, additional short angles called lug angles may be used to reduce joint length and shear lag.