Whitmore Section Calculator

Inputs

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LRFD applies φ = 0.90 to the nominal tensile-yield strength (compare to the factored force); ASD divides by Ω = 1.67 (compare to the service force).
Width of the bolt or weld group perpendicular to the load, measured at the first (nearest) fastener row — the starting width the 30° spread fans out from.
mm
Length of the connection along the load, from the first to the last fastener row (for a weld, the weld length). The 30° dispersion acts over this length.
mm
Gusset / splice plate thickness.
mm
Specified minimum yield strength of the plate. A36 ≈ 250 MPa (36 ksi); A572-50 ≈ 345 MPa (50 ksi).
MPa

Results

Default result
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Whitmore effective width(b_eff)
380.9mm

b_eff = w + 2·L·tan(30°) — the width that actually resists the concentrated force.

Also computed

Whitmore area(A_w)4,571mm²

A_w = b_eff · t.

Tension-yield capacity(Pₙ)1,419,000N

1,419 kN · 319,100 lbf

Tensile yielding on the Whitmore section (LRFD). Check compression buckling and the connection limit states separately.

φ·Fy·A_w (φ = 0.90) or Fy·A_w/Ω (Ω = 1.67) — gross-section tensile yielding on the Whitmore section.

Method notes 4 notes
  • The Whitmore section is the effective width of a gusset/splice plate that carries a concentrated bolt- or weld-group force: the force fans out at 30° on each side from the first fastener row over the connection length, b_eff = w + 2·L·tan(30°). The resisting area is A_w = b_eff·t.
  • This screen returns the tension-yield capacity (Pn = Fy·A_w; LRFD φ = 0.90, ASD Ω = 1.67). For a gusset in COMPRESSION the same Whitmore section can buckle — that is a separate check (Thornton effective-length method: K·L on the average unbraced length, with r = t/√12), which depends on the brace and edge geometry and is not computed here.
  • Also verify the other gusset limit states on the same plate: net-section rupture, block shear at the bolt group, and the bolt shear/bearing. The governing capacity is the smallest. A licensed engineer owns the final connection design.
  • If the 30° spread runs off the edge of the plate (b_eff wider than the available plate at the last row), cap b_eff at the physical plate width — the calculator does not know your plate outline.

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